Five years since the AFLW Bulldogs made history, premiership players Ellie Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb reflected on that one day in March following it’s induction as a ‘moment’ in the Club’s Hall of Fame.

Speaking at the gala event over the weekend, Blackburn – who was stand-in skipper for the suspended Katie Brennan on the day – said it was one of the best experiences she’s been part of as a footballer.

“It was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had, particularly in my football career personally,” Blackburn recalled at Centrepiece Events.

“To be able to share that with some of my best mates – and then to get Katie up on stage (was great).

“Grovesy (coach Paul Groves) and I had sort of spoken while we were standing there watching everyone get their medals, and discussed that we were going to invite Katie up onstage. We both had probably already thought about it throughout the week, and thought it was very reminiscent of the Bevo and Bob situation that had happened a couple of years earlier.

“To be up onstage and holding the premiership cup was one of the greatest feelings – it’s something as an elite athlete in this environment that you strive for every opportunity you get.

“To be able to do that with 30 of your best mates was incredible.”

Lamb echoed her skipper’s thoughts, and hopes to relive that feeling again soon.

“A couple of weeks ago actually we caught up for a five-year reunion,” Lamb said.

“Obviously everyone sort of splits off, does their own thing and moves on with life – so it was just really nice to get back together and see some old faces.

“It’s a bit of history within this football club, and something we’re incredibly proud of.

“Hopefully we can do it again in the very near future.”

The Bulldogs commenced preseason training earlier this month, ahead of the upcoming 2023 NAB AFLW Season scheduled to begin in September.