Freo defeated in first AFL Women’s game

THE WESTERN Bulldogs kicked off their NAB AFL Women’s campaign with a win against fellow premiership contender Fremantle on a blustery Saturday night by 32 points at the Whitten Oval.

Played in front of a 10,100-strong crowd that fell just short of the ground’s capacity, Emma Kearney racked up 21 disposals to help lead her side to victory.

Full match details and stats

The hosts were first to hit the scoreboard with Kirsten McLeod booting a sweet running goal.

Fremantle levelled the score through Melissa Caulfield but handed the hosts the lead at the first break with a turnover.

A physical Dockers outfit held momentum in the second term but could not make the most of their opportunities, booting 0.5 for the quarter.

The Bulldogs led by seven points at halftime and took over the game during the second half, with the Dockers managing just a solitary point.

Dogs skipper Katie Brennan was marked closely by Ebony Antonio but ran out the game strongly to finish with two goals.

Fremantle captain Kara Donnellan (13 touches, six tackles) led from the front, with Belinda Smith (16 disposals) also impressive.

Bulldogs coach Paul Groves said the dominant victory was important, especially considering the competition is only seven rounds before the Grand Final.

“I don’t think you reassess expectations. The expectations are for us to be competitive and play good, hard, solid football. If that results in wins and we have fun doing it, then happy days for us. We’ve got a very solid list and we’ve got a lot of depth,” he said.

“It was a pretty big match-up just to kick start it and get that four points locked away. It’s cut-throat because if you lose two games, you’re probably going to miss the final. It’s essential to win your home games here at the Whitten Oval.”

WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.0 3.0 5.6 6.8 (44)
FREMANTLE 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.6 (12)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Brennan 2, McLeod, Lambert, O’Connor, Blackburn
Fremantle: Caulfield

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Kearney, Brennan, Blackburn, Ernst, Lochland, McLeod
Fremantle: Donnellan, Smith, Houghton, Hooker

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Gogos (nose), Lochland (ankle)
Fremantle: Chuot (concussion)

Umpires: Cheever, Jankovskis, Toovey

Official crowd: 10,100 at Whitten Oval