The Western Bulldogs are headed into the 2018 season with a strong list following an encouraging trade and draft period.
Looking to recruit multiple key forwards, and midfielders to evolve an already strong midfield line-up, the Bulldogs came out of the NAB AFLW draft in a strong position.
With an intimidating midfield made up of duel best and fairest winners Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney, alongside the clean hands of draftee Monique Conti, the Dogs are looking to bounce back in season 2018.
Adding multiple midfielders will allow some of last year’s line-up – such as Kirsty Lamb and Emma Kearney – to spend more time in the forward line, assisting VFL leading goal kicker Katie Brennan and number one draft pick, Isabel Huntington.
After suffering an ankle injury that sidelined her for most of the inaugural AFLW season, Katie Brennan managed to nab both the Leading Goalkicker and Best and Fairest awards for her efforts with the Darebin Falcons in the 2017 VFL season.
Brennan’s accurate kick, paired with Huntington’s overhead marking ability is expected to land the Dogs in the upper end of the goals tally.
Adding to the Club’s fresh crop of key forwards, new recruit Deanna Berry looks likely to make an impact alongside Brennan and Huntington. After landing a 2017 NAB Rising Star nomination during her Round 7 performance, Berry proved her versatility by gathering 11 disposals, taking three marks and kicking two goals.
Further adding to the midfield stocks – with Jenna Bruton, Daria Bannister and Emma Mackie joining the club in 2018 – will allow Nicole Callinan and Kim Ebb to move deeper into the backline to assist State of Origin player, Lauren Spark and Rising Star nominee, Bailey Hunt in defence.
Alongside the likes of Hunt, Wildes and Spark in defence, West- Australian defender Rachel Ashley looks likely to be another quality member of the backline.
A proactive intercepting defender with strong hands, the former Perth Angel is a fierce tackler despite her light frame.
The Club elevated Aisling Utri to the primary list after recruiting her as a rookie in August of this year.
Utri’s attacking style of play is likely to see her placed within the midfield with some time spent in the forward 50.
Naomi Ferres, Kim Rennie and Bonnie Toogood have all been named in the Club’s rookie list for 2018.
Primary List
Jessica Anderson, Rachel Ashley, Laura Bailey, Daria Bannister, Deanna Berry, Libby Birch, Ellie Blackburn, Katie Brennan, Jenna Bruton, Nicole Callinan, Monique Conti, Kimberley Ebb, Tiarna Ernst, Elise Gamble, Angelica Gogos, Bailey Hunt, Isabel Huntington, Emma Kearney, Kirsty Lamb, Brooke Lochland, Emma Mackie, Kirsten McLeod, Aasta O'Connor, Hannah Scott, Lauren Spark, Aisling Utri, Hayley Wildes
Rookie List
Naomi Ferres, Kimberley Rennie, Bonnie Toogood
