The Western Bulldogs recorded a hard-fought 10-point victory over Port Melbourne at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Dogs set the tone early, and despite a Port charge in the middle, managed to respond in the 5.3 (33) to 3.5 (23) win.
Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner slotted the first goal, and Isabel Young quickly followed with another to build early momentum.
The Bulldogs finished the first quarter as the only team to hit the scoreboard, taking a two-goal lead over Port Melbourne.
The visitors pushed back in the middle quarters, controlling large patches and locking the Bulldogs in their defensive half.
Although going into the second half six-points behind, the Dogs responded with resilience - their adaptability ultimately proving decisive.
Freya Taylor and Stephanie Asciak made a monumental impact around the contest. Taylor racked up nine tackles and eight disposals, while Asciak went one higher with 10 tackles and 10 disposals. Their relentless pressure forced crucial turnovers.
Up forward, Brianna McFarlane was a constant threat, slotting two goals.
Jorja Livingstone provided drive with 13 disposals, while Amelia Klingbeil added nine disposals and four clearances. Their speed continually stretched Port Melbourne’s defence.
Jaimi Tabb led the midfield charge with 16 disposals and six clearances. Leah Swain controlled the ruck, amassing 39 hitouts and giving the Bulldogs first use.
At the other end, Sarah Sansonetti stood tall in defence, collecting 11 disposals and five tackles, while setting up attacking rebounds through her intercept work.
The Bulldogs’ late surge overwhelmed the Borough, driven by 14 clearances shared between Tabb, Swain, and Klingbeil. Their contested dominance helped ride the momentum and seal the result.
The red, white and blue next turn their attention to Round 9, where they’ll host the Sandringham Zebras at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday 21 June with the first bounce at 1:05pm AEST.
Western Bulldogs: 2.0 2.0 5.3 5.3 (33)
Port Melbourne: 0.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 (23)
Goals: McFarlane (2), Tabb, Weston-Turner, Young.
