AFTER a quiet 2019 AFL Women’s season saw the Western Bulldogs finish at the bottom of Conference A, they are sure to switch on in season 2020 with a clean slate but plenty of player turnover to contend with. Losing key cogs in Katie Brennan and Monique Conti to expansion club, Richmond threw a spanner in the works for the side but in return the Dogs picked up some highly talented youngsters in the 2019 AFLW Draft who are sure to provide the excitement needed to spark a big season. 

KEY PLAYER:

Ellie Blackburn (midfielder/forward)

A key cog throughout the Bulldogs’ three seasons, Blackburn’s influence out on the field is even more required than ever with the departure of so many dominant players. Able to generate plenty of excitement with her physical game style and consistency, Blackburn’s leadership will be key to ensure the side stays on track to create an exciting brand of footy to move past a quiet 2019.

RISING STAR:

Gabby Newton (midfielder)

Picked at number one overall at the 2019 AFLW National Draft, Newton has been a key cog across the field throughout her Under-18s career with plenty of accolades to her name despite her youth, making for an exciting player to join the Bulldogs who were lacklustre at best last season. Newton has the cleanliness, speed and tenacity to get the job done, with an innate ability to create something out of nothing thanks to her game smarts and clean hands. With versatility and clean hands to boot, expect big things from Newton. 

WATCH FOR:

Isabel Huntington (forward)

The 2017 number one draft pick will hope for a clean run through injury this season, having not played a full season on the AFL Women’s stage since being drafted. Her clean hands and contested marking ability will be sought after across the field alongside her goalkicking accuracy, and with the versatility to move through the midfield when required, Huntington will hope to prove she still has the talent to back up her exceptional top-age year.

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CONFERENCE OPPONENTS: Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Melbourne, St Kilda, West Coast Eagles.

FIXTURE:

Round 1 – @ St Kilda
Round 2 – vs. Melbourne
Round 3 – vs. Carlton
Round 4 – @ West Coast Eagles
Round 5 – @ Collingwood
Round 6 – vs. Fremantle
Round 7 – @ North Melbourne
Round 8 – vs. GWS GIANTS

The Bulldogs have an interesting draw this season, with a smattering of predicted high-ladder sides but ultimately plenty of chances to excel and put their best foot forward. An opening round victory against expansion side, St Kilda will be key for the season to get off to a good start with two interesting matches against quality opposition in Melbourne and Carlton coming next, before facing West Coast Eagles in Perth – something they will hope not to throw a spanner in the works. With further matches coming against quality sides in Fremantle and North Melbourne, the Bulldogs will need to take advantage of every winning opportunity.

PREDICTION: 3rd/4th in Conference B

With plenty of young talent in the side expect some strong performances but perhaps some consistency issues with lots of new faces at the club. While a number of 2019 draftees come into the side having played together in the past, the real test will be against the experience of other clubs in the conference. They should not be discounted however, with plenty of familiar faces gracing the field in 2020. This season will ultimately be a rebuilding phase for the Bulldogs after so many key departures following the 2019 season.