The Western Bulldogs have named three debutants for its 2019 opening round clash with Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Saturday night.

The reigning premiers kick off their title defence against the highly-fancied Crows, with Eleanor Brown, Belinda Smith and Celine Moody set to wear the red, white and blue for the first time.

The Bulldogs will field 13 players who were part of the 2018 premiership triumph over Brisbane.

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19-year-old Brown was the Club’s first pick in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft and has been named on the interchange bench alongside Moody, who was recruited to the Dogs in October as a rookie.

Smith, who crossed to VU Whitten Oval after two years with Fremantle, joins a midfield brigade which includes new co-captain Ellie Blackburn.

Katie Brennan, who missed the premiership through suspension and was cruelled by injuries in AFLW 2.0, returns as the focal point in the Bulldogs’ attack after a strong pre-season.

Adelaide is undefeated against the Dogs in the AFLW competition, winning both contests, including a narrow seven-point victory in Round 3 last year.

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AFLW ROUND 1

Adelaide v Western Bulldogs
Saturday February 2, 8.40pm AEDT
Norwood Oval, Adelaide

The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7, from 8:30pm AEDT

In: E Brown, B Smith, C Moody