The Western Bulldogs will have a chance to bounce back from last week’s defeat when they host St Kilda at MARS Stadium in Pride Round.
MATCH DETAILS
Round 8 v St Kilda
When: Sunday 16 October
Where: MARS Stadium
Gates open: TBC
First bounce: 1.10pm AEDT
Admission: Tickets $10, free entry for AFLW members using their digital membership card. Purchase or redeem tickets here.
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Channel 7, 7Plus
SEASON SIX SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 7th 4-5-1 95.2%
St Kilda 13th 2-8 53.1%
LAST MEETING
Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42) def. by St Kilda 8.3 (51)
Round 1, 2021
The last meeting between the Bulldogs and Saints was frenetic from start to finish, with six goals shared in an exciting, high-scoring opening term. Playing at RSEA Park under Friday night lights, the mature Saints controlled the second quarter – booting three goals to none – to set up a 13-point buffer at half-time. The Dogs fought hard in the second half, but could never close the gap and ultimately fall nine points short. Leaders Ellie Blackburn (21 disposals, five tackles, two goals), Bailey Hunt (12, four tackles) and Kirsty Lamb (20, six marks, three tackles) were named among best, while St Kilda debutant Alice Burke earned bragging rights over dad, Nathan.
TALKING POINTS
Playing with Pride
This weekend will see the AFLW celebrate Pride Round, which was established to support and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To mark the occasion, the Bulldogs will wear a specially-designed Pride guernsey reflecting the transgender flag. Designed by members of the AFLW playing group in consultation with the Bulldog Pride supporter group, the guernsey sees the traditional red, white and blue hoops swapped out for pastel blue, white and pink, with the rainbow progress pride flag also featured across the top back panel. Match-worn guernseys will be auctioned off post-game.
Burke to reach milestone of his own
We’ve celebrated three 50-game players this season, but it will be the coach who’s next to reach an elusive milestone of his own. Sunday’s match – against his former club St Kilda nonetheless – will mark Nathan Burke’s 34th AFLW game as coach, bringing his playing/coaching tally to 400 games. It’s an impressive feat for the 52-year-old, who also added an Australian Football Hall of Fame induction to his accolades last year.
Snapping the losing streak
The Bulldogs will be keen to snap a three-game losing streak this weekend and return to the top eight. A stellar 4-0 start to their season has meant they now sit with a win-loss record of 4-3, and on the same amount of points as the seventh-placed Kangaroos and eighth-placed Suns. The Dogs’ percentage took a big hit against the Dees last Sunday, but a win would go a long way in helping them secure a finals berth.
