The Western Bulldogs have started 2026 on a winning, if wet, note, downing Gold Coast 6.4 (40) to 1.8 (14) on Saturday night.

Rain fell heavily throughout the second half at People First Stadium, making it tough for the young Suns line up to close a four-goal deficit at half-time, with some wayward finishing not helping their cause.

Most of the damage was done in the first quarter as Gold Coast's 10 debutants got their first taste of football at the highest level, finding themselves trailing by 25 points at the first break.

The rain started tumbling not long after play recommenced, seeing just three more goals kicked in any direction for the rest of the night.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 01:13

    Isabelle Pritchard | "We really wanted to be hard to play against"

    Co-captain Isabelle Pritchard speaks following a win over the Suns. Vision courtesy of Channel 7.

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  • 01:05

    Ellie Blackburn | "Nice to get the first one in the bank"

    Ellie Blackburn speaks following the Dogs' R1 win. Vision courtesy of Channel 7.

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  • 02:34

    Sarah Hartwig | "Start fast, take it on"

    Forward Sarah Hartwig reflects on a starring performance in the Pups' win over the Suns.

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  • 02:53
    Exclusive
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    AFLW Coaches' Brief | Round 1

    AFLW Backline Coach Callum Brown speaks following the Round 1 win.

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  • 05:36

    Tam Hyett | Post Match (R1)

    Watch the senior coach's press conference after round one’s win over Gold Coast

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  • 00:34

    AFLW R1 | Team Song

    Watch the Bulldogs celebrate their round one win

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  • 05:13

    AFLW R1 | Match Highlights

    The Suns and Bulldogs clash in round one of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season

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  • 01:31

    AFLW R1 | All the goals

    Relive all the goals from our 26-point win over the SUNS

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  • 00:38

    AFLW R1 | Sparks fly at the first break as Dogs see red

    A huge melee explodes at the quarter time siren as both sides fly the flag for their teammates

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  • 00:34

    AFLW R1 | Woodley catches Suns napping with heads-up play

    Heidi Woodley drills a big goal after lurking smartly for the handball receive 40m out

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  • 00:41

    AFLW R1 | Cue the celebrations: Hartwig nabs Dogs opener

    Sarah Hartwig takes a strong mark and converts the goal to kickstart the Bulldogs in 2026

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  • 00:20

    AFLW R1 | Smith seals maiden major

    Jas Smith gathers, snaps and celebrates her first career AFLW goal

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  • 02:48

    FaceTime | Amaia Wain

    Amaia calls her family to let them know she'll debut in Round 1.

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  • 01:36

    Wain to debut in Round 1

    See the moment Amaia Wain found out she would be making her AFLW debut.

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Jess Fitzgerald led the way for the Bulldogs with 30 disposals, four clearances and 433m gained, while Sarah Hartwig gave her teammates a focal point and finished with a career-high three goals.

Up next

The Western Bulldogs head hope to Mission Whitten Oval to face fellow first-round winners Richmond on Saturday afternoon. Gold Coast will head across the country to take on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park, also on Saturday afternoon. 

GOLD COAST                   0.0    1.3    1.6    1.8 (14)
WESTERN BULLDOGS      4.1    5.3    6.4    6.4 (40)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Harris
Western Bulldogs: Hartwig 3, Woodley, Smith, Pritchard

BEST 
Gold Coast: Harris, Rowbottom, Single, Usher
Western Bulldogs: Fitzgerald, Hartwig, Blackburn, Wilcox

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at People First Stadium

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