After the highs of round one, there is no doubt that we were bitterly disappointed about our performance against Adelaide last week.

Adelaide played extremely well and we allowed them to play their game; which when it is up and running, as it was last Friday night, is very, very good.

The feeling immediately after the game was one that, as a group, we do not want to experience again. We made a conscious effort to take in that feeling of disappointment, and use it as a source of fuel going forward.

Although we lost the game, the support from the fans continued to be incredible. Playing in front of another massive crowd and the unwavering cheers as we walked off, albeit after a loss, was very much appreciated.

There were many learning points and takeaways from the loss, which we hope to put into action and turn into positives this week against Melbourne.

At training this week, we have been focused on Melbourne and controlling what we can control in games. We gave away far too many free kicks against Adelaide, and that was a by-product of being second to the ball.

Furthermore, converting on the offensive end and finishing off the hard work done up the ground is vital. Generating scoreboard pressure early can completely change the momentum of the game - this was something that we weren’t able to do this against Adelaide.

We need to change that tonight against the Demons.

The mood at training has been awesome all week. Our session on Thursday night was one of the best trainings we’ve had to date. Everyone was up and about and with almost the entire squad in full training, the positive vibes were infectious.

I think the fact that we know we can play so much better combined with a real want to show that, is driving us as we look to tonight’s game.

Melbourne’s second half against Collingwood showed just how dangerous they can be.

Their run and carry was in full flight and combined with their willingness to back each other in meant they controlled the game for large periods of time. Stopping that aspect of their game will be key.

Being a part of a Bulldogs v Demons game is special. Both clubs have been vital in the creation of the AFLW competition and backed the women’s game when others didn’t.

Playing for AFLW premiership points against each other for the first time will be another chapter in a very proud and storied recent history of women’s football for both clubs.

Every game is a must win from here on out, and that begins tonight against Melbourne. See you at the Kennel!