Star Bulldog Katie Brennan is in danger of missing the AFLW Grand Final through suspension

KATIE Brennan will thrive on the rare pressure of captaining her side in a grand final, Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves says — that is, if she is allowed on the field. First, the star Dog must avoid a suspension.

Katie Brennan celebrates a goal for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein

KATIE Brennan will thrive on the rare pressure of captaining her side in a grand final, Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves says — that is, if she is allowed on the field

Brennan played her first game in a month on Saturday night but now faces a nervous wait to see if the AFL’s match review officer Michael Christian cites her for a sling tackle on Demon Harriet Cordner in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s gutsy win over the Demons.

Brennan flung Cordner to the ground and appeared to have one arm loosely pinned at the start of the tackle before the Melbourne defender’s head appeared to hit the ground. Cordner was visibly affected by the tackle and given a free kick.

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Brennan was reprimanded for rough conduct in Round 1 and another reprimand would mean a suspension and missing Saturday’s grand final.

While Brennan’s injury layoff showed on the pitch on Saturday night, Groves said the hitout was a crucial first step for the 25-year-old.

Brennan was restricted to a maximum 70 per cent game time on her return from a Round 3 ankle injury, but will be let loose in the decider and play her normal match minutes of up to 95 per cent.

Katie Brennan celebrates with teammates on Saturday night. Picture: Getty Images

“I think she’s pulled up pretty well, she’s going to clearly be sore, but she got more confident on it (her ankle),” Groves said.

“She was very rusty, mainly because she hasn’t been able to do much training, there were some uncharacteristic drops of marks, which just isn’t her.

“She’s a big game player, so put her in a grand final and she’ll start to take those marks.

“She can only get better from that.

“ … Little things like just keeping Dee Berry on her game … we’re so young down there (forward), she just brings that little bit of stability and leadership and a little bit more confidence.”

The Dogs have pulled up well from the physical clash with the Demons, with no obvious injury concerns.

The Bulldogs finished seventh in the debut season with just two wins after starting flag favourites.

Groves said the club’s turn around was due to numerous things including a fresh game plan, a skills-first training approach, top-notch recruiting and a talented and open playing list.

Katie Brennan with star youngster Monique Conti. Picture: Getty Images

“The playing group has been willing to try some new things, they’ve been willing to open up and share about themselves, so we understand what’s going on (with them),” Groves said.

“ … We got rid of a lot of the game sense, all the little games I was doing at training last year we got rid of them and put basic, simple (skills) rotations in for every training session we’ve done this year.

“And a bit of belief and confidence in the girls in those skills have just gone through the roof.

“… Just the game style, I wouldn’t say it’s simpler, but it’s a lot easier for the girls to understand.

“We drafted and recruited so well … not just at the top end, the back end of the draft and our rookie draft.”