The Western Bulldogs could field as many as six debutantes to take on St Kilda in Sunday’s AFLW season opener at RSEA Park.
Gabby Newton – last year’s number one draft pick – and fellow top-10 selection Elisabeth Georgostathis have been named on a half forward flank and at full forward respectively.
International recruits Katy Herron (Ireland) and Danielle Marshall (USA), draftee Gemma Lagioia and new recruit Hannah Munyard could all be pulling on the red, white and blue for the first time, having been named on an extended bench.
Kim Rennie, Hannah Scott and Eleanor Brown make up remainder of the seven-player extended interchange.
The Bulldogs will narrow down their squad of 23 to a team of 21 at 4pm on Friday.
Skipper Ellie Blackburn will lead from the middle, having recovered from a hand injury she sustained in a practice match a fortnight ago.
RSEA Park will be familiar territory for head coach Nathan Burke, who returns to Moorabbin having spent his professional playing career at the Saints.
It will also be the first game played for premiership points at the venue in close to 30 years.
The match will be televised live on Channel 7 from 2.30pm, with the first bounce at 3.10pm on Sunday.
Make sure you’re following @BulldogsW on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates.
AFLW ROUND 1
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 9 February, 3.10pm AEDT
RSEA Park, Moorabbin
Full back: |
36. Angelica Gogos |
11. Lauren Spark |
|
Half back: |
14. Ellyse Gamble |
4. Isabel Huntington |
16. Naomi Ferres |
Centre: |
21. Bailey Hunt |
27. Kirsty Lamb |
10. Nicole Callinan |
Half forward: |
5. Gabby Newton |
8. Bonnie Toogood |
6. Kirsten McLeod |
Full forward: |
|
17. Elisabeth Georgostathis |
7. Deanna Berry |
Ruck: |
13. Celine Moody |
2. Ellie Blackburn |
15. Aisling McCarthy |
Extended interchange: |
9. Eleanor Brown |
12. Gemma Lagioia |
20. Hannah Munyard |
|
22. Hannah Scott |
24. Kim Rennie |
26. Danielle Marshall |
|
31. Katy Herron |
|
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