The Western Bulldogs have confirmed their team of 21 for Saturday’s opening round clash against Essendon.

Captain Riley Christgoergl will lead from the middle, alongside newly-named co-vice captain Mary Sandral, who will start in the forward-line.

Returning players Louise Bibby, Brooke Hards and Marguerite Purcell have also been included, alongside Nikita Wright and Eliza Vale.

The first bounce will be at 12.30pm at The Hangar, Tullamarine.

Admission is free, with the match to also be live streamed via the VFL/W YouTube channel.

VFLW Team – Round 1

Essendon v Western Bulldogs

B: M. Freeman, N. Wright
HB: E. Vale, E. Huggard, M. McSweeney
C: L. Bibby, L. Schneider, M. Purcell
HF: A. Xanthos, M. Sandral, M. Lister
F: L. Clymo, B. Hards
R: R. Christgoergl, J. Morrow, M. Barnes
Int: C. Pittard, K. Smyth, S. Trim, K. Bays, B. Gretch
Emer: S. Perret, E. Pollard