The Western Bulldogs will look to make it three from three when they host Fremantle at IKON Park on Friday evening in Indigenous Round.
MATCH DETAILS
Round 3 v Fremantle
When: Friday 9 September
Where: IKON Park
Gates open: 4pm
First bounce: 5.10pm AEST
Admission: Tickets $10, free entry for AFLW members using their digital membership card. Purchase or redeem tickets here.
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: 7mate
GETTING THERE
Parking
Due to inclement weather, the City of Melbourne have advised there will be no public parking available at Princes Park. We encourage patrons attending the game to utilise public transport. Department of Transport will be providing additional services for the game.
Tram
No. 19 Tram (City-North Coburg) runs from the city to Royal Parade Walker St / Stop 16, then three minutes walk to Ikon Park.
Train
Take the Upfield Line to Royal Park Station, then 13 minute walk to Ikon Park.
Bus
Route 123 Bus to Walker St / Stop 16, then three minute walk to Ikon Park.
SEASON SIX SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 7th 4-5-1 95.2%
Fremantle 5th 7-3 134.9%
LAST MEETING
Western Bulldogs 2.7 (19) def. by Fremantle 3.7 (25)
Additional match #1, Season six
Playing on a Tuesday night in the Dogs’ first make-up match after missing two rounds to COVID-19, the hosts nearly toppled the ladder-leading Dockers at VU Whitten Oval. An arm wrestle throughout, the tough and tight contest was ultimately broken open late thanks to an Ebony Antonio game-winning goal. The Bulldogs came in with a plan in place, looking very dangerous around forward stoppages and peppering the goals but struggled to convert enough to cause an upset. Kirsty Lamb ended the game with 15 disposals and eight clearances, while Ellie Blackburn led the way with 18 touches and two tackles.
THE TALKING POINTS
Connection, support and empowerment
On Friday night, the Bulldogs will wear an Indigenous guernsey designed by former development coach and proud Noongar woman Kirby Bentley, which highlights connection and empowerment. The design includes four mounds, which represent the leadership group; boomerangs, bringing people together; and the Aboriginal art symbols for woman and stars repeated throughout. The match-worn guernseys will be auctioned off post-game, with a limited amount also available for retail at the Bulldogs Shop.
Skipper reaches 50 games
Ellie Blackburn will become the Western Bulldogs’ first 50-game AFLW player when she takes to the field on Friday night. It’s yet another achievement the 27-year-old skipper can add to her resume, which includes three Club best and fairests, three All Australian selections and an elusive premiership medallion. Speaking to media on Tuesday afternoon, Blackburn said she couldn’t be more proud to represent the red, white and blue, while describing the Kennel as ‘home’.
Who comes in for Brit?
The Bulldogs will be forced into making at least one change for Friday’s clash, after Brit Gutknecht broke her leg against Port Adelaide. Pleasingly however, the rest of the Dogs’ injury list is fairly minimal, leaving Nathan Burke and the match committee with some decisions to make. Elizabeth Snell, Amanda Ling, Gemma Lagioia and Annabel Strahan are yet to feature in season seven so far, while Millie Brown and Brooke Vernon wait patiently for their club debuts. Nell Morris-Dalton could be recalled, while teenage draftee Keely Coyne could be close, having been named an emergency across the opening two rounds. All will be revealed tomorrow at 5.30pm.
