For the first time in seven AFLW seasons, the Western Bulldogs have started their campaign 3-0.

It’s an impressive result for the fourth-placed Bulldogs, who were subject to external concerns during the off-season after losing a number of senior players to expansion sides.

Head coach Nathan Burke stressed the importance of notching up wins – particularly close ones – given the nature and competitiveness of the 10-round competition.

“That’s what we talk about a lot - it’s such a competitive league,” Burke told media post-match.

“Freo hadn’t won a game so far, and probably haven’t been playing their greatest football, but they’re going to come at you. The Hawks are going to come at us next week too.

“We need to have that (competitive) part of our game.

“Winning and losing a close one in a 10-game season can kill you, so I’m glad we were on the right end tonight.”

Burke also praised his group for their contested marking; an asset he revealed they’d focussed on during the shortened preseason.

“It’s funny what you choose to work on over the preseason – contested marking is something we’ve actually done a lot of,” Burke said.

“James Kennedy, our ruck coach – I’ve never taken a contested mark in my life, so I’ve sort of handballed a lot of that to him, and he’s been working a lot with all those players.

“Especially right at the end there, I think we took three in a row which really iced the game.

“To take a contested mark in this game – it’s probably worth two in the mens’ game. It’s just such an important feature.”

The Bulldogs will look to continue their winning streak when they travel to Box Hill City Oval to face Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon.