AFLW Round 1

Gold Coast SUNS v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 15 August, 7:15pm AEST
People First Stadium, Gold Coast • Yugambeh
Broadcast: Kayo/Fox Footy (check broadcast guide)

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LAST TIME WE MET

Round 10, 2025
Gold Coast SUNS 0.6 (6) def. by Western Bulldogs 10.12 (72)

The Western Bulldogs' 66-point thrashing of Gold Coast was the second highest score and the second biggest winning margin in Club history.

Against the SUNS, the Bulldogs continued their recent resurgence in hot conditions, racking up a third 50-plus point win in the past month.

There were contributors all over the field, with Isabelle Pritchard (23 disposals) capping her damaging performance with a wonderful final quarter goal on her trusty left boot and Ellie Blackburn (20 and a goal) continuing to thrive in her return to a larger midfield role.

Elaine Grigg played one of the best games of her young career, mixing dangerous crumbing at the foot of packs with some bone-rattling tackles, while Rylie Wilcox also impressed with her endeavour.

THE LINE-UP

WHAT IT MEANS

by Dylan Bolch/AFL.com.au

The Bulldogs made some big strides last year under coach Tam Hyett, narrowly missing out on a finals berth. Mikala Cann arrives at the Kennel from Collingwood and will add some grunt to the on-ball mix, while Mizuki Brothwell has impressed over pre-season, too. The Dogs are on the upwards trajectory, which means finals should be the goal in 2026.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Keep an eye on Western Bulldogs livewire Elaine Grigg. Having played the majority of her career as a small forward at the Bulldogs, Grigg has spent some more time in the midfield throughout the pre-season, where her speed and aggression has added another dimension to the Dogs’ midfield mix. Grigg loves a celebration or two and always seems to make something happen.

The Western Bulldogs have started 2026 on a winning, if wet, note, downing Gold Coast 6.4 (40) to 1.8 (14) on Saturday night.

Rain fell heavily throughout the second half at People First Stadium, making it tough for the young Suns line up to close a four-goal deficit at half-time, with some wayward finishing not helping their cause.

Most of the damage was done in the first quarter as Gold Coast's 10 debutants got their first taste of football at the highest level, finding themselves trailing by 25 points at the first break.

The rain started tumbling not long after play recommenced, seeing just three more goals kicked in any direction for the rest of the night.

Jess Fitzgerald led the way for the Bulldogs with 30 disposals, four clearances and 433m gained, while Sarah Hartwig gave her teammates a focal point and finished with a career-high three goals.

Up next

The Western Bulldogs head hope to Mission Whitten Oval to face fellow first-round winners Richmond on Saturday afternoon. Gold Coast will head across the country to take on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park, also on Saturday afternoon. 

GOLD COAST                   0.0    1.3    1.6    1.8 (14)
WESTERN BULLDOGS      4.1    5.3    6.4    6.4 (40)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Harris
Western Bulldogs: Hartwig 3, Woodley, Smith, Pritchard

BEST 
Gold Coast: Harris, Rowbottom, Single, Usher
Western Bulldogs: Fitzgerald, Hartwig, Blackburn, Wilcox

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at People First Stadium