Ugly, but we’ll take it.
Co-captain Izzy Pritchard believes there are many lessons to be learned from the Dogs’ Round 8 win over the Saints.
In less-than-ideal conditions, the Western Bulldogs dominated the flow of play, able to hold their opposition to just one point for the game.
Although they were able to come away with the 30-point victory, Pritchard believed there would be many things to focus on heading into the upcoming game against the Bombers.
“It was a bit ugly. It was good that we got the win,” Pritchard said following the game.
“There were still moments where we played like we wanted to. I think we’re happy with the result.
“They brought the pressure, especially in the contest.
“We really wanted to focus on keeping it in our forward half and getting repeat looks, which we did really well.
“It was good, it was pleasing.”
The Dogs' goal to keep the ball in their attacking half was evident from the opening siren.
Able to adapt better to the conditions, the Dogs scrapped to get the ball forward by any means necessary.
They would go on to dominate the inside 50 count, 40-21.
Equally impressive was the pressure shown by the forwards to lock the ball in, with the Dogs finishing the day with 27 tackles inside their forward 50.
The damage was also done around the contest, with the return of ruck Alice Edmonds a massive boost for the Dogs.
Edmonds picked up where she left off after missing Round 7 through injury, finishing the day with a game-high 29 hitouts, with her work around the stoppage helping the team win the overall clearance count 28-15.
“She plays a big role and we really believe in her,” Pritchard said of Edmonds.
“Having her back this week was such a massive boost for us.
“She just brings such a competitive nature in our contest work and gives us some great looks.”
Another Dog who has recently emerged in a new role in the midfield is Cleo Buttifant.
Known as one of the team’s more established defenders, Buttifant’s move to the midfield over the last month has seen her add another string to her bow.
The 21-year-old did not shy away from the tough role on dangerous Saints midfielder Georgia Patrikios, restricting her opponent to just 10 disposals for the game while also hitting the scoreboard with the opening goal.
“She’s a beast,” Pritchard said of Buttifant.
“She’s so fast, she’s so strong.
“Seeing her develop is really exciting. I don’t think she realises how much more she has left in her.
“Each week, her development is really exciting. The sky is the limit for her.”
The Dogs will have to regroup quickly as they look to improve on their six wins for the season against the Bombers in Round 9.
Friday night's Pride Round clash will also mark the Western Bulldogs' 100th AFLW game in the competition.
