Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Toy giraffe helps Western Bulldogs build connection on AFLW finals return
The Western Bulldogs have returned to AFLW finals after finishing seventh with eight wins from 12 games in 2026.
The team last played finals in 2022, and its rise follows a difficult period: it finished last in 2023 and 12th in both 2024 and 2025.
After the 2023 season, the club reviewed its program and appointed coach Tamara Hyett.
Players including Elaine Grigg say a toy giraffe mascot helps teammates connect: one player takes it home each week and shares a video of what they did together.
The team also dances before games, and Grigg says those routines help build a connection that carries onto the field.
The Bulldogs now head into the finals after a season that included a 26-point win over fellow finals team Gold Coast.
The Western Bulldogs have returned to AFLW finals after finishing seventh in 2026 with eight wins from 12 games.
Player Elaine Grigg says team-building activities, including a toy giraffe mascot, have helped strengthen connections within the side.
Each week, a player takes the giraffe, Sawya, home and makes a video to share at the next player meeting.
The club also dances before each game, with a different player chosen each week to lead.
The Bulldogs finished last in 2023 and 12th in both 2024 and 2025.
- Who
- The Western Bulldogs AFLW team, including player Elaine Grigg.
- What
- The Bulldogs returned to finals after finishing seventh in 2026. Grigg described team activities, including a toy giraffe mascot, that help players connect.
- When
- The 2026 AFLW season.
- Where
- The Western Bulldogs. The club’s location is not stated.
- Why
- Grigg said team connections help the players on the field.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Bulldogs finished last, prompting a review of the program and the appointment of coach Tamara Hyett.
The Bulldogs finished 12th.
The Bulldogs finished 12th again.
The Bulldogs won eight of 12 games, finished seventh and returned to finals.
- 2026 wins
- 8 from 12 games
- 2026 ladder finish
- Seventh
- Mascot
- Sawya, a toy giraffe
- Previous last-place finish
- 2023
- Coach appointed after 2023 review
- Tamara Hyett
What people are saying
The connections that we have with everyone, it actually helps on the footy field.
This year, we've had a little mascot. Its name is Sawya, and it's a pet giraffe.
Every week we spin a wheel, and someone has to take Sawya during the week … You have to make a video of what you do with it.
We know we need to lock in when we're at the club (and) when we're out on the footy field. But then it's the balance of having fun and also when it's time to be serious, to be serious as well.