Ellie Blackburn returns to lead Western Bulldogs back to finals
After losing the captaincy and suffering foot injury, Ellie Blackburn helped Western Bulldogs return to finals.
Ellie Blackburn lost the captaincy in July 2024 and a season-ending foot injury in September. By her own words, it was the toughest stretch of her life.
Ellie Blackburn learned to let go of what she could not control and focus on what she could. "I had to learn to accept that the reality was that I couldn't change anything that was happening," she said ahead of Sunday's elimination final against Sydney.
Losing the captaincy stripped away a weight she did not realise she was carrying. Without the title, she became a better leader.
The club brought in a new coach (Tamara Hyett), new football director, and new list manager. Young talent they drafted in the lean years now have experience.
The Bulldogs finished on the wooden spoon in 2023. They are back in finals now.
- 2019 onwards
- Captaincy duration
- 2022
- Last finals appearance
- 2023
- Wooden spoon year
Why it mattersA player's mental resilience shapes team culture; Blackburn's story shows how clubs rebuild from rock bottom.
AustraliaMelbourne's Western Bulldogs play an elimination final Sunday against Sydney, with Blackburn key to their sudden finals return.
