Sydney have secured an AFLW semi-final place after overcoming the Western Bulldogs by 29 points in difficult conditions at a wet and windswept Henson Park.
The Swans established control from the opening bounce, claiming a 7.4 (46) to 2.5 (17) victory after kicking three unanswered goals in the first quarter. The Bulldogs, appearing in the finals for the first time since 2022, were held scoreless during the opening term.
Ellie Blackburn eventually put the Bulldogs on the board in the second quarter, but Sydney’s pressure continued to restrict their opponents. Tanya Kennedy played a key role by curbing Isabelle Pritchard, limiting the Bulldogs’ attacking opportunities.
Chloe Molly, the competition’s leading goalkicker this season, added to her tally as the Swans maintained their advantage. Sydney’s players gathered to celebrate at the final siren as supporters in red and white watched from the boundary in soaked ponchos and with umbrellas turned inside out by the wind.
The result extends a strong campaign for the Sydney women’s programme, which has continued its finals push while drawing record-breaking crowds at Henson Park. The Swans will now face Geelong in the semi-finals.
“Scoreboard is important at the end of the game, but you don’t get there unless you stick to the process and you stick to what we are trying to do,” Sydney coach Colin O’Riordan said.
“The level of pressure they brought across all four quarters, that was outstanding.”
