Bulldogs smash Magpies for first AFLW win of season

THE Western Bulldogs have recorded their first win of the AFLW season, storming home to smash an injury-hit Collingwood by 42 points.

After beginning life under new coach Tamara Hyett with four straight defeats, the Bulldogs rallied at Victoria Park to pile more misery upon the Magpies on Sunday.

Trailing Collingwood by eight points at quarter-time, the Bulldogs slotted eight-straight goals to set up the 9.3 (57) to 2.3 (15) win.

It was the Bulldogs’ first victory since they beat West Coast late last season – their only victory for the 2023 campaign.

Still without superstar Ellie Blackburn, the Bulldogs’ younger guard stepped up and built on an encouraging performance against reigning premiers Brisbane last week.

No.1 draft pick Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner enjoyed a breakout game, slotting the first goal of a career full of promise.

The 19-year-old capped off a special day for the Bulldogs when she snapped a goal-of-the-year contender from the pocket in the last quarter.

Bulldogs captain Deanna Berry was thrilled with the win.

“We’ve been building so much over the last few weeks, and every week we’ve just continually got better,” she told the Seven Network.

“We wanted it today so bad.

“After Wednesday playing the Lions, we knew that we had the confidence to come out really put on a good show.

“Those girls, they’re working their butts off right now, and we’re proving that we’re going to be there soon.

“I’m just so proud of them.”

The Magpies, who lost star Bri Davey (concussion) and Mikala Cann (suspension) since their last-start loss against West Coast, managed just one behind after the first break in a concerning performance for coach Sam Wright.

The result leaves Collingwood at 0-5 and on the bottom as the only AFLW team without any points this season.

Crafty forward Eliza James kicked both of the Magpies’ goals.