THE WESTERN Bulldogs have scored a breakthrough maiden win under new coach Tam Hyett, defeating Collingwood by 42 points at Victoria Park.
The Pies – with two top-up players in their 21 – started brightly, while the Dogs grew in confidence and connection as the game progressed, finishing in a 9.3 (57) to 2.3 (15) result.
Collingwood small forward Eliza James had only kicked one goal in her four matches this year but got the Pies off to a hot start in the first term, kicking the first major 30 seconds after the opening bounce, and the last 30 seconds before the quarter-time break.
After starting the season at half-back, Jess Fitzgerald spent a lot more time in her customary midfield role, attempting to fill the void left by injured superstar Ellie Blackburn (foot). She finished with 15 touches and kicked two goals.
The Pies had the run of the play in the first quarter, but the Dogs settled in the second, owning a lot more of the footy (even if their disposal was a little shaky at times) and impressing with their defensive pressure across the field as they added three goals for the term.
Last year's number one draft pick Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner had her best game by far, kicking her maiden AFLW goal (courtesy of a 50m penalty) to help the Dogs to a nine-point lead at the main break.
The floodgates opened in the second half, the Dogs kicking five goals and holding the Pies scoreless.
Isabelle Pritchard (28 and six clearances) led the way in the midfield for the Dogs, with Maggie Gorham (18) providing plenty of rebound out of defence, and Alice Edmonds (29 hitouts, 12 touches) having the better of in-form ruck Sabrina Frederick.
Draftee Pies defender Lucy Cronin (20 and seven marks) continues to go from strength to strength, while Ruby Schleicher led the way in the clearances with seven.
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3 (15)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.0 4.0 6.1 9.3 (57)
GOALS
Collingwood: James 2
Western Bulldogs: Woodley 2, Fitzgerald 2, Weston-Turner 2, Hartwig, Borg, Gavalas
INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil
