The Western Bulldogs will look to make it four from four when they meet Hawthorn for the first time on Saturday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
Round 4 v Hawthorn
When: Saturday 17 September
Where: Box Hill City Oval
Gates open: TBC
First bounce: 3.10pm AEST
Admission: Tickets $10, free entry for AFLW members using their digital membership card. Purchase or redeem tickets here.
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Fox Footy
SEASON SIX SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 7th 4-5-1 95.2%
Hawthorn N/A
ROUND 3 RESULTS
- Western Bulldogs 3.5 (23) def. Fremantle 3.2 (20)
- Richmond 7.2 (44) def. Hawthorn 1.3 (9)
The Bulldogs continued their perfect start to the season with a come-from-behind win over Fremantle on Friday night. Hawthorn, on the other hand, suffered a heavy loss to Richmond on Sunday. Kirsty Lamb was prolific for the Dogs, collecting 23 disposals, six marks and five tackles to go with 10 coaches’ votes. Gabby Newton and Ellie Blackburn were also impactful, while third-gamer Rylie Wilcox impressed enough to claim one of two NAB Rising Star nominations for the round. In the Hawks camp, Tilly Lucas-Rodd (17 disposals and 12 tackles) and Aileen Gilroy (17 disposals and 8 tackles) were listed among the standouts.
THE TALKING POINTS
A chance to extend the streak
A win over Hawthorn this weekend would not only take the Bulldogs to 4-0, but could also make them just one of three teams to remain undefeated so far in season seven. The Dogs’ best start prior to this was two from two, and will be lapping up the opportunity to continue adding wins to the board. As coach Nathan Burke put it: “the difference between winning and losing in a 10-round season can kill you”. Having gone through a COVID-19 rollercoaster in season six, the Bulldogs understand how critical winning as many as possible can be.
Lamb the latest 50-gamer
Midfield bull Kirsty Lamb will become the Club’s second 50-gamer when she takes to the field on Saturday afternoon. It will be due reward for the 2022 All Australian, reigning Club Champion and 2018 premiership player, who has only missed one match (through suspension) across her glittered career so far. Lamb is a much-loved and respected figure within the four walls of Whitten Oval, and after being described as one of the AFLW’s most underrated players across earlier seasons, is finally starting to earn external praise too.
Expect hungry Hawks
Having only entered the competition this season, Hawthorn is yet to register its maiden AFLW win. And while last weekend’s results didn’t necessarily flatter the Hawks, the Bulldogs should be expecting a battle. Against Richmond, Hawthorn led the contested ball and clearances up until quarter-time – despite being behind on the scoreboard. Their 7% conversion rate when heading inside 50 also didn’t help, allowing Richmond to run away with a comfortable win, credit to their 38% conversion rate.
