The Western Bulldogs have consolidated their spot on top of the AFLW ladder with two rounds to play, after an eight point win over Collingwood in Moe on Sunday.

In a fiery encounter before almost three thousand fans, the tone was set early when Steph Chiocci was reported for high contacted on Bulldog defender Libby Birch.  But the Dogs would hold their nerve, leading from siren to siren and now sit a game clear of their nearest rival.

Ellie Blackburn (17 disposals, three i50s, four clearances) was again influential despite Brittany Bonnici sitting in her pocket all day, while Monique Conti (12 disposals, three marks) continued to her brandish her rising star credentials

The Dogs had all of the play early and dominated the inside i50 count, but didn’t capitalise on their opportunities, leaving themselves exposed to a late Magpie charge, setting up a tense final minute.

A late free kick awarded to Hannah Scott in the defensive 50 settled the result and the Bulldogs will now focus on next Saturday’s clash with GWS in Canberra.

Brooke Lochland was again dangerous around goal, adding two more to her league-leading tally of nine, while Bonnie Toogodd, Blackburn, Nicole Callinan, Aasta O’Connor and Asiling Utri all chipped in with one each.

WESTERN BULLDOGS    3.4   4.6   6.7   7.7   (49)
COLLINGWOOD              1.0   3.0   4.2   6.5   (41)                  

BEST: Blackburn, Conti, Lamb Kearney, Callinan

INJURIES: Nil

Reports: Chiocci (Collingwood) reported for high contact on Birch (Western Bulldogs) in the first quarter, Birch (Western Bulldogs reported for striking Hope (Collingwood) in the second quarter.

Crowd: 2700 at Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe