The Western Bulldogs’ inaugural women’s football Premiership has been added as an official ‘moment’ in the Club’s prestigious Hall of Fame.
When the final siren sounded in the 2018 AFLW Grand Final, it signaled the end of a remarkable 12 months for the Bulldogs’ women's team.
The Bulldogs overcame a goalless first half to clinch a thrilling six-point victory over Brisbane, as they defied the odds (and the absence of suspended skipper Katie Brennan) to capture their maiden premiership.
The win completed a stunning turnaround for the team, which finished with just two wins in the inaugural AFLW season in 2017.
The Bulldogs were challenged from the outset of the season. They lost Izzy Huntington and Daria Bannister to ACL injuries in the first two rounds, before Brennan missed almost half the season with an ankle injury.
Persistent rain fell in the hours leading into the Grand Final, setting the scene for a hard-fought and physical contest.
There was just a goal in it at the main break, with a three-goal burst from the Dogs in the premiership quarter proving the difference.
In that term, goals from Deanna Berry, Kirsten McLeod and Monique Conti flipped the contest on its head as the Bulldogs took control.
A diving defensive mark in the dying seconds from Naomi Ferres saw the Dogs hold on, sparking wild and long-lasting celebrations.
The other achievements, special moments and events involving an individual, the team or the Club recognised in the FFC-WB Hall of Fame are:
- Footscray's first VFL Finals Appearance
- 1938 First Semi-Final
- 1954 VFL premiership
- Neil Sachse incident
- 1989 Fightback.
