Ahead of Isabelle Pritchard’s milestone match this Saturday, we take a closer look at the defining moments of her career to date.
Drafted
Pick 16, 2020 National Draft
Pritchard’s AFLW dream was realised in the 2020 Draft, taken with Pick 16 and the Club’s third overall selection. A Bulldog supporter growing up, things could not have worked out better for the then 18-year-old. Described as a ‘key defender with the capability to push higher up the ground’, Pritchard has since made a name for herself in the Dogs’ on-ball brigade.
First game
Round 6, 2021
Pritchard’s debut in the red, white and blue came against Collingwood in Round 6 of the 2021 season, going down by 36 points at Victoria Park. Her first win came three weeks later in Round 9 against Richmond, where she collected 10 disposals, two clearances and two marks in a 13-point triumph.
First goal
Round 4, 2022 (S7)
It took 18 games across three seasons for Pritchard to slot her maiden career goal. Coming into the match against Hawthorn with just five behinds, her reaction when she finally booted one said it all.
“I’ve had a bit of trouble kicking goals over the past couple of weeks so it was good to finally get one today,” she told Fox Footy’s Brihony Dawson after beating the Hawks.
“It was great – it was a bit of slog out there but was good to come away with the win.”
Awards
- Club Best and Fairest (2024)
- Rising Star nominee (S7 2022)
- AFLPA 22under22 team (S6 2022)
Pritchard’s breakout year saw her claim a maiden first-place finish in the 2024 Western Bulldogs Best and Fairest count. Polling 38 of a possible 55 votes, Pritchard led from start to finish in the count. She averaged 19.9 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 5.2 clearances – at that time a career-high – and is on track for a similar output this year with an average of 20.5 disposals, 4.3 tackles and 5.3 clearances.
