MATCH DETAILS
Round 3 v Melbourne
When: Saturday 16 September
Where: Casey Fields
First bounce: 3.05pm AEST
Admission: $10 for adults, U18 free. Purchase/redeem here
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Channel 7, AFL & AFLW official apps.
2022 (S7) SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 7th 7-3 109.8%
Melbourne 2nd 9-1 282.1%
LAST MEETING
Round 7, 2022 (S7)
Melbourne 10.13 (73) def. Western Bulldogs 1.3 (9)
The Western Bulldogs suffered their third defeat of season seven against Melbourne in last year’s Hampson-Hardeman Cup. The hosts led at every break, with only Sarah Hartwig breaking through for the Dogs’ sole goal. Ellie Blackburn tried her best despite being closely watched by the hosts, finding 17 touches through the midfield ,while the backline had plenty to do with Naomi Ferres (15) and De Berry (12) working back in defence.
TALKING POINTS
Celebrating 10 years of the Hampson-Hardeman Cup
The Bulldogs and Dees will once again go head-to-head for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Named in honour of Bob Hampson and Lisa Hardeman, pioneers of women's football, the Cup was established by the two clubs for the inaugural women’s football exhibition match held at the MCG in 2013.
Since that day at the MCG, the Dogs and Dees have met 13 times – with the Bulldogs trailing four wins to nine.
Skipper Ellie Blackburn is the only one left on the Bulldogs’ list that played in that first 2013 match – representing Melbourne in that outing.
Hopefully she’ll be the winning captain accepting the Cup post-game.
A new opportunity
Still searching for their maiden win of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season, the Bulldogs will have another opportunity to try and claim that this weekend.
It’s been over two years since the Dogs defeated the Dees – and while the team looks very different – anything is possible on the right day.
There’s no denying it will be a challenge and the ultimate test, facing the reigning premiers at home.
But these Pups are up for it, and will put in a fight until the very end.
Go Dogs.
Young guns shine
With a few games under their belts now, some of the younger Dogs are really starting to flourish.
Isabelle Pritchard enjoyed an MVP performance against the Hawks, finishing with 26 touches, four tackles and five clearances, while Sarah Hartwig continued to showcase her goal-sense.
Jess Fitzgerald has taken a step up in the midfield, as has last season’s draftees Keely Coyne and Rylie Wilcox.
Issy Grant was named in AFL Media’s Team of the Week, recognised for her efforts in defence, while Lizzy Georgostathis was solid alongside her.
We could rattle off nearly the whole list – but with a four-quarter performance, who knows what can happen.
