Match Details
Round 9 v West Coast
When: Saturday 28 October
Where: Mineral Resources Park, WA
First bounce: 5.05pm AEDT (2.05pm AWST)
Admission: $10 for adults, U18 free. Purchase/redeem here
Membership: Sign up here
Broadcast: Fox Footy, AFL & AFLW official apps.
2022 (S7) Summary
Western Bulldogs 7th 7-3 109.8%
West Coast 16th 2-8 53.2%
Last Meeting
Round 9, 2022 (S7)
West Coast 3.5 (23) def. by Western Bulldogs 8.7 (55)
The Bulldogs recorded a much-needed win over the Eagles late in season seven, prevailing by 32 points away from home. The visitors controlled the match from the outset, mostly due to their straight kicking as the Eagles fumbled the ball and their opportunities in front of goal. They were also committed to bringing a strong pressure game, out-tackling the Eagles 24-9 in the opening quarter to set the tone, and 61-37 for the match. Kirsty Lamb led the midfield with 21 disposals and five clearances, joined by Isabelle Pritchard (18 and three). De Berry and Sarah Hartwig both added two majors each.
Talking Points
Best of the West
Saturday’s outing will mark the fourth between the two sides, and while each one has been played in WA, the Bulldogs hold a positive ledger.
The Dogs have won two of those three games by a collective 92 points – after losing their inaugural encounter by just four points - and are desperate to record their maiden win before the season’s end.
The Eagles on the other hand are coming off an upset win over the Bombers, carrying a lot of momentum into their second-last home match of the season.
Which team will be best of the West?
Opportunities for others
With the Bulldogs’ injury list sitting at eight unavailable players and three tests, there’s a chance we could see more train-on players make their red, white and blue debuts this weekend.
As coach Nathan Burke mentioned in his post-match press conference, it’s important to find some positive stories – particularly when the on-field results aren’t going their way.
Reigning VFLW joint best and fairest winner, Jorja Borg, was just one of those feel-good stories against the Swans.
Whether there are more stories this weekend remains to be seen.
Gutknecht cleared
In more positive news, Brit Gutknecht is free to play against West Coast after overcoming a rough conduct charge at the tribunal last night.
Gutknecht was referred directly to the tribunal following an incident in the third quarter of the Bulldogs’ clash with Sydney, with her tackle on Paige Sheppard initially graded as careless, severe impact and high contact.
Gutknecht was facing a ban of three-plus matches, but the Bulldogs successfully had the case thrown out on the basis that the tribunal did not assess the act as careless.
