The Western Bulldogs have sent an ominous warning to the league following their 73-point dismantling of a helpless Carlton side in the inaugural Pride Game at Whitten Oval.
The Blues failed to score for the whole first half as they fell victim to an onslaught at the hands of the unrelenting Bulldogs.
After only leading by 10 points at quarter-time, the home side kicked five unanswered second-quarter goals to lead by 44 points at half-time.
While the Bulldogs collectively recorded the biggest victory in AFLW’s short history, the spotlight was stolen by forward Brooke Lochland who starred with seven goals, a feat not yet seen in the AFLW.
With skipper and powerhouse forward Katie Brennan ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury in last week’s clash against Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs’ attack appeared on paper far less ominous, and there were questions as to how they would score their goals.
Coupled with the absence of Isabel Huntington, the pressure was on the small Bulldog forwards to rise to the occasion.
And Lochland did just that, kicking four goals in the second term to help stretch the margin beyond doubt with the Blues not being able to respond.
Bonnie Toogood also chimed in with three goals of her own, but the night well and truly belonged to Lochland.
Carlton’s only scores came in the third quarter, with all 13 points courtesy of former skipper Lauren Arnell, whose efforts weren’t enough to will her side to victory.
The Bulldog midfield again was destructive, with Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney proving once again they are the most dangerous midfield duo in the competition.
Blackburn and Kearney racked up game-high 18 and 26 disposals respectively, this week being their fourth straight in which the two have accumulated over 30 possessions between them.
Despite their injuries and doubts surrounding them, the Western Bulldogs’ resilience ultimately persevered and earned them their third victory of 2018.
The Bulldogs maintain their position on top of the ladder and receive a healthy percentage boost following their demolition of the Blues.
Their first loss to Adelaide last week now a distant memory, the Bulldogs will look forward to the next few weeks in excitement, having now been donned the new Premiership favourites.
Hoping to continue their momentum, the Bulldogs may be eyeing off an even larger percentage boost when they meet a plucky Collingwood outfit, while Carlton face a tough week on the road against the reigning premiers Adelaide.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.4 6.8 8.9 12.14 (86) CARLTON 0.0 0.0 2.1 2.1 (13)
GOALS Western Bulldogs: Lochland 7, Toogood 3, Blackburn, Bruton Carlton: Arnell 2
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Lochland, Kearney, Blackburn, Toogood
Carlton: Arnell, S. Hosking, Moody
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