Western Bulldogs women’s coach Craig Starcevich has finalised his side ahead of the Club’s two exhibition matches against Melbourne in May and August.
Starcevich said height was a focus across the field, after the Club took ruck Emma King from the Coastal Titans in WA as the number one draft pick.
“We’re really happy how it’s panned out, we’ve got some flexibility in our group, we’ve got some tall midfielders which is a bit of the trend across all competitions these days.
“We’re really happy with the balance of our team.”
King, who has never played at this level before, has been a dominant player in her local league and Starcevich says she is ready to step up to the next level.
“We’re really confident with her height and athleticism that she’ll be a real asset for us and give our talented midfield first use of the ball.”
King, who was presented with her guernsey by Western Bulldogs vice-president Sue Alberti and Club vice-captain Jordan Roughead, looked forward to the chance to play at the elite level.
“It’s overwhelming, I’m so excited to play at this level and get in amongst it with the girls.”
The Bulldogs also added experienced defender Meg Hutchins to their list, who played with Melbourne in 2014.
Hutchins was the Club’s second pick at number three overall and looked forward to joining a “balanced” Bulldogs side.
“It’s absolutely brilliant, I was in absolute shock when they called my name out.
“I think we’re a really balanced team, the picks were very strategic and they did extremely well with it.”
Western Bulldogs draft selections
1. Emma King
3. Meg Hutchins
5. Kellie Gibson
7. Emma Zielke
9. Katie Loynes
11. Renee Forth
13. Kaitlyn Ashmore
15. Lauren Arnell
17. Jessica Wuetschner
19. Heather Anderson
21. Emily Bates
23. Leah Kaslar
25. Hannah Scott
27. Madeline Keryk
29. Phoebe McWilliams
31. Jordan Zanchetta
33. Pepa Randall (emergency)
Retained players from 2014
Aasta O’Connor
Stephanie Chiocci
Darcy Vescio
Katie Brennan
Moana Hope
Emma Kearney
