PREVIEW | Dogs and Roos to battle under lights

WESTERN Bulldogs will search for an answer to their recent VFL Women’s form when they host ladder leaders North Melbourne-Werribee at Whitten Oval tonight. We take a look at the standalone Friday clash which promises to have plenty of intriguing storylines.

  • Team
  • Western Bulldogs VFLW
  • North Melbourne VFLW

FORM

The home side will be looking to turn around a disappointing loss to bottom two side Geelong in Round 10, which marked their second consecutive loss, and fifth in sixth games. In that time, the Dogs have only kicked five or less goals, while four of the six opponents have kicked six or more majors.

The start of that streak was a defeat at the hands of North Melbourne-Werribee who are now on a four-game winning streak and sit atop of the table with an 8-2 record. Western Bulldogs are now 4-6 after starting the season so promisingly, with a six-point gap away from sixth spot inside the final race.

TEAMS

Western Bulldogs

B: T. Crook (30) – S. Sansonetti (55)
HB: R. Benham (44) – B. Ward (54) – M. Styles (50) 
C: T. Skenderis (34) – Z. Ward (59) – E. Ramsay (46)
HF: B. McFarlane (58) – M. Sandral (39) – M. McLeod (31)
F: R. Saulitis (56) – I. Milford (64)
R: L. Swain (71) – J. Tabb (63) – Z. Hamilton (62)
INT: C. Parnell (36) – C. McDermott (38) – J. Livingstone (40) – H.Brodie (47) – P. Pavic (57)

North Melbourne-Werribee:

B: B. Deed (15) – A. Ling (24)
HB: E. Jackson (19) – S. Reid (6) – M. Zander (10)
C: C. Blair (26) – T. Ortlepp (34) – T. Meier (2)
HF: R. Tierney (23) – N. Dojiok (40) – K. Ternes (25)
F: Z. Flanigan (16) – Z. Savarirayan (35)
R: K. Reynolds (44) – R. Sutton (4) – M. Di Cosmo (12)
INT: S. Ingram (21) – C. Ryan (5) – G. Nicholas (9) – M. Clifford (47) – J. Douglas (13)

CHANGES

The ladder leaders did not make any chances for the Friday night clash, keeping a settled lineup after their hard-fought win over Williamstown six days ago. However the Bulldogs were force to make three changes, with Isabella Davies unavailable, Amelia Klingbeil injured and Freya Taylor out with concussion.

Coming into the red, white and blue are ex-Jets Paula Pavic and Hannah Brodie, as well as Zali Ward. The latter has been named in the centre for the big game against such an experienced lineup.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

Greater Western Victoria (GWV) over-ager Brook Ward looks set to focus on her VFLW commitments from here on out and will settle into a sweeping role at half-back. Her size allows her to play on talls and smalls alike, so will no doubt have a big job tonight.

A host of ex-AFLW players who are always in the mix to head back to the top level are also in the side with ex-Tiger and Magpie, Sarah Sansonetti, ex-Saint Renee Saulitis and ex-Giant Zara Hamilton all playing well at The Kennel.

For the Roos, their ex-AFLW core is incredible, though the ones yet to make the jump up such as goalsneak and competition leading goalkicker Nyakoat Dojiok, and hard-working ex-Pio Jemmika Douglas are ones to watch. Matilda Zander and Tahlia Meier are two who always look just above state level, with Madeline Di Cosmo clearly in that boat as well.

PREDICTION

It is impossible to go past the Roos who are flying high and clearly the team to beat again in 2025. Even without their AFL Women’s talent, most of their list are very good state leaguers who have either reached the top level or been on the precipice. The Bulldogs have talent, but not at the same level of experience, so will need to be at their absolute best to cause an upset. North Melbourne by 35 points.

ROUND 11 FIXTURE

Friday, July 4:

Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne-Werribee @ Whitten Oval, 7:35pm

Saturday, July 5:

Collingwood vs. Carlton @ Victoria Park, 10:05am
Port Melbourne vs. Williamstown @ ETU Stadium, 10:05am

Sunday, July 6:

Casey Demons vs. Geelong @ Casey Fields, 11:05am
Essendon vs. Darebin Falcons @ Windy Hill, 11:05am
Box Hill Hawks vs. Sandringham Zebras @ Box Hill City Oval, 11:35am

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