PREMIERSHIP Bulldog Nicky Callinan is back at Whitten Oval in a newly devised role, encompassing both AFLW player development and girls' talent pathway.

The 40-year-old was an inaugural Bulldogs player, recording 24 games from 2017-2020, and didn’t miss a game in the first two seasons.

Upon retirement, she spent time at St Kilda as a development coach, before moving to Carlton in 2022 as an assistant coach and VFLW player.The full-time role will see Callinan work closely with AFLW players, select VFLW players and coach the club's girls' Next Generation Academy program.

Carlton backline coach Nicole Callinan speaks to a player during a training session on June 28, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

"I’m so excited about this new opportunity to work in the player development space, which is something I’m so passionate about – it’s a bonus that I get to come back home to the Kennel too," Callinan said.

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"I’m so grateful for my time at both the Saints and Carlton, which have helped my own development journey. There are so many things I’ve experienced along the way, and amazing people I’ve worked with that have helped me get to this point in my career.

Nicole Callinan (right) embraces Susan Alberti after the Western Bulldog's premiership victory on March 24, 2018. Picture: AFL Photos

"Hopefully I can use what I’ve learnt over the past few years to further develop the AFLW Pups, and also the up-and-coming talent coming through."

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The Western Bulldogs recently re-signed coach Nathan Burke to a two-year, full-time deal, having previously been at the club in a part-time capacity.