Lance Jenkinson
It will be a long time between kicks for Western Bulldogs players in the AFL Women’s competition.
The AFLW season was brought to an abrupt halt for the Bulldogs with tonight’s announcement that the final two rounds of the home-and-away season will be cancelled.
The Bulldogs scheduled games against North Melbourne at Arden Street this Saturday and GWS Giants at the VU Whitten Oval on March 27 have been scrapped.
With the possibility of harsher government imposed lockdowns due to the spread of the coronavirus, the AFL has made the decision for the AFLW to click straight into finals mode to increase the probability that a premier is crowned.
The top four teams from each conference will feature in the finals, meaning the Bulldogs season is over.
Under new coach Nathan Burke, a young Bulldogs side finished with a 1-5 win-loss record from six games.
Their only victory came way back in the season opener against St Kilda at Moorabbin, but they showed signs of development in a 15-point loss to undefeated Fremantle last start.
AFL head of women’s football Nicola Livingtone appreciated the understanding of all parties involved, which allowed the tough decision end the home-and-away season early get passed through.
“We would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to all 14 clubs and players in our competition, who have worked incredibly hard across the season,” she said.
“They should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.
“Particularly to the clubs that will be concluding their 2020 season, Adelaide Crows, Geelong, Western Bulldogs and newcomers West Coast Eagles, St Kilda and Richmond, thank you for your care and commitment to the AFLW, your programs and your players.
“We look forward to the next three weeks of finals and wish all eight teams the best of luck.”
