Thursday’s practice match against Collingwood was all about taking another step in preparation for the inaugural 2017 AFLW season. It was definitely a major step forward for our group.

We have prepared all pre-season as best we could, but it was impossible to know exactly how we were tracking against other teams. That is why it was great to have our first competitive hit-out, especially against Collingwood – who brought plenty of pressure all game long.

To see some of the things that we have worked so hard on all summer pay off in passages of play was extremely rewarding.

Whilst we won by 10 points, we certainly weren’t focused on the scoreboard; more on executing our style of play and further getting to know each and every teammates game.

There’s no doubt that the game was tough and physical. I think as a team we handled that aspect really well – especially considering it was our first game as a team.

There was so much to take out of the game, for individuals and as a unit. We understand there is so much improvement in us, and that is the really exciting thing.

Of course, whilst it was only a practice match, running out in the red, white and blue for the very first time was a great experience and only made us all more excited for what is to come next Saturday night.

Speaking of next Saturday night, we now turn our complete attention to Fremantle.

Round one at VU Whitten Oval will be a dream come true for everyone involved. Running out in front of the doggies fans as the inaugural Western Bulldogs AFLW team will be something special.

Fremantle will be an extremely dangerous team, and this week we will prepare as best we can to head into the game with as much knowledge as possible of their game.

Focusing on them is a key, but we certainly won’t lose sight of what we are trying to do as a team and playing our game. Playing to our strengths and putting into action what we have trained will be crucial in order to swing the game in our favour.

We have a team that has come together and bonded so well over the past couple of months – something that when we step on the field together, we feel will give us a huge advantage. No matter who gets the possessions, goals or highlight reel plays, we all know and understand that every single player is contributing to that in their own way.

Everyone has a role to play and on Saturday night at VU Whitten Oval, we will all be playing for the pride of the Western Bulldogs and playing desperate football in the hope of getting that first win on the board.

One week to go!