The Western Bulldogs have fallen narrowly short of an upset win against Fremantle, after a high-scoring contest at a VU Whitten Oval.

A four-goal to nil final term helped the Dockers continue their undefeated season against an inexperienced Bulldogs outfit. 

The 10.6 (66) to 8.3 (51) result set the record as the highest aggregate score between two AFL Women's sides. 

07:23

AFLW Match Highlights | Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle

The highest aggregate scoring AFLW match of all-time, the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle Dockers went head-to-head at VU Whitten Oval, with the visitors kicking away late to win by 15-points.

After leading for much of the day in a free-flowing game – including at quarter time and three-quarter time – the Bulldogs were overrun in the last quarter, despite a valiant effort. 

But there were plenty of highlights for the Bulldogs, who had six teenagers from last year’s NAB AFLW Draft class on the field – including debutante Nell Morris-Dalton – and were without the likes of Lauren Spark, Brooke Lochland, Bonnie Toogood and Hannah Scott. 

Skipper Ellie Blackburn led from the front with 18 disposals and two goals, while Izzy Huntington was equally impressive as an interceptor across half-back, collecting 15 disposals and six marks. 

Aisling McCarthy also continued her consistent year, racking up nine tackles and 18 disposals, while Kirsten McLeod added two more goals to her season tally.

00:29

Clever McLeod kicks truly

Kirsten Mcleod only needs an inch to snap a beautiful goal

The Bulldogs’ young brigade also showed signs of promise. 

Number one draft pick Gabby Newton collected 16 touches and laid eight tackles, while Elisabeth Georgostathis (13 disposals) looked likely and Morris-Dalton had a presence in the forward arc. 

The Bulldogs will next face North Melbourne, next Saturday at 3.10pm at Arden St Oval. 

02:38

Nell's guernsey presentation surprise

Bulldogs debutant Nell Morris-Dalton is surprised by her family via Facetime and presented with her guernsey by team mate Gabby Newton ahead of the Round 6 clash with Fremantle.

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS               2.0     4.1     7.3     8.3     (51)
FREMANTLE                             1.2     4.3     6.5     10.6   (66)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, McLeod 2, Munyard, McCarthy, Berry, Marshall
Fremantle: Sharp 3, Clifford 2, K. Antonio, Miller, Pugh, E.Antonio, Flood

BEST 
Western Bulldogs:  Huntington, Blackburn, McCarthy, Georgiostathis, Newton, Brown
Fremantle: Bowers, E. Antonio, Gooch, Miller, K. Antonio, Clifford

INJURIES 
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Fremantle: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Western Bulldogs: Brooke Lochland (managed) replaced by Brittney Gutknecht, Lauren Spark (unwell) replaced by Nicole Callinan
Fremantle: Janelle Cuthbertson (soreness) replaced by Sarah Garstone

Reports: Nil

AFLW Round 6 2020 - Western Bulldogs v Fremantle

It was the highest aggregate scoring AFLW match of all-time, but the young Bulldogs were overpowered late by the in-form Fremantle who prevailed by 15-points at VU Whitten Oval. Photos by Daniel Pockett and Michael Willson.
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