Diamond Creek star Stephanie Chiocci leads Western Bulldogs to victory over Western Australia in exhibition game at Docklands

DIAMOND Creek captain Stephanie Chiocci starred in the Western Bulldogs’ upset victory over Western Australia in a women’s exhibition match at Docklands.

DIAMOND Creek captain Stephanie Chiocci starred in the Western Bulldogs’ upset victory over Western Australia in Sunday’s women’s exhibition match at Docklands.

Captaining the Bulldogs for the fourth time, Chiocci was instrumental in a defensive role during the first half, guarding Western Australian star Renee Forth.

She also provided one for the highlights reel, taking a specky on the wing.

“I loved playing off the half back flank and have played a lot of my footy there early on in my career,” she said. “(Bulldogs’ coach) Damien Keeping gave us all the licence to run and back ourselves and I think that’s what I love most about playing that role; the fact that you’re encouraged to take the game on which can be a real weapon for us.”

The Bulldogs snatched an 11-point half time lead and pushed that out to nearly four goals before a Western Australian fightback.

Hannah Scott clears for Western Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein.

Western Australia slammed on three unanswered goals to bring themselves to within a kick of the home team before the Bulldogs eventually ground out a 13-point win .

Chiocci said many Western Australian players will be catching eyes in next year’s Women’s National Competition.

“Western Australia are certainly improving... they have some extremely skilful and classy players and we always need to be wary of them,” she said. “They move the ball quickly and if you’re not careful you can get caught out.”

Chiocci finished with 18 possessions and seven marks but said she was well-supported by many of her Creek teammates and her parents Rob and Anna before and during the match.

“That’s what happens when you’re a part of a footy family,” she said. “Emily Christodoulou and (Diamond Creek coach) Tanya (Hetherington) spent time with me at home on Saturday to watch the footy, which I really enjoyed as it helped calmed the nerves and Katie Loynes was amazing on the day; always by my side.”