Western Bulldogs VFLW head coach Liam Cavanagh says his side is entering Sunday’s final with confidence, having built consistency and a strong understanding of their game throughout the VFLW season.
The Bulldogs have found some rhythm across the final two weeks, with the first-year coach pleased with the way his group has embraced their style of football heading into September.
“The group has a really strong understanding of what our brand is and the things we need to do in order to play our way,” Cavanagh said.
“We’re confident, but we are also aware of how much work we have to do to stay consistent.
“We’ve learned a lot of really good lessons along the way.”
Having suffered defeat to Collingwood - the team they will face in Sunday’s Elimination Final - earlier in the season, Cavanagh believes the Bulldogs can take plenty from that encounter.
“We knew that our best was good enough, but we were a long way from our best (in that game)” he said.
“I think this time it’s more about us than it is about Collingwood…we feel much more comfortable with what our game looks like now.”
The Bulldogs’ leadership group will also play a vital role, with Cavanagh praising the way his leaders have guided the side through challenging moments across the season.
“I think they handled it immensely,” he said.
“Our leadership group has been excellent at giving the group what they need.
“(Captain) Sarah Sansonetti has been incredible, especially the way she structures us up, while Jemima Wrigley and Steph Asciak drive really strong standards with their footy.”
The Bulldogs know the challenge ahead will be significant, but with confidence and belief in their brand, Cavanagh is looking forward to seeing what his side can produce when it matters most.
“We know we’re good enough to go all the way, but it’s also not that easy,” he said.
“We play a really exciting brand and I think we are really competitive. We don’t want games to be easy for us. If it’s contested and it’s tough, I feel like that really brings out our strengths.
“We’re not perfect by any means, but we’re really good at our key core brand.”
The Bulldogs will meet Collingwood in a do-or-die Elimination Final this Sunday at Victoria Park. The match is free to attend.
