The Western Bulldogs have overcome injury and a fast finishing Brisbane lions to win by nine points at the South Pine Sports Complex.
Both sides started the game off slowly with just three points scored between each team in the first quarter, as the Lions took an early two-point lead into the first break. The weather was hot but not enough for the AFLW to bring in the hot weather rule.
The second quarter was completely different as the Bulldogs kicked four straight goals to the Lions zero and broke open a handy lead going into the second half.
The Bulldogs were led in the first half thanks to two goals to Isabel Huntington within minutes of one another, add in a goal to Hanna Scott and Jenna Burton and the Dogs looked well on top.
The Lions struggled to get any sort of attack going in that second quarter and didn’t score until the final few seconds of the quarter.
The third quarter started off slow for both teams before the Lion’s decided to make a game of it cutting the final quarter deficit to just 16 points however inaccurate goal kicking would be the ultimate let down for the Lions.
Brisbane had similar struggles in front of goal last time these sides met but today they were more accurate.
The Lions looked to takeover in the final term and they very nearly did kicking two goals to the Bulldogs one, however that single Dogs goal was enough to put a halt to the Lions run and hold them off for the win.
Isabel Huntington will be the talking point after the game, as she went down with what looks to be a serious knee injury, Huntington was the difference maker in the second quarter before her injury ruled her out for the remainder of the game.
The Bulldogs now equal their 2017 win totals of two in the first two rounds of the game. Brisbane fall to one-and-one, and sit in fourth place.
Next week the Bulldogs will face the reigning premiers Adelaide in what will be another tough contest for them, while Brisbane will travel to take on the ladder leading Blues.
Final score
Western Bulldogs 5.3 (33)
Brisbane Lions 3.6 (24)
In the final game of AFLW Round 2, the Brisbane Lions take on the Western Bulldogs at South Pine Sports Complex. Join The Roar for all the action from 4:35pm (AEDT).
Despite making the inaugural grand final, the Lions were the overlooked side coming into the new season.
Losing star player Tayla Harris in the offseason had some believing the Lions would regress in their second season, however a dominant win over the reigning premiers, Adelaide, got them off to a strong start. Of particular note was Sharni Webb, who kicked three goals.
The Bulldogs disappointed in their first season, however a strong, 26-point win over Fremantle got them off to a good start in 2018, with Ellie Blackburn the star.
After talk during the week on making the game more free-flowing and higher scoring, the question is whether these teams change anything.
The last time these two teams met was a dreary affair, with Brisbane kicking just two goals and 11 behinds, while the Bulldogs managed four goals but still went down.
The Lions have their hands full keeping Katie Brennan and Ellie Blackburn quiet, while Webb will look to replicate her strong performance in Round 1.
Prediction
Brisbane by 3
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 4:35pm (AEDT).
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Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Scrappy Bulldogs hold off the Lions in a bittersweet win. Western Bulldogs have overcome injury and a fast finishing Brisbane lions to win by 9 points at the South Pine Sports Complex. Both sides started the game off slowly with just 3 points scored between each team in the first quarter, as the Lions took an early 2 point lead into the first break. The weather was hot but not enough for the AFLW to bring in the hot weather rule. The second quarter was completely different as the Bulldogs kicked 4 straight goals to the Lions 0 and broke open a handy lead going into the 2nd half. The Bulldogs were led in the first half thanks to two goals to Isabel Huntington within minutes of one another, add in a goal to Hanna Scott and Jenna Burton and the Dogs looked well on top. The Lions struggled to get any sort of attack going in that second quarter and didn't score until the final few seconds of the quarter. The third quarter started off slow for both teams before the Lion's decided to make a game of it cutting the final quarter deficit to just 16 points however inaccurate goal kicking would be the ultimate let down for the Lions. The Lion's had similar struggles in front of goal last time these sides met but today they were more accurate. The Lions looked to takeover in the final term and they very nearly did kicking 2 goals to the Bulldogs 1 however that 1 bulldogs goal was enough to put a halt to the Lions run and hold them off for the win. Isabel Huntington will be the talking point after the game, as she went down with what looks to be a serious knee injury, Huntington was the difference maker in the second quarter before her injury ruled her out for the remainder of the game. The Bulldogs now equal their 2017 win totals of 2 in the first 2 rounds of the game. Brisbane fall to 1 and 1 and sit in 4th place. Next week the Bulldogs will face the reigning premiers Adelaide in what will be another tough contest for them, while Brisbane will travel to take on the ladder leading Blues. Leading goal kickers. Brisbane Jess Wuuetschner 2 Alexandra Anderson 1 Bulldogs Isabel Huntington 2 3 players with 1. Leading disposals Brisbane Emily Bates 21 Jamie Stanton 16 Alexandra Anderson 16 Bulldogs Kirsty Lamb 20 Emma Kearney 18 Jenna Bruton 15 Final Score. Bulldogs 5.3.33 Defeated Lions 3.6.24
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Bulldogs win. The Western Bulldogs have held on to beat the Brisbane Lions 5.3.33- 3.6.18.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Jess Wuestchtner with her second goal of the game and the Lions respond immediately. Lions 3.6.24 Bulldogs 5.3.33 1:36 remains.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Goal Bulldogs, Aisling Utri gets her first goal of the game and looks to have sealed this game for the Bulldogs. Lions 2.6.18 Bulldogs 5.3.33 2.22 left in the game.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Goal Lions, Back to an 8 point lead to the Bulldogs after a great goal to Allie Anderson . Lions 2.6.18 Bulldogs 4.2.26 4 minutes remains.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Lions are trying to will themselves to this win, they are still pushing hard against the Bulldogs.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
8 minutes still to play, Bulldogs leading by 14 points.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Lions dominating the possession to start this final term. Emily Bates is now lining up for a goal. It doesn't reach the distance but is rushed through for a behind. Lions 1.6.12 Bulldogs 4.2.26
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Lions dominating the possession to start this final term. Emily Bates is now lining up for a goal. It doesn't reach the distance but is rushed through for a behind. Lions 1.6.12 Bulldogs 4.2.26
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Behind Lions. Lions 1.5.11 Bulldogs 4.2.26 10:47 last quarter.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
4th quarter underway. Bulldogs lead by 16 points.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
End of the 3rd quarter. Low scoring scrappy quarter. Just 3 scoring possessions for the quarter with all three going to the Lions. The Lions managed to trim the deficit back to 16 points but they still have a long way to go in this game. The Bulldogs are still leading the disposals over the lions 163-130, the Lions are being outplayed in most categories and look to be beaten, despite this they are still pushing hard and making the Bulldogs work for all of their play. Can the Lions finish off the comeback in the final term or will the Bulldogs manage to hold on. Brisbane Lions 1.5.11 trailing the Bulldogs 4.2.26. Isabel Huntington leading all goalscorers with 2.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Behind Lions. Back to back scoring shots to the Lions both end in misses. Lions 1.5.11 Bulldogs 4.2.26
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Behind Lions, Long stretch of play without a score is finally broken with a behind to Lions. Lions 1.4.10 Bulldogs 4.2.26 1"10 remains 3rd quarter.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Scrappy affair now after a fast paced opening to the game.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Lions have picked up the tempo in this 3rd quarter.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Goal Brisbane Jess Wuestschener kicks her first goal of the game and Brisbanes first as well . Brisbane 1.3.9 Bulldogs 4.2.26 12.50 left in the third term.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
AFL probably did it intentionally for that exact reason.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
23 point lead to the Bulldogs going into this 3rd term. Lions 3 Bulldogs 26.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
3rd quarter almost underway.