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
Even though Richmond started with the opening goal in the first quarter, the Bulldogs weren't far away as midfielder Mikala Cann immediately responded.
The Tigers' influence going forward was limited in the first half, with the visitors managing just eight inside-50s, their equal-lowest half-time tally on record.
Both sides struggled to find the scoreboard for much of the third quarter, before Irish recruit Aoibhin Cleary broke the deadlock late, booting a brilliant goal to keep Richmond's hopes alive.
Heidi Woodley opened the final term for the Bulldogs, but Wolmarans quickly responded with her second goal as the Tigers tried to close the gap. By the time she completed her hat-trick, though, it was too little, too late for Richmond.
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.
Monique Conti was Richmond's best again, finishing with 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven inside-50s, six clearances and 669 metres gained.
The rest of the Tigers' midfield struggled to control the ball the way Conti did.
Bulldogs' key players fire
The Western Bulldogs haven’t just won the contest, they’ve played some really good footy to make sure they stay on top. Apart from Isabelle Pritchard, plenty of others also showed intent. Jess Fitzgerald (29 disposals), Elle Bennetts (24 disposals) and Britney Gutknecht (19 disposals) were too good for the Tigers to handle, helping drive them to an impressive 11-point victory.
Donders sees plenty to build on
Apart from Monique Conti and Olivia Wolmarans, Richmond struggled to find the same level of impact across the ground, with the absence of Sarah Hosking clearly felt. But coach Jarrad Donders said there were plenty of positives to take from the game, particularly praising Irish recruit Aoibhin Cleary after she kicked her first AFLW goal. Donders believes there is plenty more to come from Cleary and remains positive about what his side can build from here.
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 BULLDOGS 2.1 5.3 5.4 7.6 (48)
RICHMOND 1.2 2.5 3.5 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