Essendon VFLW has made three changes for its round 14 clash with the Western Bulldogs, as it looks to bounce back from last weekend’s two-point loss to the Southern Saints. 

Promising defender Felicity Theodore will don the sash for the first time in the Saturday twilight fixture at Whitten Oval, joining second-gamer Georgia Patrikios and Erin Gogerly as the inclusions at the expense of Chloe Laan, Jessica Stassi and Marianna Anthony. 

Calder Cannons recruit Theodore played a pivotal role in the team’s run to the NAB League grand final, turning heads with her speed and agility.          

The 18-year-old earned a spot in the 2019 under-18 Vic Metro squad and was recently selected to participate in this year’s NAB AFLW Draft Combine.       

She joins Patrikios (Calder Cannons) and Alana Barba (Calder Cannons) as Bombers boasting NAB League experience.

Fresh off their standout performances against the Saints, Georgia Nanscawen, Maddy Collier and Alex Quigley will look to replicate the form which saw them earn a spot in the Round 13 VFLW Team of the Week.          

Following an impressive run of form, including a round-high 15 handballs in last weekend’s match, Shae Audley will lead from the centre alongside acting-skipper Simone Nalder and speedster Lauren Ahrens.    

Lori Stepnell will act as a key forward, with support from AFLW-listed players Maighan Fogas and Cecilia McIntosh.      

At the opposite end, Kirby Hicks will line up at full-back next to Kendra Heil and Sian Wilson.

Eleanor Cornish and Molly Warburton make up the remainder of the backline.    

The final team will be decided ahead of the first bounce at 4pm on Saturday, August 10, with live updates available via Essendon VFLW’s Twitter.   

The match will also be streamed live on the VFL website.

In: Patrikios, Theodore, Gogerly 

Out: Laan, Stassi, Anthony

Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.