East Coast Eagles v UNSW-ES Bulldogs

It's rare to find ourselves at Blacktown International Sports before the finals series, however with a week of foul weather, the East Coast Eagles v UNSW-ES Bulldogs game was one of two WPD matches to be moved out west. The Eagles were denied of their rowdy crowd and home comforts, and with the Bulldogs fresh from a Bye in round 7, East Coast would need to bring their best effort to take home the win. 

The Bulldogs showcased excellent intent across the 4 quarters, with ruck Kaukiono (24) racking up 29 disposals, gaining the second highest disposal count of the round. She was well supported in the contest by Stanford (10) and Deep (11), who gave their best to get the ball into Bulldogs forward territory. 

Privitelli (19) continued to set the standard for her team and the competition, kicking 3 goals in the game and bringing her tally to 32 in her front position for the Belinda Pride trophy. Tomkins (7) showed her strength against the tall forward, with their competitive match up the spectacle of the game. 

Privitelli kicks 3 against East Coast

Image : Jordan Hamer Photography Round 6

The Bulldogs began the game with an undeniable fervour, setting out to each contest with the intention to win it and push forward. With a relentless intent for the footy, they would claim 3 majors this quarter, wasting no time in their return from a bye in round 7. 

East Coast’s Southon (23) continued to make her mark on the field after an excellent performance last week against the Bats. In a rare opportunity forward for the Eagles, she managed to claim the football 3-1 and was awarded a free kick 50 out from goals. The goal would require a punt beyond her distance, and the ball fell short for the Bulldogs to claim. 

The Bulldogs continued to hone their ball movement, choosing braver options and taking more time before disposing. Captain Conlan (22) took ownership of the ball inside 50, drawing 2 Eagles to her as Smith loitered just far enough to give herself the opportunity to score when she received the hands. She converted truly and the Bulldogs would finish the quarter 3.1.19 - 0.0.0. 

Smith and Privitelli hold the top 2 spots in the Belinda Pride Trophy

Image : Jordan Hamer Photograpy Round 6

Much like the North Shore in their game against UTS, the Bulldogs were winning more of the football, winning 78 possessions overall compared to East Coast’s 47 this quarter. With 97 of these 125 total disposals being contested, the game was predominantly played at ground level, in and around the contest. 

Conceding only two goals this quarter, East Coast were unrelenting in their tackling pressure, with debutant Hicks (42) displaying the standard of the Eagle’s defensive line with her marks and involvement. 

In the first of their majors, the Bulldog’s Conlan drew both Tomkins and Jackson (3) with effortless poise, leaving the dangerous Privitelli free, 20 out from goal, to take the uncontested mark and score. The second of the Bulldogs goals was from a somewhat luckier attempt on goals, with Voura (8) charging her way through the contest to quickly throw it on the boot, scoring from the left pocket. Allowing for a couple of missed opportunities, the Bulldogs finished the half in a comfortable lead, 5.3.33 -0.0.0. 

Tomkins lead the defensive efforts for her team

Image: Jordan Hamer Photography Round 7

The Bulldogs refused to go away, as more of the team brought their class to the side's performance. Willey (5) was attentive at half forward, taking a skillful mark and sending it back from whence it came. East Coast did well to crowd the Bulldogs forward, allowing Hicks to intercept and charge out of danger. 

As it turns out, the Bulldogs would be grateful for the change of the tides, as it drew East Coast players out of their 50, and into a rare press forward. An unfortunate bounce snatched the opportunity from the Eagles, and there was no regaining possession once the Bulldogs had claimed the turnover, returning to a much sparser forward line for Privatelli to work her magic. 

The Eagles side sacrificed their attempts forward to focus on the defensive press. For the most part, it was successful, and they foiled many forward entry attempts. However, with the class of Privitelli and Conlan in the forward line, it was only a matter of time before they elevated, winning their marking contests through pure physicality to put another major on the board through their joint efforts. 

The efforts of Hicks and Whelan (19) snuffed the Bulldogs efforts, and the siren would sound with the Bulldogs leaving the third term with a comfortable lead of 7.8.50 - 0.

The Bulldogs continued to cause trouble for the Eagles in the final quarter, evading tackles and finding space, enough for Ryan (15) to snag a goal from 30 metres out. 

The Eagles were persistent in their defensive efforts, with Grosse (1) working hard on the outer wing to keep the ball out of Smith’s hands, however a series of questionable umpire decisions would work against the Eagles, keeping them out of possession and eventuating in another goal against the fruitless home side. 

The Bulldogs would stay dominant for the remainder of the game, however the co-captains Hourigan (6) and McMillan (8) would lead the fight for their Eagles side, showing they would not simply roll over under the mounting goal line.

A high kick into the Bulldogs 50 would land at the feet of Tomkins and Hawes (3), and in a rare lapse of composure, Tomkins would give away the free kick for holding the player only metres out from goals, handing a sure conversion to Hawes for UNSW’s final goal of the game. 

In the end, it was a one sided goal line, with UNSW cementing their ladder position with a win of 10.8.68 -0.0.0

If you wish to watch this game for yourself, click here.