Western Bulldogs end AFLW losing streak with 15-point win over St Kilda
The Western Bulldogs went on a three-game losing streak to clinch the AFLW Finals spot with a 15-point lead over St Kilda.
Key Point:
- The Bulldogs won 4.11 (35) to 3.2 (20).
- The win cleared them of the 8th place Suns on the ladder
- Saints’ Finals hopes dashed with loss
Ellie Blackburn and Alice Edmonds starred as the Bulldogs overcame a slow start and inaccuracy in front of goal to a 4.11 (35) to 3.2 (20) win in Ballarat.
The Bulldogs beat No. 9 Gold Coast with two rounds left in the home and away season.
The result puts an end to St Kilda’s hopes for the final, and it is certain that Nicola Zenos’ sling tackle on Kirsty Lamb will be reviewed, which could cause more pain.
Xenos conceded a free kick in the third quarter incident, but it was not reported on the spot.
Bulldogs captain Blackburn (24 disposals, 6 tackles) and a strong Luck Edmonds (38 hitouts, 9 tackles) impacted the winner, while Deanna Berry (14 disposals) also played a key role.
St Kilda scored their first two goals through Kaitling Reiser and Georgia Patrikios in the fast-paced opening minutes, but added just one more to the match.
Alice Burke was left in pain after being crunched by Edmonds in the second quarter marking contest.
The clash left her father and Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke a little nervous, but the tough Saints defender stood up and played the game.
Celine Moody put the Bulldogs in front for the first time just after the main break, finishing an eight-behind run with her first goal.
The final-term scoring was all one-sided, with an accidental Elisabeth Georgstadt goal and another major for Keeley Coyne putting the result beyond doubt.
Hannah Priest (13 disposals) and Patricios (11) got off to a positive start to the season but struggled hard against the tide for the Saints, who are now losing six games in a row.
While the Saints host Port Adelaide, the Bulldogs are able to sew in the final spot with a win over West Coast in Round 9.
AAP
Western Bulldogs end AFLW losing streak with 15-point win over St Kilda
Source link Western Bulldogs end AFLW losing streak with 15-point win over St Kilda
