Western Bulldogs Triumph Over Sydney Swans in a Gritty AFLW Clash
The Western Bulldogs secured a thrilling and hard-fought victory over the Sydney Swans in their AFLW clash, overcoming a narrow deficit to pull ahead in the final quarter. It was a night of highs and lows, with injuries and crucial plays shaping the outcome at Whitten Oval, where the Bulldogs triumphed 5.9 (39) to 5.2 (32).
The Swans were dealt a significant blow when their star ruck, Ally Morphett, limped off the field during the third quarter. Morphett, who has been battling a foot injury throughout the season, was visibly emotional as she left the field. Her absence was keenly felt by the Swans, as the Bulldogs capitalized on the momentum swing, dominating the final term. Sydney coach Scott Gowans later confirmed that Morphett’s injury is in the same foot she’s been managing, leaving the team anxious for the results of her scans.
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The Bulldogs, despite their own injury concerns, showed great resilience. Jorja Borg, their key ruck, suffered a knee injury early in the game, forcing Alice Edmond to shoulder the ruck duties solo. Edmond rose to the challenge, combining well with on-baller Jess Fitzgerald to keep the Bulldogs competitive through the middle.
Britney Gutknecht was pivotal in securing the victory for the Bulldogs, scoring the only goal of the fourth quarter, which gave her team the decisive edge. It was a tense and tactical game, with both teams trading leads throughout the night. The Swans surged early in the second half, kicking three goals within six minutes, but the Bulldogs' relentless pressure, particularly in the final quarter, proved too much for Sydney to handle.
For the Bulldogs, it marked their first win at Whitten Oval in over 900 days—a significant milestone celebrated by coach Tam Hyett. The team’s ability to stay structurally sound across the field gave them the forward momentum they needed to close out the match strong. Despite Sydney’s better use of the ball on the outside for much of the game, their late decision-making faltered, allowing the Bulldogs to lock the ball in their attacking 50 for most of the final term.
Sydney’s standout players included Laura Gardiner, who led her team with 31 disposals, but their efforts were hampered by execution errors and poor decision-making in critical moments. In contrast, the Bulldogs played with composure when it mattered most, seizing their opportunities and showing grit in the final minutes of the game.
The Bulldogs' victory marks their second consecutive win, and they now look forward to building on this momentum. Sydney, on the other hand, will be hoping for good news regarding Morphett’s injury as they regroup for the tough matches ahead.
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