Women’s game needs ‘time to develop’, says Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Paul Groves has urged fans to be patient as the AFL Women’s competition works itself out after three lopsided games over the opening weekend.
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Paul Groves has called for time for the AFL Women’s competition to work itself out after three lopsided games over the opening weekend.
The Bulldogs restricted Fremantle to just one goal in their match at Whitten Oval on Saturday night, while GWS kicked its only goal against Adelaide on Saturday afternoon in the final quarter and Collingwood kicked just one six-pointer against Carlton on Friday night.
All three matches have been decided by more than five goals.
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Groves admitted while coaches wanted to win, there had to be a balance with the defensive side of the game so an attractive style of football was on show.
“You essentially are trying to win, but there is that, in the back of your mind, you’ve got the development side and you’ve got little girls watching the game so it has to be fairly attractive,” Groves said.
“But you’ve also got to have the players that can play that brand in your team. Some teams will go a little bit more defensive because a few injuries are going to creep in. We’ve just got to let it play out. It’s going to be such a different comp in two years’ time.”
The Bulldogs will shorten in premiership favouritism for the inaugural AFL Women’s premiership this week after last night’s win.
The Bulldogs pressed up and put pressure on the Dockers as they controlled much of the match, particularly after halftime.
Groves said he could not have asked for much more from his girls against a quality opposition.
“Fremantle are a super team, they’ve got some exceptional players on that team and they’re going to be really hard to beat so for us, we’re really happy with that scalp,” he said.
“It was a pretty big match up just to kick start it and get that four points locked away because it’s cut throat. If you lose two games, you’re probably going to miss the final.
“It’s essential to win your home games.”
Fremantle coach Michelle Cowan said the Bulldogs had set the bar with their intensity.
A disappointed Cowan said her side didn’t bring enough effort, but she had faith the premiership fancy could turn it around against Brisbane at home next Sunday.
“The Bulldogs were incredible with their relentless pressure and their tackling,” Cowan said.
“We probably didn’t match it or go with them.”
Dockers defender Ebony Antonio could be the first player to come under the scrutiny of the match review panel after a high final-quarter hit on Jess Gardner, which saw the Western Bulldogs player leave the ground.
Originally published as Women’s game needs ‘time to develop’, says Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves
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