Brooke Lochland believes that the bonds between the already tight-knit AFLW group will only grow stronger in 2018.

“We’ve always had a really good bond from the start,” Lockland told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“It’s something special and something we’ve created – we’re just building on that.”

The 26-year-old was part of the Bulldogs team that made history by participating in the inaugural AFLW competition.

The group returned to pre-season training in November and Lochland admits that she has already seen improvements from the side.

“We’re used to the club, the environment and what’s expected so we can just really lift from that.  

“The new girls have come in and fitted into that really well.”

The midfielder played seven games in her first season and is confident that the new additions to the group, acquired in October's NAB AFLW Draft, will be invaluable.

“We’re really lucky. We picked up the number #1 draft pick, the number #4 draft pick in Izzy (Huntington) and Mon (Conti). They bring such great attributes to our group,” said Lochland.

“They really bring something special with the rest of the girls who have been drafted as well.

“We’ve got younger girls that have come into the group but we’ve also got older girls in someone like Emma Mackie who brings something different to Izzy and Mon.”