A review of the rebel VFLW preliminary final.

WILLIAMSTOWN                      0.2        2.2        2.3        2.4 (16)
WESTERN BULLDOGS          2.2        4.4        6.6        9.6 (60)

WESTERN Bulldogs will play in their second rebel VFLW Grand Final after a comprehensive 44-point thrashing of minor premier Williamstown in the preliminary final at ETU Stadium on Sunday.

The Bulldogs had lost six games in a row against the Seagulls since 2018 but learned their lessons from two convincing losses this season – including the qualifying final a fortnight ago – to completely dominate the contest from start to finish in difficult conditions.

The Bulldogs took control from the first bounce as the Seagulls struggled to cover the losses of key defender Gabby Biedenweg-Webster, who was signed by Fremantle on the eve of the finals, and captain Eliza Straford, who tore her ACL in a devastating blow in the qualifying final.

Mali McLeod found herself in the right place at the right time to capitalise on a brilliant goal square smother to kick the opening goal before Mary Sandral snapped a terrific goal from 35m a few minutes later to take a 12-point lead at the opening break.

Even though Williamstown had the better of the second quarter, it was the term where the match was decided, with Mia-Rae Clifford and Trinity Skenderis both kicking majors from 50m penalties to cancel the two nice goals kicked by Chloe Bain and Emily Eaves.

The Western Bulldogs then took full control in the second half, with Keeley Hardingham’s two third-quarter goals all but sealing the victory as her side took a 27-point lead into the last break.

Ellie Bishop, Tallia Pulcino and then Clifford on the final siren booted the only three goals of the final term to complete an emphatic victory as the Bulldogs secured their second Grand Final appearance after their defeat to Collingwood in the 2019 decider.

The Bulldogs’ control of the match was clearly shown in the numbers as they won the crucial stats of disposals (219-154), marks (53-24) and inside-50s (41-20). Tellingly, 11 of the 12 lowest ball-winners on the ground were wearing the yellow sash.

Williamstown went with a two-pronged attack on Lambert-Pearce Medal contender Hardingham and had the better of her in the taps.

However, the young star found another way to impact the game, working her way to 16 disposals, 19 hitouts and two goals. Cat O’Bryan and Akima Manoah shared 41 hitouts but only six touches between them.

When the Seagulls did venture into attack, Tamsin Crook (18 disposals, seven marks, five rebounds) and Ash Snow (14) disposals were there to turn them back.

Meanwhile, Dom Carbone (16 disposals, five clearances, six tackles), Sarah Skinner (18 disposals, five clearances, five entries) were workhorses through the middle and Skenderis (13, one goal) had one of her best games of the year.

Eloise Freeman put in a lion-hearted effort in defence for Williamstown with 17 possessions and five marks with Megan Williamson (15 disposals, five clearances, five tackles) also putting in a strong effort.

But the Seagulls were simply outclassed as a terrific season that yielded 11 wins a minor premiership came to an end.

2024 rebel VFLW GRAND FINAL

Grand Final
North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
Sunday, July 21 at 12:10pm
ETU Stadium