AFTER one of the most challenging AFLW seasons a club has faced, the Western Bulldogs look toward season seven with a sense of resilience and determination.
Despite losing some key players, they have developed a list with a real depth and versatility, which allows for a myriad of team options.
B: E. Brown N. Ferres
HB: I. Grant K. Lynch S. Hartwig
C: E. Bennetts J. Fitzgerald I. Pritchard
HF: K. McLeod N. Morris-Dalton D. Berry
F: D. Bateman M. Brown
Foll: C. Moody E. Blackburn K. Lamb
I/C: R. Cranston G. Newton B. Hunt R. Wilcox E. Georgostathis
Emerg: E. Snell A.Ling
After an action-packed trade and draft period, and ahead of AFLW season seven, womens.afl reporters Gemma Bastiani and Sarah Black have taken on the task of putting together each club's best 21 on paper. This isn't each side's likely R1 side, but rather a look at what each team's ideal line-up could be.
Changes from last season
After losing its two main avenues to goal from recent seasons in Bonnie Toogood and Isabel Huntington during the break, there were concerns over how the club would generate scores. But Kirsten McLeod's likely return after missing last season due to ongoing concussion symptoms, and more consistent appearances from Deanna Berry, they do look more solid in front of the ball.
Bringing on board Daisy Bateman and Millie Brown - who is slated to make the move into attack - will also help reshape the line, meanwhile they also have flexibility, with Richelle Cranston able to spend time forward, and the returning Gabby Newton also possessing the size and skill to impact in attack if needed.
On the wings, Isabelle Pritchard and Elle Bennetts are both powerful runners who can also compete in the contest, but the addition of Rylie Wilcox will assist in covering the loss of Brooke Lochland's endurance.
Celine Moody's development last season sees her continue to hold the No.1 ruck role. Structurally, however, this is where the Dogs will be interesting. For much of season six, Nathan Burke opted to go with two ruck options, playing Alice Edmonds alongside Moody. Depending on how opponents structure, that may continue to be how the Bulldogs choose to line up, but Moody's improvement does provide them with the flexibility to go with one pure ruck, with players like Cranston providing the chop out.
The other big loss during the offseason was Ellyse Gamble, but out of necessity last season the club adapted to life without her while she missed through injury and suspension. Isabella Grant spent the year in defence and excelled, so looks set to continue her career as an athletic rebounding defender alongside Sarah Hartwig. Eleanor Brown and Katie Lynch will continue to be the first-choice options to play on opposition key forwards.
In the mix
As is the club's recruitment strategy, there is plenty of flexibility within its depth players, meaning covering injury or even preparing for specific team structures is a viable option.
Britt Gutknecht was unlucky to miss this projected 21, especially given she has been known to hit the scoreboard in the past, but with small forwards McLeod, Berry and Bateman all in the side, there wasn't enough room for another mid/forward hybrid player.
Through the middle Amanda Ling, Elizabeth Snell and Gemma Lagioia sit on the fringes, both offering defensive run through the middle but don't quite yet win enough ball at senior level to push out the likes of fellow young players Fitzgerald or Pritchard.
Fresh draftee Keely Coyne, developing midfielder Annabel Strahan and key position players Heidi Woodley (forward) and Brooke Vernon (defence) will look to grow throughout season seven, offering depth to the list.
