The Western Bulldogs have recorded consecutive AFLW victories for the first time since 2019, edging winless Geelong by 15 points.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a low-scoring scrap at GMHBA Stadium, skipper Ellie Blackburn was again the shining light on Friday night as the Bulldogs pulled away late to win 3.6 (24) to 1.3 (9).
After producing one of the best individual quarters in AFLW history to drag her team across the line against Carlton last week, Blackburn delivered another consistent performance to rack up a second-straight best-on-ground.
The 25-year-old finished with 25 possessions and laid nine tackles as Nathan Burke's charges move to a 2-1 record and into finals calculations.
Despite controlling most of the game, the Bulldogs led by a solitary point at three-quarter-time with the Cats' only major coming late in the third term through crafty forward Phoebe McWilliams.
Outstanding final quarter goals to Rising Star nominee Jess Fitzgerald and Kirsten McLeod, which both came on the run, sealed the result.
The last time the Bulldogs won back-to-back matches was in the opening two rounds of the 2019 season.
"Geez, it's exciting. It's been a long time since going back-to-back so it's definitely been a goal of ours coming into the game," Blackburn told Fox Footy.
"(Fitzgerald) running into a goal like that at the end, it really sets the tone for our team for the rest of the season."
It was a special debut off the bench for Isabella Grant, the daughter of Bulldogs legend Chris Grant.
The Bulldogs' only concern was an eye injury to Ashleigh Guest, with the 30-year-old's face swelling up immediately after a collision.
Geelong have scored a total of just four goals across their first three games this season, but coach Paul Hood is staying positive.
"I thought the effort was fantastic, actually really pleased with our players; it was the most complete four-quarter performance from an intensity point of view this season," Hood said.
"The girls are disappointed we didn't get the win, but feel are performances are improving."
In the last football game in Victoria before the state goes into a five-day lockdown, 1124 fans watched on at Kardinia Park.
Australian Associated Press
