The Western Bulldogs have suffered their third successive defeat of the 2023 AFLW season, falling to reigning premier Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday.
The Demons claimed the Hampson-Hardeman Cup, running away with the game in the final term to record a 42-point victory.
The final margin was not a true indication of the spirit and determination of the Dogs, who were within eight points midway through the third term.
From the time Kirsten McLeod ran into a goal at the 13-minute mark, Melbourne kicked six of the last seven goals of the contest.
They took advantage of a strong wind at Casey Fields, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the final quarter.
Dogs’ skipper Ellie Blackburn was brilliant in a losing cause, recording a career-high 29 possessions, to go with seven clearances, eight inside 50s and 485 metres gained.
Defender Katie Lynch was another standout with 20 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and four tackles.
Kirsty Lamb booted two goals - including a classy snap in the third term – while Rylie Wilcox provided a memorable highlight with a courageous mark and snap during a Bulldogs’ surge in the second quarter.
Bulldogs recruit Bree McFarlane unfortunately came from the field late in the game with an elbow injury, with scans in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury.
The Demons finished with five multiple goalkickers, withstanding a gallant Bulldogs team which finished the game with an admirable 73 tackles.
The Bulldogs head to Queensland next week to take on the Gold Coast, in what shapes as a must-win encounter.
MELBOURNE 2.3 5.7 8.7 12.11 (83)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.2 3.3 6.5 6.5 (41)
GOALS
Melbourne: Gay 2, Mithen 2, Hore 2, Zanker 2, Paxman 2, Sherriff, Hanks
Western Bulldogs: Lamb 2, Berry, Wilcox, McLeod, McFarlane
BEST
Melbourne: Hanks, McNamara, Hore, Pearce, Gay, Paxman
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, Lynch, Lamb, Pritchard, Wilcox
INJURIES
Melbourne: Bannan (ankle), Gay (hip)
Western Bulldogs: Wilcox (knee)
