Bulldogs power past Bombers in Pride Round rout at Whitten Oval
The Western Bulldogs beat Essendon by 43 points to open AFLW Round 9, 10.5 (65) to 2.10 (22) at Whitten Oval. It was the Bulldogs' seventh win of the season. The Pride Round clash was played in front of a Bulldogs home crowd on Friday, 9 October ABC News.
In footy scoring, that reads as 10 goals and five behinds to two goals and 10 behinds. A goal is worth six points. A behind is worth one. The match was scheduled for 7:15pm AEDT at Mission Whitten Oval in Melbourne Western Bulldogs.
Essendon started fast. Emily Gough kicked the opening goal inside the first two minutes. That was as good as it got for the Bombers for a long stretch.
The Bulldogs took control from there. They led by 25 points at half-time. They kept Essendon to a single goal for more than two quarters.
Isabelle Pritchard drove the midfield with 30 disposals and 10 clearances. A disposal is any kick or handball that keeps play moving. A clearance is a clean win out of a stoppage. She gave the Bulldogs first use, again and again.
Sarah Hartwig did the damage up forward with a career-high four goals. It was sharp finishing in a game where Essendon managed just two majors for the night. Sophie Alexander kicked Essendon's second goal just before three-quarter time.
The Bulldogs passed 60 points for the fifth time since 2025. That number matters. Sixty points is a strong attacking return in the AFLW, where shorter quarters and heavy pressure often keep scores low.
The night doubled as the club's annual Pride Round clash at Mission Whitten Oval. The Bulldogs wore their 2026 Pride guernsey for the occasion. The Round 9 opener of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season was broadcast on 7mate and 7Plus and on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
What makes this stand out is the response. Conceding first, at home, in a themed round can rattle a side. The Bulldogs steadied quickly and did not let go.
For fans, this means a settled run home. The Bulldogs finish with Carlton, Melbourne and Geelong. Essendon faces North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Collingwood in its final three games.
