The Western Bulldogs have held their nerve to outlast Port Melbourne by the narrowest of margins in a down-to-the-wire Round 13 VFLW clash.
At a cold, wet and windy ETU Stadium, the match proved a resilient test for the Bulldogs, who edged out the hosts 3.5 (23) to 3.4 (22).
They set the tone early, bringing energy from the first bounce and hitting the front straight away. Mary Sandral was a fan favourite after she scored an exhilarating, back-to-the-posts facing, over-the-head goal which excited both the crowd and commentary.
Despite the early spark, the Bulldogs entered the first break one point behind.
Momentum built in the second quarter. Brianna McFarlane and Tasmin Crook both converted majors, giving the Bulldogs a 13-point buffer at the main break.
After a tight third term, Port Melbourne mounted a late surge in the fourth, setting up a gripping final 10 minutes. But the Bulldogs’ midfield stood tall, working hard to keep the ball in their forward half and deny the hosts a clean look at goal.
The final siren sounded with the Bulldogs ahead by a single point - a result founded on their grit and composure under pressure.
Keeley Hardingham was dominant, finishing with 26 disposals, five marks, six tackles and a game-high 44 hitouts.
Maggie Gorham (19 disposals, 13 kicks) and Naomi Ferres (16 disposals, seven tackles) played key roles throughout, combining toughness and drive to keep the Bulldogs moving.
Jaimi Tabb added 17 disposals, six tackles and seven clearances in a high-impact performance, while Cleo Buttifant was composed with 16 touches (11 kicks).
Down back, Sarah Sansonetti and Mali McLeod provided stability, combining for 28 disposals and 10 marks.
The Bulldogs will look to build on this win and finish their 2025 campaign on a high when they host Essendon at Mission Whitten Oval in a fortnight.
The Friday night clash is set to get underway at 7:05pm AEST on August 1.
Port Melbourne: 1.1 1.1 2.2 3.4 (22)
Western Bulldogs: 1.0 3.2 3.4 3.5 (23)
Goals: McFarlane, Crook, Sandral.
