DETAILS: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne

DATE: Saturday 8 January

TIME: 7:00pm (AEDT)

LOCATION: VU Whitten Oval

BROADCAST: Fox Footy

TICKETS: Available here.
Due to current COVID-19 precautions, tickets are no longer available for purchase at the gate and must be obtained prior to attending the match.

LAST TIME WE MET: Round 4, 2021 | Western Bulldogs v Melbourne | VU Whitten Oval
It was a disappointing day for the Dees when these two sides last met, with the Bulldogs snapping up a 13-point win at their home ground. 

Melbourne began the game with control of the play, star midfielder Karen Paxman dominating across the ground. Despite a number of opportunities in their forward half, the Dees only led by four points at the first break.

With the lack of goal conversion from the red and blue, it wasn’t long before the Bulldogs ran away with the lead. The second half saw the home side take control of the game and score four goals to one, ultimately sealing their win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Melbourne
Tyla Hanks
It’s no secret that Hanks has become a formidable talent within the AFLW community after a breakout season in 2021 that saw her earn both the NAB AFLW Rising Star Award and the club’s best and fairest Award. The powerful midfielder, whose composure and clean skills are top-level, averaged 18.7 disposals and 4.7 tackles in 2021. The No.5 is tipped to once again be a key asset to Melbourne in 2022. 

Kate Hore
Melbourne’s No.10 was a standout in the side’s pre-season hit-out against Collingwood, booting four of the Demons’ six goals. Her explosive energy inside 50 is the key to her game, with 2021 seeing her lead the club’s goal tally with 12 majors over ten games. If Hore can make an impact in front of goals, similar to her performance in the practice match, there’s no doubt the Dees will be a force to beat up forward. 

Tayla Harris
If Harris runs out with the side on Saturday night, she’ll be looking to make an instant impact in her official debut for the club. The crafty forward has been a consistent goal-kicker since becoming a foundation AFLW player in 2017 and has kicked 29 goals across her five seasons. With her ability to hit the scoreboard paired with her strong aerial skills, Harris is sure to be one to watch come Saturday’s game. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Western Bulldogs
Ellie Blackburn
Blackburn is one the league’s top midfielders and has been since the AFLW’s inception back in 2017. Last season she finished equal-third in the AFLW’s best and fairest award and took out the club award. When Blackburn last faced the Demons, she was one of the strongest players across both sides, kicking one goal and receiving the title of the Dogs’ best on ground. As always, the 26-year-old will be crucial to the home side on Saturday night. 

Jess Fitzgerald
The young midfielder proved to be a key factor in the Dogs’ win over the Dees back in 2021, kicking two goals and earning a spot in the side’s best afield. Fitzgerald is silky with the ball and has power to her running. After an impressive debut season last year, with a rising star nomination and a feature in the AFLPA’s 22 under 22, the 21-year-old will no doubt look to build upon her stellar 2021 in this upcoming season.  

Sarah Hartwig
This defender is cool, calm and collected down back and at just 19 years old, is predicted to have the best of her career ahead of her. With footy smarts and aerial skills on her side, Hartwig is fast developing into a back line rock for the Bulldogs. The Demons will be keeping an eye out for this No.15 on Saturday.

COACH'S VIEW: MICK STINEAR
“We are excited to kick off the season and play for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup against the Bulldogs.” Stinear said.

“A great opportunity to acknowledge two pioneers of women’s footy and we look forward to bringing our best on Saturday night.

“Our players are ready off the back of a strong pre-season and with our last AFLW game being nine months ago, everyone is excited to get stuck into it.

“Our focus will be to get our hands on the ball first and give our forwards the best opportunity to score. We want to be disciplined in defence and deny the Bulldogs time and space with the ball. We know we will be in for a great contest, and we hope to be on the winning side this time around.”