Western Bulldogs head coach Nathan Burke says the quality of AFLW players brought in for season seven has offset those that departed.
The Bulldogs, once again, were hit by expansion this Sign and Trade Period, losing a number of senior players to newly-formed sides.
But Burke says the additions of Daisy Bateman, Millie Brown, Brooke Vernon and trio of young draftees has been substantial.
“They’ve been fantastic. Every single one of them came in because they’ve got a skill that can really help us,” Burke said.
“All of them are great users of the football, and so our training standards have gone up which has lifted all the other players’ skill levels.
“Brooke Vernon kicks the ball better than half the blokes I ever played with, so that’s really lifted our standards as well.
“Each and every one of them have a role to play – I’m just so glad we got all of them.”
Burke was also excited by the prospect of regaining former number one draft pick Gabby Newton and exciting forward Kirsten McLeod, who were both placed on the inactive list for season six.
“There’s a difference between being at the club on the outside not being able to play, but now every time Gabby or Macca gets it, you can just tell the girls are so excited for them,” he said.
“(The team) lifts, and are enthused by the way that they’re training.
“Both of them are training the house down - it’s an extra two recruits that are pretty good.”
The Bulldogs will ramp up season seven preparations with a practice match against GWS at VU Whitten Oval this Saturday morning.
