The Western Bulldogs are finally on the board for 2023, beating West Coast on Saturday afternoon.
With two matches remaining in the season the Bulldogs were facing the prospect of a winless season when they headed to the west over the weekend.
The Dogs got off to a good start at Mineral Resources Park, controlling the game for the first two and a half quarters.
The Eagles booted the last three goals of the game and were looking like they were going to steal the moment, however, the Dogs held on, winning 6.8 (44)- 5.6 (36).
Coach Nathan Burke said it was an emotional win for the team and the club.
“I might be a little bit croaky actually, it was quite emotional,” he said.
“Now they get reward for their hard work and their dedication and their perseverance and their resilience. All the stuff that they’ve needed to get to this point in the season.
“Today it all comes flooding out. So there was a bit of emotion going on.”
Captain Ellie Blackburn continued to build her incredible season, with 32 disposals, five clearances and 660 metres gained.
“She has been absolutely enormous all season,” Burke said.
“Sensational.
“She probably won’t get a look in [for the All-Australian team] because we haven’t won games, but if you can find a more consistent midfielder who affects the outcome and the team more than her, good luck to you.
“She has not played one bad game all year, not one, and those All-Australian selectors better look very hard and close, because I’ll be sh*tty if they don’t.
“She just wills herself… she just goes again and goes again.
“The epitome of a captain in terms of giving effort for the team.”
Another stand out for the Dogs was All-Australian onballer Kirsty Lamb who became just the second player in the clubs history to register 1000 AFLW disposals, joining Ellie Blackburn in the exclusive club.
Next weekend the Dogs will face North Melbourne at Whitten Oval for their Pride round clash.
“It’s going to be a big crowd, it always is.
“Pride round is just something special for the girls, they just love playing in it.
“I think we need to take the confidence out of today, take the smart footy out of today, taking the game on with the tough stuff.
“I don’t think we’ve beaten North Melbourne while I’ll be coaching so let’s have a crack and see what happens.”
