AFLW Match Preview Lions v Bulldogs

The Brisbane Lions are stepping into their upcoming AFLW match against the Western Bulldogs with the weight of being the favorites, but it’s not a role they seem completely comfortable with. This match feels even more significant as the Bulldogs will be playing without their star player, making this the first time ever they face Brisbane without their greatest asset. The stage is set for what could be an interesting clash, as these two original AFLW teams reignite an old rivalry.

A Look Back: The Last Clash

If you think back to February 2018, that’s the last time Brisbane hosted the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW. Back then, the league looked quite different. There were only eight teams competing, and several of the rules we now take for granted, like the 5-6-5 rule, didn’t even exist yet. To put things in perspective, Taylor Smith, one of the standout players now, hadn’t even started her senior football career.

In the early days of the AFLW, Brisbane and the Bulldogs faced each other quite frequently. In the first two years, they went head-to-head three times. But in recent seasons, their encounters have become rare. In fact, they’ve only played twice since those early days. Brisbane emerged victorious in both of those recent matchups, each time by a margin of 32 points. That gives the Lions a 3-2 lead in their overall head-to-head meetings.

With this week’s match, the teams will meet again for the first time in a while, and it feels like a fresh chapter in their rivalry. With a few seasons between their previous encounters, both teams have evolved, and so has the league itself.

A Rivalry Renewed

The Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions are two of the AFLW’s original teams, and every time they meet, it’s a game worth watching. Both teams have a rich history in the league, and this upcoming game brings with it an extra layer of excitement due to their shared past.

However, this time around, the Bulldogs are in a rough patch. They’ve been struggling to find form recently, and the loss of their greatest player only adds to their challenges. This player, who has been a cornerstone of the team for years, will not be on the field for the first time ever against Brisbane. It’s a big gap to fill, and it’s one of the reasons why Brisbane enters this match as the clear favorites.

But being the favorite isn’t always easy. For Brisbane, there’s a certain pressure that comes with that tag, especially against a team that has such a strong history. They know the Bulldogs have nothing to lose and will likely play with the kind of freedom and determination that can catch any team off guard.

Digging into the Numbers

When you look deeper into the statistics, you start to see patterns that make this game even more intriguing. Despite their struggles, the Bulldogs are a team that can still cause problems for their opponents. And while Brisbane has had the upper hand in their recent encounters, no team can afford to take any opponent lightly in the AFLW.

The two teams may not have faced each other often in recent years, but their meetings have always been competitive. Brisbane’s two wins by 32 points might sound comfortable, but the Bulldogs have a way of bouncing back. Historically, they’ve been a side that rises to big occasions, and they’ll be looking to do the same again.

The Lions, on the other hand, have been consistent. They’ve shown strength across the field, with key players stepping up when needed. But consistency can sometimes bring complacency, and that’s what Brisbane will need to guard against. The Bulldogs, even without their star, have talented players who can cause problems if given the opportunity.

The Importance of Momentum

In any sport, momentum is key, and for Brisbane, this game is about keeping theirs going. They’ve been playing well and will want to continue that form, especially as the finals get closer. A win here would not only strengthen their position but also serve as a reminder of their dominance in this rivalry.

For the Bulldogs, though, this game is a chance to prove themselves. They’ve had a tough season, but a win against a strong Brisbane side could change everything. It would give them the confidence they need to finish the season strong, and it would be a statement to the rest of the league that they’re not to be underestimated, even without their best player.

A Fresh Start?

As the second Wednesday AFLW game in history approaches, it almost feels like a new beginning for these two teams. The league has changed a lot since they last met regularly, and so have the teams themselves. The game could be seen as the start of a new era in their rivalry. Both sides have a lot to play for, and with the pressure on Brisbane and the freedom for the Bulldogs to play without expectations, anything could happen.

Final Thoughts

Brisbane may be the favorites, but this match is far from a foregone conclusion. The Western Bulldogs have shown time and again that they can rise to the occasion, even when the odds are against them. For Brisbane, the key will be staying focused and not letting the weight of being the favorites affect their game. For the Bulldogs, it’s about showing the league that they’re still a force to be reckoned with, even without their star player.

As fans, we’re in for an exciting contest, one that could reignite an old rivalry and set the tone for the rest of the season.