in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs levelled scores soon after half-time however, when Deanna Berry launched a long-range effort from just outside the 50, with the ball trickling through the goals for a major.

The minor premiers moved in front via a behind before a second goal came minutes later when Kirsten McLeod, who was named in place of the suspended Brennan, pounced on a loose ball and quickly stabbed it through to give her side a seven-point lead.

With less than 20 seconds until three-quarter time, the Bulldogs extended their advantage, with Monique Conti kicking a goal from a right-foot snap to set up a 3.2 (20) to 1.1 (7) scoreline at the final change.

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The Lions cut the Bulldogs' lead in the early stages of the fourth quarter when JessicaWuetschner was on target and a behind meant they trailed by just a goal, but the Bulldogs gave themselves breathing space with Emma Kearney slotting a major from a set shot.

Wuetschner kicked a second goal for the Lions but it proved to be too late, as the Bulldogs held on for victory.

Conti polled nine votes to win the best player award, beating Brisbane defender Kate Lutkins by one vote.

For Conti, it was a sweet victory, coming after she lost a WNBL grand final with Melbourne Boomers before joining up with the Bulldogs.

"Who wouldn't want to win a premiership, right … to come off a losing final series in the WNBL and to come out and win and have a premiership next to my name with this team is