The Western Bulldogs’ AFLW players turned wild celebrations into sharp focus and determination within minutes of the final siren sounding at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs advanced to the Grand Final in heart-stopping fashion against Melbourne, with a Brooke Lochland snap with less than 90 seconds remaining setting up a shot at the premiership.
And while the historic moment was not lost on coach Paul Groves, there remained unfinished business at the kennel in 2018.
“They’re joyous, but ... there’s a getting into the Grand Final which is a great achievement, but there’s also the next step,” Groves said.
“We want to put that cup in our hands at the end of the game next Saturday.
“The look of the girls was ‘yep, we’re going to enjoy this’. It’s a bit of different week for us now, but we’ll keep it really normal.”
The AFL has announced the Grand Final will be played at Ikon Park on Saturday, and Groves wants to create a hostile environment for their interstate opponents, Adelaide or Brisbane.
The Crows will make their second successive Grand Final if they defeat Collingwood today, and if unsuccessful, Brisbane will finish in second place.
“We want to fill it with as many Western Bulldogs people - past players, fans, members, supporters, or just someone who’s jumped on us because they don’t have a women’s team to support yet,” Groves said.
“We want you in red, white and blue next week.”