Western Bulldogs co-captain Ellie Blackburn gave her thoughts on the season ahead at the AFLW Season Launch on Wednesday.
Who's a player to watch from your club?
"It's tough to narrow it down to just one, but I'm really looking forward to the way Naomi Ferres will go about it this year. We'll be using her a bit more in the midfield. Her growth over the last 12 months has been really inspiring. She's been good for our team."
An opponent you're most looking forward to playing?
"My old teammate, Emma Kearney. It'll be fun coming up against her, so hopefully it will be a good rivalry. Fingers crossed we can get the points against her, but we'll see how we go."
SKIPPERS TIP BLACKBURN FOR BIG YEAR
What's your favourite AFLW memory to date?
"I've got two. One that sits with me is running out at Whitten Oval for round one of the first year. It was just amazing to have our supporters there. But obviously the top one is the Grand Final last year. For us to come in as underdogs, get the win and celebrate was amazing."
Geelong or North Melbourne – which newbie will finish higher?
"I reckon they'll be pretty even. They've both got really good lists. North Melbourne might finish higher, just because they've got a few more experienced players."
What impact do you think the conference system will have?
"I don't think it will make much of a difference. It just opens up the competition a little bit more, having those extra finals. It might create a little bit of uncertainty among the teams, because you never know who you're going to come up against at the end of the season."
The Bulldogs’ 2019 campaign begins on Saturday night, against Adelaide Crows at Norwood Oval at 8.10pm local time (ACDT).
