THE reigning premiers have suffered some losses already, losing AFL Women’s Best and Fairest, Emma Kearney as well as Jenna Bruton and Aasta O’Connor ahead of their 2019 AFL Women’s campaign. However, the Bulldogs have signed three exciting players in Fremantle’s Belinda Smith, Tom Boyd’s sister, Tessa and Breann Moody’s sister and Carlton Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s player, Celine. If they can secure some up and coming stars to go along with this solid list, they could be a chance to defend their title.

Last season: 1st – Premiers

IN: Belinda Smith, Tessa Boyd (rookie), Celine Moody (rookie)
OUT: Daria Bannister, Jenna Bruton, Emma Kearney, Aasta O’Connor, Jess Anderson, Rachel Ashley, Laura Bailey, Kim Ebb

WESTERN BULLDOGS AFLW LIST (25/30)

• Deanna Berry
• Libby Birch
• Ellie Blackburn
• Katie Brennan
• Tessa Boyd
• Nicole Callinan
• Monique Conti
• Tiarna Ernst
• Naomi Ferres
• Elise Gamble
• Angelia Gogos
• Bailey Hunt
• Isabel Huntington
• Kristy Lamb
• Brooke Lochland
• Emma Mackie
• Kristen McLeod
• Celine Moody
• Kimberley Rennie
• Hannah Scott
• Belinda Smith
• Lauren Spark
• Bonnie Toogood
• Aisling Utri
• Hayley Wildes

DRAFT PICKS

10, 23, 26, 34, 45, 55

POSSIBLE DRAFT PROSPECTS

With the loss of Jenna Bruton and Emma Kearney in the midfield, the Bulldogs will be looking for some up and coming talent to fill the gap. The Bulldogs could land either Mikala Cann or Emerson Woods from the Eastern Ranges if any of them are still available after nine picks. Their TAC Cup Girls teammate, Charlotte Wilson is also a potential prospect for the Bulldogs. Wilson tested well in the AFL Women’s Draft Combine and is a great one-on-one defender who can go into the ruck when needed. With the loss of Aasta O’Connor in the ruck department, Wilson will be a big help, as will Vic Metro’s leading ruck, Carla Rendelmann. Rendelmann dominated in the ruck for the Cannons this season in the TAC Cup Girls and has consistently been doing so over the years. She would be a very handy addition to the Bulldogs’ ruck stocks. If Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels star, Rene Caris nominates for all of Victoria or metropolitan Victoria, expect the Bulldogs to keep a close eye on her, as the AFL Women’s Academy member has the capacity to match up against bigger bodies and dominate at ground level. Eleanor Brown is another name who could come into the mix for the Bulldogs, with the Dragons midfielder proving to have an impact wherever she plays.