WESTERN Bulldogs AFLW premiership defender Libby Birch has credited an open and honest environment for the team's success this year.

The Bulldogs defeated Brisbane by six points in the Grand Final on Saturday, capping off an incredible rebound season after they finished sixth last year. 

"Our focus this year has been to improve every individual, from a team perspective but also off the field," Birch told Trail Blazers, AFL.com.au's AFLW podcast. 

"So, every training session it was our goal to help every teammate … no one was going to be left behind throughout the season. 

"It was everyone's role to make sure everyone was held accountable on the field, if something needed to be better, we needed to tell that person to make sure we improved in the next training session or game." 

A strength of the Bulldogs this season was their improved depth, with recruits making up a key part of their premiership side.

"That really showed when it mattered and in the pressure moments we had people like Monique Conti, Deanna Berry or Naomi Ferres [stand up]. All young, but all girls that have really shone," Birch said. 

"We've got this team culture enabling anyone to have a crucial role in games or show their special talent in footy. It's a real credit to our support staff and coaching staff who have set up an amazing environment for us to thrive in." 

Highlights and lowlights from the past few months also feature in this episode of Trail Blazers, with Birch also providing some insider information about the Bulldogs' premiership celebrations.