Western Bulldogs secure AFLW finals return after major team rebuild
By Chloe · Published 23 Oct 2026 · Updated 23 Oct 2026
Melbourne, VIC · Victoria News
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Western Bulldogs secure AFLW finals return after major team rebuild - Melbourne, VIC
Smart summary
After finishing at the bottom of the ladder in 2023, the Western Bulldogs have rebuilt their playing list and team structure to reach the AFL Women's finals for the first time since 2022.
The Western Bulldogs have secured a place in the 2026 AFL Women's finals after several seasons of rebuilding, marking a major turnaround for the club's women's football program. Their return to the post-season follows a difficult 2023 campaign, when the Bulldogs finished last after winning just one of their 10 matches.
The team's recovery has been the result of changes both on and off the field. Following the disappointing 2023 season, the club reviewed its football program and made significant adjustments to its coaching, list management and recruitment strategies. The aim was to develop a more balanced squad capable of competing consistently rather than relying on a small number of key players.
The rebuilding process required patience. The Bulldogs retained only 12 players from the group that reached a final in 2022. Recruitment subsequently focused on bringing in young talent through the draft while adding experienced players who could fill specific roles within the team's developing game plan.
Rather than relying on a few high-profile signings, the club made a series of targeted additions. These included players recruited through trades, free agency and the draft. The approach helped reshape the playing group while giving younger footballers opportunities to develop alongside more experienced teammates.
Midfielder-forward Mikala Cann has been one of the players whose role has helped strengthen the team. After previously playing for Collingwood, Cann brought qualities that suited the Bulldogs' needs in the midfield and forward line. Her contribution reflects the club's strategy of recruiting players whose skills complement the existing squad.
The team has also benefited from the return of players following injury and the development of footballers who have taken on greater responsibility. Defender Mua Laloifi, for example, has worked her way back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and provided important defensive and intercepting ability. Ellie Gavalas has also added experience, leadership and speed to the forward half.
The Bulldogs' improvement illustrates how team success can emerge from several smaller changes working together. Recruitment alone was not enough; the club also needed players to adapt to their roles, improve their understanding of the game plan and develop greater consistency across matches.
The turnaround has been particularly significant because the club's recent progress was not built around a single superstar signing or an immediate transformation. Instead, the Bulldogs gradually reshaped their squad and strengthened the way the team operated collectively.
Reaching the finals is an important milestone, but it also brings a new challenge. Finals football typically demands strong defensive organisation, effective ball movement and the ability to perform under pressure. The Bulldogs will need to maintain the standards that carried them through the regular season if they are to make a deep run in the competition.
Their return to the AFLW finals demonstrates the value of a sustained rebuilding strategy and gives the club an opportunity to measure its progress against the strongest teams in the competition.
BulldogsPlayersClubTeamFinals
The Western Bulldogs have secured a place in the 2026 AFL Women's finals after several seasons of rebuilding, marking a major turnaround for the club's women's football program. Their return to the post-season follows a difficult 2023 campaign, when the Bulldogs finished last after winning just one of their 10 matches.
The team's recovery has been the result of changes both on and off the field. Following the disappointing 2023 season, the club reviewed its football program and made significant adjustments to its coaching, list management and recruitment strategies. The aim was to develop a more balanced squad capable of competing consistently rather than relying on a small number of key players.
The rebuilding process required patience. The Bulldogs retained only 12 players from the group that reached a final in 2022. Recruitment subsequently focused on bringing in young talent through the draft while adding experienced players who could fill specific roles within the team's developing game plan.
Rather than relying on a few high-profile signings, the club made a series of targeted additions. These included players recruited through trades, free agency and the draft. The approach helped reshape the playing group while giving younger footballers opportunities to develop alongside more experienced teammates.
Midfielder-forward Mikala Cann has been one of the players whose role has helped strengthen the team. After previously playing for Collingwood, Cann brought qualities that suited the Bulldogs' needs in the midfield and forward line. Her contribution reflects the club's strategy of recruiting players whose skills complement the existing squad.
The team has also benefited from the return of players following injury and the development of footballers who have taken on greater responsibility. Defender Mua Laloifi, for example, has worked her way back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and provided important defensive and intercepting ability. Ellie Gavalas has also added experience, leadership and speed to the forward half.
The Bulldogs' improvement illustrates how team success can emerge from several smaller changes working together. Recruitment alone was not enough; the club also needed players to adapt to their roles, improve their understanding of the game plan and develop greater consistency across matches.
The turnaround has been particularly significant because the club's recent progress was not built around a single superstar signing or an immediate transformation. Instead, the Bulldogs gradually reshaped their squad and strengthened the way the team operated collectively.
Reaching the finals is an important milestone, but it also brings a new challenge. Finals football typically demands strong defensive organisation, effective ball movement and the ability to perform under pressure. The Bulldogs will need to maintain the standards that carried them through the regular season if they are to make a deep run in the competition.
Their return to the AFLW finals demonstrates the value of a sustained rebuilding strategy and gives the club an opportunity to measure its progress against the strongest teams in the competition.
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