The Western Bulldogs made it two from two AFL Women’s Exhibition Match wins in 2016, with a hard-fought 13-point victory over WA at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulldogs overcame an inaccurate start and used the ball more effectively entering their 50m arc after quarter time to record an 8.5 (53) to 5.10 (40) win.
WA dominated the inside-50 count 47-28, but it was the work of Bri Davey (St Kilda), Karen Paxman (Darebin) and Nicola Stevens (Melbourne Uni) in defence that helped rebound the ball for the Bulldogs, along with Seaford’s Kim Ebb playing a stopping role on the dangerous Chelsea Randall.
After a goalless first quarter, St Kilda’s Mo Hope and Cranbourne’s Bianca Jakobsson did the damage in the second term for the Bulldogs with two each, as they took the lead by 11 points at half time.
While the Western Bulldogs were down in the clearances, the work of Lauren Arnell (27 disposals, Darebin), Jaimee Lambert (19, Eastern Devils) and captain Steph Chiocci (18, Diamond Creek) around the ground helped push the ball forward.
Richelle Cranston (Geelong) kicked the only goal of the third term for the Bulldogs, as WA closed the gap to seven points at the final change.
However, the Bulldogs steadied in the final term, with Cranston kicking her second goal, Hope her third and Emma Kearney her first for a 13-point win.
RELATED STORY: Full replay of Western Bulldogs v WA
The leading stats-winner on the day, Darebin Falcon Lauren Arnell, said it was pleasing to record back-to-back wins this year for the Bulldogs – and the first for the team at Etihad Stadium.
“It was very exciting and satisfying, but full credit to WA for some outstanding football and pushing us all the way,” Arnell said.
“The centre bounce stats were huge in WA’s favour and they had a lot of opportunities going inside 50 but of backline really stood up, led by Bri Davey, Nic Stevens, Hannah Scott and Darcy Vescio in the second half after Meg Hutchins left the field through injury.
“They were just incredible and fought it out all day.”
Arnell said the most pleasing aspect of the win was seeing the development of a number of new players to the Bulldogs lineup in 2016.
“To see the growth in players over the last 12 months like Jakobsson, Cranston, Lambert, Kinross Randall and Ebb just to name a few, that have been given opportunities to develop as part of the AFL Victoria Women’s Academy, I think it really showed their progress on Sunday.”
Bulldogs’ teammates like Maddy Keryk and Emma Kearney will quickly turn to opponent this weekend for Arnell, as Darebin and Melbourne Uni meet in a top of the ladder VFL Women’s clash at Casey Fields.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.4 4.4 5.4 8.5 (53)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.2 2.5 3.9 5.10 (40)
Goalkickers
WB: Hope 3, Cranston 2, Jakobsson, Gamble, E Kearney
Best players
WB: Davey, Jakobsson, Arnell, Paxman, Lambert, Chiocci
Last Modified on 07/06/2016 20:10