THE WESTERN Bulldogs are set to make AFLW history on Saturday night when head coach Nathan Burke will be supported by an entirely female assistant coaching group.

The club's VFLW coach Kirby Bentley will take charge of the forward line while forwards coach Dylan Roberton is unavailable, joining Melissa Hickey (back line coach) and Natalie Wood (midfield coach) in the coaches' box.

Burke said his side was in safe hands with the coaching line-up.

“I coach from the boundary line because I know they’ll have everything covered in the coaching box,” Burke told the club's website.

Elisabeth Georgostathis (left) and coach Melissa Hickey are seen at the Western Bulldogs' photo day on December 9, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

“Because I’m not up there, they do have extra responsibilities – but I’m pretty fortunate to have a group of this calibre supporting me.

“It’s a great opportunity for KB (Bentley) also - since arriving at the Kennel she has settled in seamlessly, and has made such an impact on our program.”

2022 FIXTURE Every match, every round

The Dogs take on Melbourne in the annual Hampson-Hardeman Cup at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night.