In a tough-fought matchup, it was a disappointing finish for the West Coast Eagles, falling to the Western Bulldogs by eight points at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.
Fans saw a more attacking West Coast team, given freedom under new coach Rohan McHugh, with the Eagles mounting a spirited comeback after falling 25-points down during the third quarter.
The Bulldogs conceded the final three goals of the game but were able to hang tough in a fierce final 10 minutes to get the emotional circuit-breaker needed after a disappointing season.
Dogs captain Ellie Blackburn impressed with a match-winning performance from the midfield, finishing with 32 disposals, four clearances, and a game-high 665m gained, willing her team to the finish line.
Efficiency in attack was the difference in the game, with the Bulldogs taking their chances early to set up a crucial lead before the Eagles fought hard to get back in the contest through the latter stages of the third term.
West Coast leader Emma Swanson was relentless for the home team and finished with 28 disposals and seven tackles, while young star Ella Roberts turned the match when she went into the midfield and racked up 27 disposals and six clearances.
Charlie Thomas was a rock in defence before McHugh swung her forward to kick the only goal of the final quarter, and the first goal of her AFLE career, cutting the margin to eight points and setting up a nail-biting last 10 minutes.
WEST COAST 1.1 2.2 4.4 5.6 (36)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.1 4.3 6.7 6.8 (44)
GOALS
West Coast: Gibson 2, Bartlett, Lewis, Thomas
Western Bulldogs: Edmonds, Hartwig, Hunt, Lamb, Pritchard, Woodley
BEST
West Coast: Swanson, Thomas, Roberts, Smith, Lewis, Gooch
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, Edmonds, Newton, Bateman, Carruthers
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Pritchard (knee), Woodley (ankle)
Crowd: 1,147 at Mineral Resources Park
