There was no stopping the Bombers at Manuka Oval, as they launched their AFLW season with a dominant 56-point win over the GWS GIANTS. After a tight first quarter, the Dons lifted their intensity and effort in the second, setting the stage for what became a Bomber blitz in Canberra. The Bombers took control of the contest through pressure and contested ball dominance and had six front-half intercepts in the second, which helped convert to scoring opportunities.

Senior Coach Natalie Wood praised the efforts of the team, highlighting not just the record breaking scoreline, but also the effort and hunger displayed across the ground.

Wood on... Round one performance and the record-breaking scoreline

You spend the entire pre-season hoping your improvements and changes will translate on game day, but you never really know until you’re up against another side. GWS had some strong passages and held field position well early, but it was terrific to see our group push through tough moments and play with efficiency when moving forward. I think a lot of our success came from our work around the contest, particularly in contested possessions and stoppages (against a GIANTS side that’s very strong in that area). It was great to see our players take control, which allowed us to generate a high number of inside 50s. Our improved efficiency, ability to stick marks, and the forward pressure we applied were also really pleasing signs of growth.

Wood on... the debutants and milestones

There was plenty to celebrate, with three AFLW debutants, Grace Belloni, Taya Chambers, and Holly Ridewood, all of which made an immediate impact in the game, and the night also marked significant milestones for Steph Cain (game 75) and Brooke Walker (game 50). There was a lot of emotional energy in the group , and it was fantastic to see them all step up. Grace competed strongly up forward, Holly’s work rate and scoreboard impact stood out, and Taya was composed down back against some fast and physical forwards. 

Wood on... Round two at Windy Hill

We’re really excited to be back at Windy Hill, it’s our home, and we want to fill the hill with Bomber fans. We’ve got six games there this season, which we’re really looking forward to. We always have a strong contest against West Coast, and the last time we played them at Windy Hill, they got the better of us. I think there’ll be a fair bit of emotion, and we’ll need to focus on playing to our strengths, but we’re really looking forward to getting back to Windy Hill and taking on the Eagles.

Catch the Bombers back in action on Sunday at 2:35pm at Windy Hill as they take on the West Coast Eagles.

Tickets for the round two match can be purchased here: Tickets

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