Bulldogs reach AFLW top four after 43-point win over Essendon
Sarah Hartwig's career-high four goals helped the Bulldogs claim their seventh victory of the season in Pride Round.
A 43-point victory against Essendon has lifted the Western Bulldogs into the AFLW top four. Playing at Whitten Oval in Pride Round, the Bulldogs finished with 10.5 (65), while the Bombers managed 2.10 (22).
Sarah Hartwig produced her best career return with four goals. Isabelle Pritchard gathered 30 disposals and recorded 10 clearances as the home team recovered from an early deficit.
Emily Gough put Essendon ahead with a goal inside two minutes, with the visitors applying pressure and keeping the ball in their forward half. The Bulldogs then kicked five goals without reply, leaving the Bombers 25 points behind at half-time.
Essendon scored nine behinds after Gough's goal before Sophie Alexander added its second goal shortly before three-quarter time. The final term brought three more Bulldogs goals, compared with one behind for Essendon.
Bulldogs midfielder Jess Fitzgerald said the players had wanted a ruthless approach but had not brought it to the first quarter. Hartwig pointed to their work rate and forward pressure, saying the focus remained on the remaining games rather than finals.
The Bulldogs finish their season against Carlton, Melbourne and Geelong. Essendon next faces North Melbourne, with Hawthorn and Collingwood to follow.
