NAB AFLW Round 8

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
Saturday 3 October, 3:05pm AEST
Mars Stadium, Ballarat • Wadawurrung

Broadcast: Fox Footy / Kayo / Binge

LAST TIME WE MET

Round 9, 2025
Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) def. Essendon 1.4 (10)

A heaving crowd was treated to a 57-point win by the Bulldogs as they ran rings around the Bombers at Mission Whitten Oval.

Running in waves, using the width of the ground, and dominating one-on-one contests, the Bulldogs proved what kind of aggressive, difficult to defend team they are becoming.

Alice Edmonds was the star. With 32 hitouts, two contested marks, and a goal, she set up her midfield beautifully, and dominated opposing ruck Steph Wales. Meanwhile Isabelle Pritchard (20 disposals, six clearances, one goal) showed why she has drawn comparisons to her fellow Dogs No.4, Marcus Bontempelli.

THE LINE-UPS

WHAT IT MEANS

The Western Bulldogs have been one of the biggest risers in 2026 and with a win-loss record of 6-2, are well placed for a finals tilt under Tam Hyett this year. Isabelle Pritchard is leading from the front as co-captain, but they’ve got plenty of contributors each and every week which makes them a dangerous outfit. Their final three matches come against tough opposition, so they’ll get a good gauge of where they’re at sooner rather than later.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The Bulldogs are a completely different outfit when ruck Alice Edmonds is up and firing. Edmonds has had to deal with a back injury at various stages this year, but was at her best in tough conditions against the Saints in Ballarat. Edmonds polled eight coaches’ votes and controlled the game at stoppage, regularly giving her midfield first use. If the Dogs are to give the finals a shake, they’ll need her at her best.