The Western Bulldogs have secured talented athlete Libby Birch as its first rookie for the Club’s national women’s league side in 2017.
 
A state-level junior netballer, Birch took up football in June this year joining the Darebin Falcons, and has played 10 games in her debut season.
 
The 18-year-old is set to line up in the VFL side’s grand-final against Melbourne University this weekend, alongside Bulldogs marquee player Katie Brennan.
 
Birch joins Brennan, Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney on the Club’s list for 2017.
 
Bulldogs women’s team coach Paul Groves said he looked forward to welcoming Birch to the Club’s women’s program.
 
“Libby is a natural athlete, and has picked up the game really quickly.
 
“She’s fit, has great speed and despite playing predominantly as a defender, we think she has great versatility and will be able to adapt to various roles.
 
“We’re really excited to see her grow and develop as a Western Bulldogs player.”
 
Birch said she was excited to officially join the Club for pre-season in October.
 
“As a local girl and a student of Maribyrnong College, it’s amazing to be able to call the Western Bulldogs home.
 
“It’s an awesome opportunity and I want to be able to take it with both hands.
 
“I can’t wait to meet my teammates in October and start the journey with them.”
 
The local Ascot Vale student has lived in the west all her life, and was a student at Maribyrnong Sports College.
 
Birch currently studies physiotherapy and intends to balance her football and netball in 2017.
 
Birch was signed under the AFL’s rookie rules, allowing the Club to sign up to two players who have not played a game of community or state football in the past three years, up to 15 June 2016.