GAY FOOTBALLER Hannah Scott has credited the Western Bulldogs for their open and welcoming culture.

Scott said she had been overwhelmed by the club's decision to push for a 'Pride' game recognising LGBTQI communities. The Bulldogs will host Carlton in a NAB AFL Women's match at VU Whitten Oval on Friday night, with both clubs to wear specially-designed jumpers.

"The Western Bulldogs have been amazing. They know the culture they want. That's a massive thing for me and makes me feel like I truly belong," Scott told the club's website.

In a video posted on westernbulldogs.com.au, Scott talks about the challenges of hiding her sexuality in her teens, and fearing she'd lose family and friends because of it.

"I was 16 when I came out to my family and the lead-up to that was a very stressful time. I was hiding who I was," the 27-year-old said.

"It was a very real thing to stress about. My family couldn’t have been more amazing."

Scott's partner of nearly four years, Jess Havlin, said becoming involved in football just before she turned 21 had allowed her "to be comfortable with who I wanted to be.

"Footy is a place where you can be comfortable … you don’t get judged," Havlin said.

Scott said she was looking forward to playing in the club's Pride guernsey and "really striving for change".