Western Bulldogs coach Tam Hyett has praised vice-captain Ellie Blackburn for her impact in Friday night’s win over Collingwood.
The Bulldogs enjoyed a 57-point triumph over the Pies, marking their first victory at Mission Whitten Oval in over 360 days.
The hosts were also up in a number of stats, including disposals (+71), inside 50s (+18), clearances (+17) and uncontested possessions (+42).
Hyett said it was great reward for the team.
“We’ve been building (towards this). There’s been areas of our game that have been really good, but finishing off our work hasn’t happened,” Hyett told media post-match.
“Everything clicked tonight…we executed with ball in hand and that was the most pleasing thing.”
Blackburn played an important role in the result, booting a career-high four goals after an evenly split forward-midfield role.
“She’s been great all year to be honest. The role of high half-forward – we’ve got to remember that she was out of the game for 12 months with that foot injury, so it was always going to be (a case of) finding her legs,” Hyett said.
“In the last couple of weeks, we’ve found more opportunities to give her more midfield time. She’s a star and a class act.”
Speaking to Channel 7 post-match, Blackburn said she didn’t mind where she played.
“To be honest I’m happy to do whatever the team wants me to do,” she said.
“I know it’s a cliché answer. I love playing in the midfield obviously, but it’s also nice to sneak forward and kick a few goals in the midst of it all.
“I’m coming back from an injury last year and we’d built a bit of a system without me in the middle, so it was about instilling the belief and competence in those younger girls. We’ve since brought some new players in the mix too with Sarah Poustie, so then it’s slowly integrating myself back into the midfield every so often.”
The Bulldogs, currently sitting 13th on the ladder, will next meet Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval this Saturday night.
