Western Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke is hopeful his side will see the reward for effort through on-field results, starting this Friday night against the Saints at VU Whitten Oval.

The match will mark the first game back at the Footscray HQ in over 580 days, with the Bulldogs hoping they will be able to christen their homecoming with their first win of the 2023 season.

Burke said while he likes to adopt a ‘we can win anywhere’ mantra, he said tomorrow’s match at home should help his side gain an advantage.

“You always like to have that ‘anywhere, anytime’ sort of mantra – but there is no place like home,” Burke told SEN’s Dwayne Russell on Wednesday.

05:45

Bulldogs Radio | Nathan Burke (27th September)

Nathan Burke chats to Dwayne Russell ahead of the Return to VU Whitten Oval

“I think every sporting code and team around the world has a better record when they are playing at home in familiar surroundings. You just drive there pretty much on autopilot.

“Everything is just familiar and you just feel comfortable – there’s something to be said for that, and I think it’s a big reason behind home ground advantages.

“For anyone that turns up – you’ll see that the oval is looking a treat, there will be a little Pancake Parlour station over in the corner where you can get some lovely pancakes, but also seeing the size of the project that they’ve undertaken is huge.

“The four new light towers are up too, and it looks like a mini MCG now. It’s very impressive - come March when we’re in there fully, it’s going to be enormous.”

Burke also acknowledged the start to the season has been far from ideal, but is hopeful it will all come together tomorrow night.

“No excuses – it hasn’t gone to plan so far. It’d be nice to have a couple of W’s under our belt, but we’re getting there.

“We’re getting better each week – we’re not getting worse or anything like that. It’s just around the corner and hopefully all comes together on Friday night.

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Hitting the track for a big return to Whitten

The girls are training hard ahead of the return of games to VU Whitten Oval

“That’s the thing about AFLW. With such a short season, you don’t necessarily get the opportunity to do a Carlton or GWS (run like in AFL). This is probably our last opportunity to get amongst it and hopefully extend the season into November and December.

“It’s a big game on many levels.”

The first bounce will be at 7.15pm on Friday night, and broadcast live on Channel 7.

Capacity is strictly limited, so secure your tickets before you get to the ground or sign up as an AFLW member today to avoid missing out.