Port Melbourne VFLW held on gamely for a vital three-point victory against the Western Bulldogs at ETU Stadium on Saturday, 5.6 (36) to 4.9 (33).

The Borough seemed to have the game in control from the time they kicked two late goals to lead by 11 points at quarter-time and Stella Reid’s second major in the eighth minute of the third put them 18 in the clear.

But they managed just three more behinds for the rest of the game as the Bulldogs scrapped their way back into it, getting with two points with 5:40 on the clock only to be unable to land the killer blow.

In a low-disposal game, Reid was crucial for Port Melbourne with 16 disposals and two goals, while Lauren Caruso (17 disposals, nine tackles) was on the bottom of every pack, Kaitlyn O’Keefe (16 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances) got her hands dirty and Steph Williams booted two goals from three kicks to take her opportunities.

Bulldog Dom Carbone led all comers in a top effort with 20 touches, five tackles and five clearances, with Tahlia Meyer (19 disposals, six tackles, five clearances), Sarah Skinner (17 disposals, seven clearances), Dom Carruthers (17 disposals, eight tackles) and Jaimi Tabb (10 tackles) also strong, while Imahra Cameron booted two goals from four kicks.

PORT MELBOURNE 3.1 3.3 5.4 5.6 (36)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.2 2.4 3.7 4.9 (33)