Following the Bulldogs’ second straight victory to open the 2026 NAB AFLW season, forward Emma McDonald highlighted how the group's focus on pressure is translating into match-day success.

The Bulldogs held off Richmond to record an 11-point victory at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.

​While McDonald’s three goals went a long way in the result, the 20-year-old was full of praise for her fellow forwards.

“Every game the forwards and our coach put emphasis on pressure in our forward line, because we know that it creates turnover and therefore scoring opportunities,” McDonald said.

“It was fantastic today - kudos to the girls around the ground really.”

McDonald called out partner-in-crime Sarah Hartwig in particular.

“I love playing with Twiggy (Sarah Hartwig), she's phenomenal,” she said. 

“I think she was in the back line, she converted to the forward line. 

"She just has such a huge array of skills and we love using her, she's so dynamic.”

Co-captain Isabelle Pritchard was everywhere in the win, collecting 36 disposals, nine tackles, nine clearances and a goal. 

“She’s just a contested bull and so skillful as well which makes her so damaging,” McDonald said.

“We love having her in the team and whenever she gets the ball it's going to be a very penetrating ball, so I've got to prepare myself the best I can.

“She’s fantastic, she's very vocal and she’s very articulate as well - she knows what she is doing, she's very intellectual and she has a great footy IQ.

“I admire her so much and she's a fantastic leader.”

Playing in front of over 2200 home fans, McDonald said nothing beats winning at the Kennel.

“There’s no other feeling like it,” she said.

“We love having them, we love hearing them and winning at home it’s fantastic.”

The Bulldogs will next meet reigning premier North Melbourne in Tasmania on Saturday 29 August.