The Western Bulldogs delivered a stirring performance to claim a hard-fought victory over Collingwood in their Round 3 VFLW clash at Victoria Park on Saturday morning.
In a match that showcased their resilience and attacking flair, the Bulldogs secured a 23-point win, finishing with 6.13 (49) to Collingwood’s 4.2 (26).
The Bulldogs came out firing, nearly scoring within the first 20 seconds. In a closely contested opening term, Brianna McFarlane broke through with a crucial goal that brought the Bulldogs within two points, lifting the energy among the travelling supporters.
The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the second quarter, with Louise Stephenson slotting a vital goal to hand them a four-point lead, followed soon by Elaine Grigg’s major.
The intensity didn’t waver as the red, white and blue stood their ground, carrying a surge of momentum into the main break.
After half-time, the Bulldogs truly hit their stride. McFarlane opened the half with her second goal before Ellie Gavalas added another moments later.
With relentless pressure and sharp ball movement, the Bulldogs overwhelmed the Magpies, extending their lead to 25 points by three-quarter time.
The final quarter was a test of composure as Collingwood mounted a late challenge, but the Bulldogs’ defence held strong to secure the win.
Gavalas led the way, dominating the midfield with 24 disposals (11 kicks, 13 handballs), six clearances, four tackles and a vital goal. .
Stephenson impressed with 10 disposals, a goal, six marks, five tackles and 14 hit-outs, showing her all-round impact.
FT STATS 📝
— WesternBulldogs AFLW (@BulldogsW) May 3, 2025
Goals: McFarlane 2, Gavalas, Grigg, McDonald, Stephenson.
Disposals: Gavalas 24, McKee 16, McDonald 15, Woodley 15, Tabb 13, Grigg 12, Gutknecht 11, Asciak 11, McFarlane 11, Smith 10, Stephenson 10, Saulitis 10. https://t.co/1gD3eGuH3S
McKee controlled the ruck with 16 disposals, 16 hit-outs, six tackles and five clearances. Grigg added 12 disposals, a goal and eight tackles, while McFarlane’s two goals from 11 touches proved decisive.
The Bulldogs will look to carry their momentum into Round 4, when they host the Casey Demons at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday 10 May.
Match Summary:
Collingwood: 2.1 3.1 4.1 4.2 (26)
Western Bulldogs: 1.5 4.6 6.8 6.13 (49)
Goals: McFarlane 2, Gavalas, Grigg, McDonald, Stephenson.