MATCH DETAILS
Round 4 v Gold Coast
When: Sunday 24 September
Where: Heritage Bank Stadium, QLD
First bounce: 5.05pm AEST
Admission: $10 for adults, U18 free. Purchase/redeem here
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Fox Footy, Kayo, AFL & AFLW official apps.
2022 (S7) SUMMARY
Western Bulldogs 7th 7-3 109.8%
Gold Coast 9th 5-5 88%
LAST MEETING
Round 3, 2022 (S6)
Gold Coast 6.5 (41) drew with Western Bulldogs 6.5 (41)
The Western Bulldogs came from 24-points down at three-quarter time to finish in a draw with the Gold Coast Suns in a midweek thriller during season six. Playing their sixth game in 25 days, the Bulldogs looked out of the contest in the third term but did not waiver – delivering a final quarter for the ages to draw level with the Suns. Previously, no team had ever come back from four goals down in AFLW. Skipper Ellie Blackburn was inspirational, collecting 22 possessions and willing her side throughout despite appearing to injure her ankle in the early stages, while Katie Lynch, Ash Guest and Eleanor Brown remained composed in the backline.
TALKING POINTS
In the air
Sunday will mark the Bulldogs’ first interstate trip of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season, heading up to the Gold Coast to take on the Suns.
The Dogs have a decent record when playing interstate – winning four and drawing one of their past six games outside of Victoria – and will be keen to keep that ledger positive this weekend.
It couldn’t come at a more important time either, with the red, white and blue still searching for their maiden win in 2023.
Building each week
The Bulldogs put in a solid performance against the reigning premiers Melbourne last weekend, coming as close as eight points in the third term before a final-quarter burst which blew the margin right out.
Despite the final result, it was a much improved outing – which seems to have been the Pups’ trend over the opening month of football.
A disappointing loss in round one, before a closer yet heartbreaking defeat in round two – there’s no denying the improvements each week.
If the Dogs can bring a similar pressure and effort that they showed against Melbourne - for a full four quarters - when they meet the Suns on Sunday - we can expect a fierce battle, and hopefully a victory.
Regaining some troops
It’s been widely reported that the Bulldogs entered the season a little underdone – largely due to interrupted preseasons for a number of key players.
Thankfully however, it’s pleasing to see the injury list diminish slightly each week – with only Elle Bennetts (ACL) and Eleanor Brown (personal) sidelined for extended periods.
Elizabeth Snell (leg) could be less than a fortnight away, while Bree McFarlane (elbow) and Millie Brown (knee) will be tested this week.
Excitingly too, Brit Gutknecht (leg) has graduated from the list, and will hopefully be sighted back at AFLW level soon.
