The Western Bulldogs have produced a come-from-behind victory, beating St Kilda by a point in Ballarat to kill off the Saints’ AFLW finals hopes.
The Bulldogs trailed for most of the day, before pulling ahead to win 5.6 (36) to 5.5 (35).
St Kilda led by seven points at quarter time and eight points at the main break, but Deanna Berry lifted the home side with a brilliant snap from deep in the right forward pocket just before half-time to keep the Bulldogs in it.
The home side hit back with two goals to one in the third term to draw level at three-quarter time, before Jessica Fitzgerald’s goal two minutes into the final term put the Bulldogs ahead for the first time.
In a tight final quarter, St Kilda levelled things up with a major to Ashleigh Richards at the eight-minute mark. The Bulldogs edged ahead with a behind 90 seconds later, setting up a gripping final section of the game.
St Kilda had two opportunities to win the game late on, but Jesse Wardlaw sprayed a set shot across goal from 40m out from a free kick.
Then after a free was given against Elisabeth Georgostathis for insufficient intent in letting the ball go over the boundary, the Saints’ Tyanna Smith went for broke from a narrow angle in the right forward pocket, only to kick it out on the full.
The Bulldogs held on in the final seconds before the siren went to secure a win for the home side.
The Saints won the clearances and contested possessions, but committed nine more turnovers than the home side.
With one game left, St Kilda and the Bulldogs are a game and a half behind eighth-placed Essendon, so neither team can make the finals.Â
