Western Bulldogs AFLW 2024 season gets off to worst possible start; Daisy Pearce guides West Coast Eagles to a rare win [Video]

The elements of surprise

When the Western Bulldogs and GWS were up against each other in the final round of the men’s home-and-away season at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, the commentators couldn’t stop talking about the impact the wind was having on the game.

Speaking on Fox Footy, Dwayne Russell made a point to stress the wind, and at times rain, meant the players couldn’t use their best skills.

While the women are accustomed to playing in the elements, often fixtured at suburban and boutique grounds, the wind was particularly severe and played a huge part in round one.

Coach Lisa Webb said Fremantle got the jump on Essendon in the second half of their clash at Windy Hill largely because of the way they used the wind to their advantage.

Essendon did appear rattled after a heavy collision sent Bonnie Toogood and Amber Clarke from the field. But Webb was clear on the …