MATCH DETAILS

When: Thursday 17 October
Where: IKON Park
First bounce: 7.15pm AEDT
Admission: Buy tickets now
Membership: Sign up today
Broadcast: Fox Footy and Kayo Sports

LAST MEETING

Round 6, 2023
Western Bulldogs 4.10 (34) def. by Carlton 8.5 (53)

A slow start from the Bulldogs proved costly in their last outing against Carlton, unable to reel in a three-goal deficit for the remainder of the game. The Blues kicked the only two goals of the third stanza and led by 30 points at three-quarter time, but the Bulldogs fought hard in the final stages, registering seven scoring shots to one and winning the last term on the scoreboard. Lizzy Georgostathis was the Dogs’ leading ball-winner on the ground with 29 disposals and five clearances in an outstanding performance, while Ellie Blackburn was the team’s barometer again, collecting 27 touches and taking a game-high eight marks.

THE LINE-UP

Ins: Naomi Ferres, Analea McKee
Outs: Zimmie Farquharson, Brooke Barwick

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

– Gemma Bastiani, womens.afl

The Bulldogs were placed under a microscope after last week's highly defensive game style, so now questions will be asked if that changes this week after such intense scrutiny. Should they stick to it, another slog will be on the cards, with these two teams the lowest scoring sides of the season, but if the Dogs throw off the shackles and make use of their speed in attack, there is potential for a tense, attacking game from both sides. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they are simply struggling to get their hands on the footy, particularly at the contest. Averaging just 97 contested possessions per game – the only club to average fewer than 100 in the last two seasons – they hand the opposition control from the outset.

Carlton will have identified this and, amidst their own worries, a focus on the contested ball all season will have them in good stead, particularly in Abbie McKay's 50th AFLW match. The Blues have struggled with their connection going inside 50, and have found their most dangerous footy when opting to run the ball forward rather than pick off a marking target in attack. When their midfielders are kicking goals, they look most likely to challenge on the scoreboard.