THE final match of week one of the 2024 VFLW Finals is just as important as the other two, more life or death finals, just in a different way. This may not be an elimination final, but what happens in this match could make things a lot easier or a lot harder for the teams involved as they progress through the finals.

QUALIFYING FINAL

Williamstown vs Western Bulldogs
2pm
DSV Stadium

RECENT FORM

Both of these teams have been the most consistent sides all season.

The last time Williamstown dropped points was a draw back in Round 7, and apart from a Round 12 loss to Darebin, the last time the Bulldogs dropped points was a loss back in Round 5.

HEAD TO HEAD

Today’s clash will be the ninth time these two have played each other.

That head to head ledger is very much in the Seagulls’ favour, as they lead the overall ledger five to three, and those five have all been the last five times the sides have met.

However, the one element in the Bulldogs’ favour is that these two teams have never met before in the finals.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Last time these sides met was back in Round 5 this season, which saw the Seagulls pick up a 21-point win.

The Bulldogs were actually the ones who led at both quarter time and half-time that day, but after they went scoreless in the third term the script of the game changed and the Seagulls kicked away to pick up the win.

CHANGES FROM ROUND 14 SIDES

Williamstown:

In: Cat O’Bryan and Brittney Gray

Out: Akima Manoah and Robyn Randall (both omitted)

Western Bulldogs:

NO CHANGES

KEY PLAYERS

A lot of Williamstown’s strength comes from its midfield. Emily Eaves and Eliza Straford are prolific ball winners, and with pace to burn are quickly able to get it to the likes of Sharnie Whiting, who are strong marking targets are reliable shots at goal.

For the Bulldogs, their tall targets up forward are daunting. Mia-Rae Clifford, Imogen Milford and Jaimi Tabb and others have proven time and time again to be a hard match up to execute, but the Falcons did prove it was possible. However, Tabb and Milford have proven this season to be very versatile players, so can potentially still cause havoc for Williamstown in other parts of the ground today.