The AFLW Bulldogs have turned up the heat in their practice match to record a two-goal win over a fast-finishing Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
While scores were level at the final break, the hosts managed four unanswered majors to run home 8.11 (59) to 7.5 (47) victors at VU Whitten Oval.
A new brand of Bulldogs’ footy was clearly visible, with fast running and quick ball movement key parts of their game.
Their transition from defence to attack was superb, locking the footy inside their forward-50 to provide goal opportunities.
The team rallied together when they needed to most in the end, creating effective handball chains and finding space to gain meterage and maintain possession.
A fierce competitiveness was on show for all to see, leaving fans feeling very positive ahead of the 2020 competition.
Bonnie Toogood and Kirsten McLeod managed three and two goals respectively, while Celine Moody, Nell Morris-Dalton and Danielle Marshall all slotted one each.
The only sour note was losing newly-named captain Ellie Blackburn in the second term.
“Ellie left the field with a suspected hand injury, and took no further part in the game,” General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee, said.
“She will have scans to determine the extent of her injury, and will be assessed by our medical team over the coming days.”
The AFLW Bulldogs will now turn their attention to the season opener against St Kilda at RSEA Park on Sunday, February 9.
MATCH DETAILS
Western Bulldogs 2.2 2.5 4.10 8.11 (59)
Geelong 2.3 3.4 5.4 7.5 (47)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: B. Toogood 3, K. McLeod 2, Moody, Morris-Dalton, Marshall
Geelong: R. Garing 3, P. McWilliams 2, R. Cranston, J. Ivey
