The Western Bulldogs have claimed a hard-fought 13-point win over the Darebin Falcons in a contest defined by early pressure and testing wet-weather conditions.
The Bulldogs set the tone from the opening bounce, showing up to the contest and creating early dominance on the scoreboard to run out 4.5 (29) to 2.4 (16) winners.
The hosts’ forward-half pressure kept Darebin under strain, preventing their chances on the scoreboard.
Darebin worked their way into the game as it wore on, but they were matched with a disciplined Bulldogs’ defence that refused to give up.
The second quarter saw Darebin’s attempt to respond stronger, managing to restrict the Bulldogs to one goal and one behind for the quarter. However, they were matched with a disciplined Bulldogs defence that refused to give up.
Conditions shifted in the third quarter as the rain began to fall, turning the match into a tougher and more contested battle. The visitors took advantage of this with two goals.
Despite the momentum swing, the Bulldogs quickly found their feet again, adapting to the conditions and regaining control of the game until the final siren.
Jorja Livingstone came out on top of the Bulldogs stats with an impressive 28 disposals and eight tackles.
Freya Taylor laid 12 tackles to go with eight contested possessions, with Erica Fowler right behind her with nine tackles and 21 disposals.
Head Coach Liam Cavanagh was delighted with how the girls gained their momentum in the first quarter.
“With the conditions, it was really important to score while the ball was dry, knowing it would be tough with the conditions [developing] - so we did a really good job with the ball,” Cavanagh said.
“We really fought and competed, and that was really pleasing.”
The Bulldogs will be under the lights at their home ground next Friday night when they take on Geelong.
Match Details
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.2 3.3 4.5 4.5 (29)
DAREBIN FALCONS 0.1 0.2 2.3 2.4 (16)
Goals: Leare, McLeod, Jesser,Dodd
Best: Leare, Livingstone, Fowler, Wrigley, Sandral, Asciak
