In just her third game this season, White shot 42 goals as the Bulldogs defeated Merrivale 51-29 at Panmure on Saturday.

The result has the Bulldogs in third place on the ladder, while the Tigers are in seventh, now two games away from the top five.

Panmure coach Megan Titmus said White had added another dimension to the team.

“Maddi is a very strong player and leads well and is a welcome in for us,” Titmus said.

“Having her in the team gives the girls a lot of confidence as they go forward.

“We were happy with the way we played today. It was an improvement on our form from the past couple of weeks.

“We are improving, which we need to be doing this time of the year.”

The 22-goal margin was a comfortable one but early in the game the Tigers were highly competitive.

At quarter-time Merrivale had a 7-6 lead, but the game shifted the way of the Bulldogs after the break.

An 18-7 second quarter set the win up for Panmure as it went on to easily outscore the Tigers in each of the last two quarters.

Goal keeper Emma Roache continued her brilliant form for the Bulldogs with another outstanding game, while Josie Ellerton was a driving force at both wing attack and wing defence.

Merrivale goal keeper Emily Dwyer was her team’s best, while at the other end of the court Haley Kelson led the Tigers’ goal shooting with 15.

In other round nine games, Old Collegians remain undefeated after a 70-25 win over East Warrnambool.

Allansford has kept itself  in the race for a top-three position with a 58-36 win over Nirranda. Captain Renae Meade was best on court for the Cats.

Deakin University won its  third game for the season with a 59-31 win over South Rovers.

The Timboon Demons have kept in touch with the top five with a 47-38 win over Russells Creek.

The victory leaves the Demons in sixth place, one win from Kolora-Noorat and a winnable game against Deakin University this week.