Essendon have locked in their place for the 2023 VFLW finals series with a tense 13-point win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
Returning to Windy Hill for the first time this season, the Bombers traded blows with the Bulldogs in a see-sawing contest for most of the day.
Trailing by five points at three-quarter-time and requiring a win to keep their season alive, the Bombers found an extra gear right when they needed to.
The forward duo of Olivia Manfre and co-captain Mia-Rae Clifford hit the scoreboard in quick succession to restore Essendon’s lead, before a jubilant Megan Ryan put the result beyond doubt, finishing off a brilliant team goal.
Ryan would end the day with 15 disposals and two goals in a game-breaking display, alongside many others who stood up late in the piece.
Sophie Molan and El Chaston combined for 47 disposals, whilst Zoe Hurrell was solid on the last line with four big marks.
The win locks the Bombers into fifth place ahead of the official finals fixture announcement this week.
ESSENDON 1.0 3.0 3.3 6.5 (41)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.1 2.1 4.2 4.4 (28)
Goals: Ryan 2, Clifford 2, Manfre 2
Best: Molan, Ryan, Chaston, Sutton
Image: Nigel Barrie Photography.
