Trentham’s Jenna Bruton played a vital role in securing her Western Bulldog’s a berth in this year’s AFLW grand final.
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It was Bruton’s tough assist which led to the winning goal on Saturday and the Bulldog’s thrilling two-point victory over Melbourne.
Bruton led all comers with 10 tackles from an individual season-high of 18 disposals. She was also named one of the best on-ground in the tough match against the Demons.
The Western Bulldogs will take on the Brisbane Lions in the AFLW grand final at Ikon Park on Saturday night.
The Lions booked their spot in the decider when Adelaide missed their chance to claim second spot as they went down by 21 points to Collingwood at Olympic Park on Sunday.
The Demons clung to a four-point lead as the clock ticked down at a blustery Whitten Oval on Saturday night, but Brooke Lochland snapped a superb goal with just over a minute left to secure a tense 5.3 (33) to 4.7 (31) win in front of 7593 fans.
The Bulldogs go into the grand final as clear favourites after finishing a game clear on top of the ladder, but it hasn't been an easy road for coach Paul Groves' side.
They lost gun youngsters Daria Bannister and Isabel Huntington to season-ending injuries in the first fortnight of the competition and then star skipper Katie Brennan for three matches with an ankle injury.
Despite their troubles, the Dogs still had the competition's most potent attack, with AFLW leading goalkicker Brooke Lochland a standout with 12 majors.
"They don't hand us a cup for (finishing top), so we're pretty steadfast in that we're going to enjoy this ... it's a different week for us now but we want to put our hands around the big (trophy)," Groves said
They don't hand us a cup for (finishing top), so we're pretty steadfast in that we're going to enjoy this ... it's a different week for us now but we want to put our hands around the big (trophy). You just try and back your girls in to have an impact.
- - Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves
"We've just got such a group that are so connected that the next girl just steps up.
"You just try and back your girls in to have an impact," he said.
Brisbane Lions coach Craig Starcevich said: "We're in it so we're 50-50 - we've had a very strong performance (against Greater Western Sydney) on Friday night and we're very confident to play anyone."
