Western Bulldogs treating every AFL Womens game like a final in eight-week season

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Nicole Callinan says her team will be treating every AFL Women’s match as a final in their quest for the inaugural crown.

Nicole Callinan and Brooke Lochland sign autographs after the win over Fremantle. Picture: Rob Leeson

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Nicole Callinan says her team will be treating every AFL Women’s match as a final in their quest for the inaugural crown after a dominant opening to the season.

The Bulldogs confirmed they would be a force in the new league with a comfortable 32-point Round 1 win over Fremantle at a packed Whitten Oval on Saturday night.

Their next assignment is against the Adelaide Crows, also big opening round winners, at the Whitten Oval on Friday night.

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With just an eight-week season in the new competition, Callinan said there was no room for error if the team wanted to ensure it could book a grand final spot.

“Every game you have got to treat it like a final,’’ Callinan said.

“Because it’s not a long season and every game you’ve basically got to give it all the whole game. Nothing to lose.

Elle Blackburn celebrates a goal against Fremantle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“It will go so quick, so you’ve just got to do everything right.’’

Callinan said the Bulldogs could not have asked for a better start to the season in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 fans at the Kennel.

But she admitted it had been a relief to get the opening game out of the way after such a big build-up to the new league.

“It was a great start and we are all so happy and I think it’s just nice to get it out of the way,’’ Callinan said.

“We all train so hard and we were counting down the days. It was such a good start to the season and exciting that it’s all finally happening now.

“I think we all played our role, it was a real team effort across the board. Everyone had areas of brilliance, but at the end of the day we all did our role and came out as a team effort and that’s what was really pleasing.’’

A huge crowd cheers the Western Bulldogs onto Whitten Oval. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Callinan said the Dogs were determined to take advantage of their home ground advantage in their matches at the Whitten Oval, but was aware the Crows would also be on a high after their 36-point win over the Giants.

“We’re very lucky to have the home ground advantage, the crowd was amazing last night. The buzz of that and just the supporters getting around women’s footy in general,’’ she said.

“With Adelaide Crows coming off a really good win, I think we will have to be on our best for Friday night. They are a quality side.

“They are obviously very happy with their result, too, and we’ll gear up for what they’ve got to bring.’’