It might have taken 18 games to get there, but Western Bulldogs midfielder Isabelle Pritchard finally realised another childhood dream at the weekend

After five behinds across her three-season career, the 20-year-old slotted her maiden goal against Hawthorn and her reaction said it all.

“I’ve had a bit of trouble kicking goals over the past couple of weeks so it was good to finally get one today,” she told Fox Footy’s Brihony Dawson after beating the Hawks.

That win was the Bulldogs’ fourth straight of season seven – sitting second on the ladder and one of two teams still undefeated heading into round five.

“It was great – it was a bit of slog out there, but was good to come away with the win,” Pritchard said.

“It was sluggish football and really hard work – the legs were getting really heavy, but we managed to chain it out of the stoppages really well and work together to get those goals and put some pressure on.”

Pritchard is enjoying some fine form this season, averaging 17 touches and three tackles while leading the team for contested possessions (41) and score involvements (14).

She’s also registered the third most disposals (68 total) and third most clearances (12 total), behind reigning Club Champions Ellie Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb.

Her efforts have caught the eye of not only coach Nathan Burke, but opposition coaches too – polling 12 AFLCA votes across the opening four rounds.

“Pritch is still learning how to play on the wing – so for her to be so consistent is really a testament to her,” Burke told media post-match.

“She came to us after playing juniors as a defender – we tried to make her an inside mid, but this year we thought we’d chuck something else at her.

“She’s just taken to it like a duck to water. She’s been amazing.”