The Western Bulldogs have returned to the winners list with a 6.8 (44) to 4.4 (28) victory over Box Hill Hawks at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides came out looking to bounce back from defeats the previous week, with the contest at a high intensity in the early stages of the match.
Despite this the Bulldogs were quick to make a statement, holding the Hawks scoreless in the opening term while keeping up their strong defensive pressure across the ground.
Two goals in the final minutes for the first quarter gave the hosts an early buffer and set the tone for the afternoon.
Box Hill responded after quarter time, bringing a high energy around the contest.
Battling some inaccuracy in front of goal, the Dogs remained composed as the margin narrowed to just five points at the main break.
The third quarter however proved pivotal. The visitors attempted to set up a defensive wall, but the hosts' relentless forward pressure broke through to add another two goals to their tally.
Heading into the final term, both teams lifted their pressure in a fierce battle.
But the Bulldogs stood tall when it mattered most, producing a strong finish and running away with an important 16-point win in front of their home crowd.
Jemima Wrigley found her way to the top of the Bulldogs’ stats with 26 disposals and eleven contested possessions.
Jorja Livingstone produced a strong game with 23 disposals and six tackles, with Jaimi Tabb not far behind with 10 tackles.
Head coach Liam Cavanagh was ecstatic to see the team back on the winning list.
“Spending time on scenarios and creating a plan, you could see the girls were switched on and they nailed it," said Cavanagh.
"The girls did a really great job today."
The VFLW Dogs are on the road next week, facing Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium on Sunday morning.
Match Details
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.3 3.5 5.6 6.8 (44)
BOX HILL HAWKS 0.0 3.0 3.2 4.4 (28)
Goals: Jesser, Sandral, Nekrep, Fowler, Tabb, Sansonetti
Best: Wrigley, Stringer, Livingstone, Jesser, Barker, O’Donnell
