Where and when: Mission Whitten Oval, Thursday, September 12, 7:15pm (5:15pm WST)

TV: Live on 7Mate and Fox Footy, and streaming live on Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 5.6 (36) def. by Bulldogs 6.8 (44) at Mineral Resources Park, round nine, 2023.

In what was a tough-fought matchup, a late surge from the Eagles wasn’t enough to get them over the line against the Bulldogs. While it was a disappointing eight-point loss for the home side, they showed spirit and grit to formulate a comeback from 25 points down. Skipper Emma Swanson was relentless for West Coast, fishing with 28 disposals and seven tackles, and young star Ella Roberts managed 27 touches and six clearances.

What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles had a chance to secure back-to-back wins last week against the Bombers, but a slow start to the game was costly. While they fought their way back in the contest after a goalless opening term, West Coast will be looking to get off to a much better start against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are yet to win a game but are not to be underestimated. While they haven’t been able to have a significant scoreboard impact so far this season, their stats around the ground show that they will be up for a fight, with the added bonus of the home-turf advantage.

The stat: The Eagles are currently averaging 40 marks a game compared the Bulldogs’ 25.

Oppo in focus: Ellie Blackburn

Western Bulldogs star Ellie Blackburn will be one to watch in Thursday night’s matchup. The three-time All-Australian and five-time club champion is an elite midfielder who has poise and breakaway pace from the contest. Blackburn impressed in a losing side last weekend, finishing with a game-high 26 disposals, seven tackles and a game-high eight clearances.

It’s a big week for: Octavia Di Donato

New recruit Octavia Di Donato will make her AFLW debut in the blue and gold on Thursday night in her home state of Victoria. Di Donato has leadership and maturity beyond her years, the 20-year-old defender most recently co-captaining Carlton in the VFLW. Di Donato is renowned for her work ethic and ‘never give up’ attitude, her versatility, clean hands and high football IQ, and she will be ecstatic that she can kick off her AFLW career in front of her family and friends.

Big call: In her third game in the blue and gold, Jess Hosking will kick three (or more) goals against the Bulldogs.

The West Coast Eagles produced an irresistible brand of football to orchestrate an important 11-point AFLW victory against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval this evening.

After trailing by a goal at quarter-time they were the dominant team thereafter and won their second game in three outings with every player doing their bit on the way to a 5.2 (32) to 3.3 (21).

Despite being behind on the scoreboard at the first break they had played some high calibre running football and continued to play withy flair and purpose, taking the lead in the middle of the second quarter and never surrendered the advantage.

Young gun Ella Roberts and experienced recruit Ali Drennan led the way through the midfield but so many of the Eagles players fulfilled their roles as required.

Youngster Sanne Bakker had the task of shadowing Bulldogs game-breaker Ellie Blackburn and while her opponent had 21 possessions and four tackles she was constantly under pressure.

Winger Jaide Britton provided run and dash along with Mikayla Western as they underlined the game plan implemented by new coach Daisy Pearce. Their willingness to take the game on, when appropriate, and to attack with purpose made for an entertaining brand.

This Eagles team plays with balance and composure and when required held the game up, chipped the ball around and maintained possession.

While Roberts, Drennan and Britton produced the midfield grunt, in defence Charlie Thomas, Emma Swanson and Belinda Smith were resolute and when the ball went forward the Eagles were a constant threat.

Roberts, Drennan and Bella Lewis all pushed forward to hit the scoreboard while debutant Octavia Di Donato had a moment to remember when she kicked the sealer in the closing minutes with a deadly snap from congestion.

The Bulldogs had edged back to within five points and were having their best period of the game after the first break when Di Donato put the result beyond doubt.

The Eagles will remain in Melbourne and back up against Collingwood next Tuesday.

Details
West Coast Eagles        1.1        3.1        4.1        5.2      (32)
Western Bulldogs         2.1        2.2        2.3        3.3      (21)

Goals

West Coast Eagles: Drennan, Lewis, Roberts, Western, Di Donato. Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, McFarlane, Blackburn.

Best

West Coast Eagles: Roberts, Drennan, Britton, Lewis, Thomas, Western. Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, Grigg, Blackburn, Smith, Carruthers.