Where and When: Sunday, August 28 at 12:10pm at Ikon Park.
Tickets: Tickets to Sunday’s match are currently on sale and available through Ticketek or by clicking HERE. GIANTS AFLW Season Seven members are entitled to game day access at both home and away games. Simply redeem your ticket through the GIANTS club app to attend Sunday’s match.
Last Time They Met: The last time these two teams met was back in round four of season six, at the historic match at Henson Park. The match marked the first time that an AFL Women’s competition match had been played there. It was a memorable day for the club, as they christened the inner west home venue with a 21-point win over the Bulldogs. The GIANTS entered the match heavily impacted by COVID-19, as the Bulldogs returned from a week off due to COVID implications. Nicola Barr was the unsung hero in her new role playing forward, kicking her first AFLW goal and finishing the day with a game-high three goals.
TV & Online: The match will be broadcast live from 12:00pm Channel 7 and 7Mate in NSW and ACT, as well as Foxtel, Kayo and the Official AFLW App.
What it Means for the GIANTS: Every team wants to get their season off to a strong start and that’s certainly the case for the GIANTS who are keen to return to finals footy this season. The match will mark a new era for the GIANTS, with new head coach Cam Bernasconi at the helm and a new-look game plan.
Where’s the Opposition At: The Bulldogs lost two of their main avenues to goal last season, with one of them in Izzy Huntington now a GIANT. However, they bring on board six new recruits for season seven including former ‘Roo Daisy Bateman, former Cat Millie Brown, and former Blue Brooke Vernon. Despite the disruptions to their list, the Bulldogs will be looking to the versatility and depth within their squad in order to have an answer for the GIANTS and all opponents this season.
Player watch: One of the best players in the competition, it would be rude to look past three-time Gabrielle Trainor medallist Alyce Parker. It’s easy to forget she’s still 22-years-old and only in her fifth season. The star midfielder has career averages of more than 20 disposals and four tackles a game. Elevated to vice-captain for season seven, expect to see Parker take her on-field leadership to a new level this season.
In the Mix: The round one angst and excitement awaits for both new and returning players with new Head Coach Bernasconi set to name his first side in the coming days. Former GIANT Jodie Hicks has been impressive in her new role as a defender since returning to the side, while draftee Zarlie Goldsworthy has showed what she is capable of but will be subject to fitness test.
For all the latest injury news check out our AFLW Rehab Report: Round 1
