MATCH DETAILS
When: Friday 6 September
Where: MCG
First bounce: 4.30pm AEST
Membership: Sign up today
Broadcast: Fox Footy and Kayo Sports
LAST MEETING
Round 2, 2022 (Season 7)
Western Bulldogs 3.10 (28) def. Port Adelaide 1.3 (9)
The Bulldogs spoilt Port Adelaide’s party in their first game at Alberton Oval in 2022, recording a 19-point win in Round 2. The Dogs were comfortably the better side in the first half, owning distinct advantages in disposals (106-78) and inside 50s (17-6), but their 1.7 conversion kept the Power in the hunt. After a quiet start, Ellie Blackburn had a major influence, while Isabelle Pritchard was busy.
THE LINE-UP
Ins: Elle Bennetts
Outs: Ellie Gavalas
New: -
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
– Gemma Bastiani, womens.afl
Kirsty Lamb will play against her old side for the first time, on the MCG no less, and it is a real chance for Port Adelaide to snatch its first win of 2024. The Power got within 14 points of Adelaide last week by playing a highly contested game – 60.2 per cent of their possessions were contested, but on the expanses of the 'G they have an opportunity to use the ball in space. The Dogs struggled to defend the width of the ground last week and on such a big venue, there is a chance they could get opened up in defence once again. Power forward Ash Saint presents as the real lynchpin of the side's attack, and is a key player for the Dogs to quell should they limit the visitors' scoring power.
Another thing that caught the Bulldogs out last week was their inability to get their hands on the footy. They went -121 for disposal and -111 for uncontested possession, and on Friday they simply must win more of the footy to enjoy more control throughout the game. While they know how to win clearances, it is the next layer outside of the contest that caught them out, so structure around stoppages will be crucial.
