WESTERN Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn is focused on not just her own game throughout the 2022 NAB AFLW season, but that of her young teammates.
With more than half of the Dogs' list aged 21 or younger, the captain sees this year as an opportunity to "develop others". The likes of Jess Fitzgerald and Sarah Hartwig had an immediate impact in 2021, and will look to grow further, while shouldering more of the responsibility.
"Jess is a player you invest time into, she’s only going to get better," Blackburn said.
Fitzgerald is just one player who has been recruited recently to support the experienced captain and second-in-command Kirsty Lamb on the ball. This year, the Bulldogs have added even more depth to that area of the ground.
"Amanda Ling is one of the draftees, she came in with a bit more footy under her belt because she’s older than just 18, and I am really excited to see what she can do when she comes into the team," Blackburn said.
But there are some other players who have been on the fringes in recent years that fans should be excited to see on the field.
Citing Isabelle Pritchard as a player to watch, Blackburn also made mention of Isabella Grant's preseason being her "best to date".
Both players had solid showings in preseason hit outs and are ready to hit the ground running.
Saturday evening at VU Whitten Oval will see Blackburn's side come up against Melbourne for the sixth time in the AFLW era, as the rivals fight it out for the coveted Hampson-Hardeman cup, named after women’s footy pioneers Barb Hampson and Lisa Hardeman, the latter recently announced as the 2022 Premiership Cup Ambassador.
"It’s the perfect timeslot for the Hampson-Hardeman cup," Blackburn said.
"Those women, especially Lisa, have had such a huge impact. I know personally, Lisa's time around the club has been important to me."
"I love playing Melbourne, we got the better of them last year and I can’t wait to get back to Whitten to take them on again."
And individually, Blackburn herself is ready to charge into the 2022 season.
"I've had a couple of interruptions this preseason, but I’ve timed it perfectly. I’m at full fitness and am ready to go."
