Western Bulldogs AFLW senior coach Nathan Burke says while he expects this week’s season opener against St Kilda to be a “bit rusty”, he believes his group is ready to rectify and improve on last year’s standings.

The AFLW Bulldogs faced Richmond in their first competitive hit-out for 2021 nearly a fortnight ago now, fighting off a sluggish start after quarter-time to claim scratch match bragging rights.

Burke said he was pleased to see his side finish the game strongly after a long lay-off in between games.

“You have to recognise that because there was no VFLW season last year, it’s been 11 months since they played a game of football,” he told SEN 1116.

“Some of our under-18s would have played even before that, so some of them have gone 12, 13 even 14 months before playing in that game.

“(We were) a little bit rusty against Richmond, and we’re going to be a little bit rusty (against St Kilda) there’s no doubt about that, but they’ll work into the season.”

Despite the challenges of having to deal with ever-changing COVID-19 protocols this pre-season, the second-year coach is still loving his time at the Kennel. 

“It’s amazing to be involved with such a wonderful group of young women – I’m still loving it,” Burke said.

“(Pre-season) has been a bit strange – we started off with groups of 10 that couldn’t cross over, and we’re still yet to have a team meeting with all 30 players in the same room together - that’s how difficult and strange it’s been.

“It’s been a juggling act, absolutely, but it’s just the way it is and the way the world has been for the last 12 months so if you don’t cope with that, then you are really going to struggle.

“Every team has been in the same boat – while it’s been unusual, we’re really looking forward to hopefully some normality when the games start.”

The AFLW Bulldogs will face St Kilda in their 2021 season opener at RSEA Park on Friday, January 29 from 7.10pm.