THE WESTERN Bulldogs made it two wins from two starts to open their 2026 campaign, defeating Richmond by 11 points at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday, the final score 7.6 (48) to 5.7 (37) in the Dogs’ favour.
Both sides came into Saturday's clash off the back of Round One wins, but it was the Bulldogs who maintained their unbeaten record.
BULLDOGS v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats
It was the Tigers who kicked the first goal through No.1 draft pick Olivia Wolmarans, but the Dogs kicked five of the next six to go to half-time 16 points in front.
Richmond started finding more of the ball after the long break but couldn't capitalise on its opportunities, kicking just one goal late in the third term while holding the Bulldogs to a single behind.
The fourth quarter was an even contest despite Mon Conti doing all in her powers to give her teammates chances to score.
Wolmarans kicked three goals from seven marks and seven disposals giving her best efforts and plenty of hope for Richmond fans, but couldn’t get her side over the line.Â
For the Bulldogs, Isabelle Pritchard booted one goal in the final quarter when her side needed it the most, as the Tigers had been dominating forward entries in the second half.
Pritchard finished with 36 disposals, surpassing her previous high of 33 against Collingwood in Round 7, 2025.
Emma McDonald was also among the Bulldogs’ best, kicking three first-half goals that set the tone for their aggressive start and proved decisive in the final margin.
More to come
Up next
It doesn't get any easier for the Bulldogs, who face the mighty back-to-back premiers North Melbourne next round at UTAS Stadium, Launceston. Richmond, meanwhile, heads to TIO Stadium in Darwin to take on Essendon.
WESTERN BULLDOGSÂ Â 2.1Â Â 5.3Â Â 5.4Â Â 7.6 (48)
RICHMONDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1.2Â Â 2.5Â Â 3.5Â Â 5.7 (37)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: McDonald 3, Cann, Wain, Woodley, Pritchard
Richmond: Wolmarans 3, Greiser, Cleary
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, McDonald, Fitzgerald, Bennetts
Richmond: Wolmarans, Conti, Greiser
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Deanna Berry (Collarbone)
Richmond: Nil
Late changes
Western Bulldogs: Kaylee Kimber (illness) replaced in selected side by Mizuki Brothwell
Richmond: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: TBC at Mission Whitten Oval
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