DESPITE the wet and difficult conditions in the grand final, both teams managed to have a good day in the stats department. In fact, 17 players ended up with double-figure disposals on the day. The Bulldogs triumphed in the end, but the Lions did not give up all day which shows in the numbers from the game.

Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane

Brisbane had to accept back-to-back premiership defeats as the Bulldogs took a one-goal victory in their maiden grand final appearance. It was a wet, low-scoring affair that was controlled by the Lions early on with the Bulldogs scoreless to halftime. A three-goal “premiership” third term saw the Bulldogs take back the lead. Despite a final term fight-back by the Lions lead by Jess Wuetschner (two goals, 11 disposals), the class of the Western Bulldogs saw them get over the line. Bulldogs regular stars Ellie Blackburn (17 disposals), Emma Kearney (12 disposals and a goal), Jenna Bruton (13 disposals, seven tackles) and Monique Conti (13 disposals and eventual Best on Ground) did not perform any differently in the high-pressure match. The runners-up also had a strong showing with commendable performances by Kate Lutkins (21 disposals), Jamie Stanton (20 disposals), Ally Anderson (16 disposals), Nat Exon (16 disposals, nine tackles) and Emily Bates (15 disposals).

Stat comparison

Disposals: WBD 160 – Bris 205

Kicks: WBD 106 – Bris 131

Handballs: WBD 54 – Bris 74

Marks: WBD 12 – 32

Hitouts: WBD 34 – Bris 25

Inside 50s: WBD 27 – Bris 27

Inside 50 efficiency: WBD 26 per cent – Bris 22 per cent

Tackles: WBD 69 – Bris 82

Rebound 50s: WBD 22 – Bris 23

Goals: WBD 4 – Bris 3

Behinds: WBD 3 – Bris 3

Conversion rate: WBD 57 per cent – Bris 50 per cent