The Western Bulldogs had two of the top six highest rated players in the AFLW last season according to Champion Data.
The AFL’s official number cruncher has just released their first ever AFLW prospectus after analysing all teams and listed players ahead of the AFLW season opener on Friday, February 2.
Adelaide star Erin Phillips lead all players with an average of 189 points per game, but Dogs midfield duo Emma Kearney and Ellie Blackburn were not far behind, coming in at fourth and sixth respectively.
Both players had standout years and earned a spot in the Champion Data team of the year alongside defender Hannah Scott, and also tied for the Bulldogs Best and Fairest award in May.
Joint winners in historic AFLW count
Kearney was the only midfielder in the competition to rate elite for disposals, metres gained, contested possessions and uncontested possessions, while Blackburn also rated elite for disposals, metres gained, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, as well as kicks, clearances, inside 50s and scoring involvements.
The 22-year-old also averaged three shots at goal per game, double that of any other midfielder in the competition.
The top six according to Champion Data
Erin Phillips (Adel) 189
Daisy Pearce (Melb) 181
Kara Donnellan (Frem) 179
Emma Kearney (WB) 167
Karen Paxman (Melb) 161
Ellie Blackburn (WB) 152
