The Western Bulldogs will look to make it two from two when they travel to South Australia to face newcomers Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
Round 2 v Port Adelaide
When: Saturday 3 September
Where: Alberton Oval, SA
Gates open: TBC
First bounce: 1.10pm ACST (1.40pm AEST)
Admission: Tickets $10, free entry for AFLW members using their digital membership card. Purchase or redeem tickets here.
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Fox Footy
SEASON SIX SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 7th 4-5-1 95.2%
Port Adelaide N/A
ROUND 1 RESULTS
- Western Bulldogs 6.5 (41) def. GWS 5.4 (34)
- West Coast 6.4 (40) def. Port Adelaide 4.4 (28)
The Bulldogs enjoyed their first opening-round win since 2020 at the weekend, holding onto a seven-point lead over GWS at IKON Park. It was the opposite result for Port, suffering a two-goal defeat to the Eagles at Mineral Resources Park. Ellie Blackburn starred for the Dogs, registering 21 touches, seven tackles and seven clearances, while Gabby Newton and Celine Moody led a new-look forward-line to finish with two majors each. Gemma Houghton claimed a piece of Port Adelaide history, booting their first goal, with round one AFLW rising star nominee Abbey Dowrick named among the best-on-ground.
THE TALKING POINTS
Hostility no concern for Dogs
The Bulldogs will be expecting a hostile environment at Alberton, in what will be the Power’s first home AFLW game. That one-sided crowd affair should not concern the young Dogs however, who have won two of their last three in South Australia. They thrived as the underdogs last season – becoming the only team to beat eventual premiers Adelaide, on their home deck back in round six – and should have the experience and gameplan to spoil Port’s party too.
Sacrificial Lamb
Touching on that memorable one-point round six win over Adelaide, it’s hard to look past the game-saving efforts of midfield bull Kirsty Lamb in the dying minutes. Her smother in the Crows’ goalsquare will forever go down as one of the most selfless and incredible team acts, topping off a 17-disposal and four-tackle performance. Expect the reigning Club Champion to have a similar impact this weekend.
Young Pups on the up
The Bulldogs fielded 15 players under the age of 25 against GWS at the weekend, with coach Nathan Burke full of praise for some of his second and third year players. Jess Fitzgerald, Issy Grant and Sarah Hartwig stood up where needed, while Gabby Newton and Isabelle Pritchard were recognised with coaches’ votes too. 17-year-olds Rylie Wilcox and Heidi Woodley also impressed in their first hit-outs, leaving Dogs’ fans full of excitement for the future of this group.
