Back on the winners list, the Western Bulldogs have held-off the undefeated Richmond in a thriller at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Boosted by the return of the AFLW-listed Hannah Scott and Kim Rennie, the home-side came from behind in the final quarter, then withstood a late Tigers charge to take the four points.
The Bulldogs’ efficiency in front of goal proved vital, kicking 4.4 (28) to Richmond’s 2.10 (22) to secure the win.
Rennie in her first game of the state league season kicked two goals, including the go-ahead goal that gave the Bulldogs the lead in the final quarter.
Scott was an influential figure through the midfield, often match-up on former AFLW captain Katie Brennan, while Lauren Spark held-down a key defensive post in a vital duel with Sabrina Frederick-Traub.
In a low-scoring affair, Rennie kicked the first goal of the game from close range, and helped her team to a five point margin at the first change.
With the weight of possession and territory throughout the second and third quarter, inaccuracy in front of goal saw the Tigers only hold a slender one-point margin entering the final change.
Skipper Mickayla Ward levelled scores in the opening minutes of the final quarter, before Rennie stretch the advantage with her second goal of the game.
The Western Bulldogs now move to 5-3 for the season, and will take on the Casey Demons next Saturday morning at Casey Fields.
MATCH DETAILS
Western Bulldogs 1.1 2.1 3.2 4.4 (28)
Richmond 0.2 1.8 2.9 2.10 (22)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Rennie 2, McMahon, Mackay
Richmond: Frederick-Traub, Stahl
