KEY FORWARD Katie Brennan is likely to be one of the Western Bulldogs' two marquee signings for next season's AFL national women's league.
Brennan is set to jump at the chance to repay the faith first shown when the Bulldogs selected the Queenslander in the inaugural women’s draft in 2013.
"I've had a lot of contact with the Dogs and … it's something I'm really happy about. I've been on an amazing journey with the Bulldogs and they have provided me with so many opportunities," Brennan said.
The 23-year-old Brennan and Daisy Pearce – who is almost certain to be one of Melbourne's two designated signings – are set to be among the 16 marquee players from eight AFL clubs to spearhead the elite talent in the Demons-Bulldogs women’s exhibition series match at Whitten Oval on September 3.
The AFL will announce the marquee players later this month and all are expected to play for either team in the nationally televised game during the pre-finals Celebration of Football bye week.
Players from every state and the Northern Territory were among the squads named for the All-Stars game that will be the last star-studded rehearsal for the inaugural women's league starting next February.
"It will be a really good spectacle, fast and free-flowing featuring the best footballers," Brennan said.
"For it to be televised in a prime position on Channel Seven will allow the wider public to see that we can really play the game. It will also be great for young girls to see what's possible.
"Most of the players won't find out their (national league) clubs until October, so it should be fierce competition for those girls to showcase their talent.
"Recruiters have been following our journeys in the VWFL and other competitions around Australia. So, although this will be a showcase game, it's also about us playing consistent footy for the next 10 weeks through the finals (of our competitions)," she said.
Although most players involved in Demons-Dogs match are certain to be picked in state-based drafts in early October, the urge to shine on such a big stage will prove irresistible for such fierce competitors.
"You get to play either with them or against them over the years, so we're pretty familiar how everyone plays. For instance, I play with Daisy at Darebin (in the VWFL) but against her here," Brennan said.
"So you kind of have an insight on the bits and pieces of their game that you can pick apart if they are your direct opponent or for someone on your team."
Brennan, a strength and conditioning coach at a gym in Coburg in Melbourne’s north, is open to leaving her centre half-forward role to build more versatility for the 2017 national competition.
"I would love to break into the midfield and also play bit at half-back. I'm trying different positions in club games to try to have a well-grounded game," she said.
