MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday 22 September
Where: Victoria Park, VIC
First bounce: 3.05pm AEST
Admission: Buy tickets now
Membership: Sign up today
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports

LAST MEETING

Elimination Final, 2022 (S7)
Western Bulldogs 5.5 (35) def. by Collingwood 5.10 (40)

The Bulldogs’ AFLW season came to an early end in the Season 7 Elimination Final against Collingwood. The never-say-die Bulldogs launched a spirited second-half comeback which almost saw them run down a 28-point deficit, but eventually fell five points short. Midfield duo Ellie Blackburn (16 disposals and six tackles) and former Dog Kirsty Lamb (17 possessions and seven marks) toiled hard, while Isabelle Pritchard controlled the wing with 17 touches.

THE LINE-UP

Ins: Elisabeth Georgostathis, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner
Outs: Brooke Barwick (managed), Aurora Smith

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

– Gemma Bastiani, womens.afl

It's fair to expect this one will be stoppage heavy, and pressure filled, as both teams have used pressure and physicality to increase their competitiveness after difficult starts to the season. The likes of Isabelle Pritchard, Dom Carruthers, and Deanna Berry can flex their muscles through the middle and offer their forwards plenty of supply. What is crucial is that the Dogs take the momentum gained late against Brisbane on Wednesday, and use that as fuel, knowing that the Pies have typically started games well but fallen away after the fact. If the Bulldogs can weather the early storm, this game is theirs for the taking.

Things have gone from bad to worse for Collingwood. Already without Brit Bonnici in the middle, both Mikala Cann (suspension) and Bri Davey (concussion) will miss Sunday's clash with the Bulldogs. This means a new batch of midfielders must step up to the plate. Replacement signing Carly Remmos, Tarni White (on return from suspension), and Charlotte Blair will need to carry the load, with the likes of Muireann Atkinson and Grace Campbell likely to get some minutes at the contest. But the Western Bulldogs will no doubt be looking at this game as their most winnable, even without Ellie Blackburn out there.