The Western Bulldogs AFLW side showed impressive signs ahead of the 2019 AFLW season, defeating Collingwood by seven points in a practice match at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday.

In a competitive hit-out just two weeks before the start of the season proper, the Dogs led at every change and held on in the final stages.

With multiple new players making their first appearance in the red, white and blue, midfielder Ellyse Gamble said the win will settle the nerves for the side’s less experienced players leading into Round 1.

“Leading into the season it’s always nice to have a hit-out to see how we’re going,” Gamble told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“I thought (the new recruits) did really well out there, they’ve just jumped on what we were able to create last year and adapted to the game plan really well.”

“Everyone put their best foot forward out there and did what they had to do.”

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The Bulldogs took control early, taking a five-point lead into quarter time through a Katie Brennan goal, while keeping the Magpies goalless.

Co-captain Ellie Blackburn was influential early – before being resting for the second half - booting a much-needed goal during the second term to keep the Dogs ahead at the main break.

An early Kirsten McLeod goal at the start of the third quarter saw the Dogs hold onto a six-point lead at the final change.

A goal from Bailey Hunt from outside 50 saw the Bulldogs extend their lead to 12 points during the final term, before Collingwood booted two-in-a-row to reduce the margin to one point.

A crucial goal from Gamble in the dying minutes sealed the win.

MATCH DETAILS

Western Bulldogs:          1.1   2.4   3.4   5.5 (35)
Collingwood:                     0.2   1.2   2.4   4.4 (28)

Goals: K. Brennan, E.Blackburn, K.McLeod, B. Hunt, E. Gamble
Best: E. Blackburn, K. Brennan, T.Ernst, H. Scott, D.Berry
Injuries: B. Lochland (ankle)