Western Bulldogs women’s coach Craig Starcevich has picked up five new players in the lead up to the second AFL women’s game on Sunday 16 August.
Starcevich drafted Brianna Davey, Tahlia Randall, Caitlyn Edwards, Emma Humphries and Maddy Collier in last week’s mini-draft, and said his new look line up should aid his side going into the second match.
“We definitely looked to add versatility through our talls by adding Bri and Tahlia.
“Both can play in a number of positions which then allows us to throw Katie Brennan and Aasta O’Connor into multiple roles.
“We also needed to bolster our small midfield running stocks and have done this by adding Caitlyn, Emma and Maddy, all three could play a small defenders role also.”
The Dogs went down to Melbourne by eight points in the first match in May, and were competitive all day, only missing out on key opportunities late in the game.
Starcevich believes the new additions will give his side an edge going into the second match, with the faster Etihad Stadium track suited to the Dogs’ game plan.
“We will persist with trying to implement a plan that serves our forward set up best. We have some very dangerous forwards but they’ll need it coming inside 50 a bit deeper than at the MCG to really put the opposition defenders under pressure.
“As a venue, generally I think Etihad will produce a faster, up and back style of game which I think the larger audience will appreciate.”
The Bulldogs will come together the week of the second match, and will spend time with the Bulldogs senior team, which Starcevich says should help motivate his side.
“The team comes together a little earlier this time to get together with the men’s team for lunch and a club leadership session.
“I think this will be extremely valuable for the players as they are very proud of what the boys have achieved this year.
“Following that it’s training and strategy sessions no Friday and Saturday leading into the match.”
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 on Sunday 16 August, in a major coup for the women’s game.
