Bulldogs fans will get their first look at number one pick Izzy Huntington on Saturday night when the AFLW side takes on Carlton in the first practice match of the 2018 season at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.
Without any restrictions on numbers coach Paul Groves will have the luxury of seeing all available players in action on the weekend in preparation for the Club’s opening round fixture against Fremantle at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Sunday, February 4th.
“We’re really excited that competitive games have come around and we get to see our players in action against quality opposition this weekend,” he told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“We’ve worked really hard this pre-season as a group and I know each player will be desperate to earn a spot in the side come Round One against the Dockers.”
Groves said that up to 12 new players pull on the tri-colours on Saturday, including draft picks Huntington and potentially Monique Conti, as well as Daria Bannister, Emma Mackie and rookies Naomi Ferres and Bonnie Toogood.
In addition, six Western Bulldogs’ VFLW players will be added to the squad, after the Club strengthened it’s partnership with the VU Western Spurs in October, ahead of the VFLW Dogs’ state league debut in May.
“We’d love to have Monique with us, but it will depend on how the Boomers go in their WNBL finals series, so obviously we wish them all the best against Townsville, but there’s a few more new faces out there people should be excited to see.
“Either way, with our new players, the VFLW girls running out with us and of course the group that were with us last year, it’s an exciting time for our footy club and we can’t wait to get started.”
Entry is free and gates open at six for a 7pm start. Click here for full match information.
