Five new Bulldogs will make their AFLW debuts for the Club in this weekend’s 2022 NAB AFLW round one battle against Melbourne.

Off-season recruits Rocky Cranston, Alice Edmonds and Elle Bennetts will wear the red, white and blue for the first time in competition, while draftees Amanda Ling and Elizabeth Snell will make their career debuts.

Cranston, a powerful utility, arrived at the Kennel as a delisted free agent after stints at both Melbourne and Geelong, where she managed 34 senior games across five years.

02:52

Burkey reveals five club debutants

AFLW Head Coach Nathan Burke breaks the news to the group that Amanda Ling and Elizabeth Snell will both make their AFLW debuts - while Rocky Cranston, Alice Edmonds and Elle Bennetts will all make their first appearance for the club.

Edmonds is a crafty ruck, who played six games in two seasons at Richmond, signing as a replacement player in October for the inactive Gabby Newton.

Bennetts is a versatile midfielder and former dual athlete who featured for the GWS Giants on 30 occasions, crossing to the Kennel as part of a trade. 

Ling, a talented midfielder, was selected with the Club’s first selection in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, after being named best on ground in the Oakleigh Chargers premiership win.

Snell, part of the same draft class, arrived with pick number 27 as a skilful midfielder-forward, claiming the Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest award from just five games.

00:56

Lighting up the track ahead of Round 1

The AFLW squad completed their main training session on Tuesday night as they prepare to open their 2022 season against Melbourne on Saturday night at VU Whitten Oval.

The players were delivered the news by head coach Nathan Burke in front of teammates and staff at Thursday night’s training session.

The Bulldogs will confirm their final round one team at 5.30pm tonight.