Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn says it’s about time that the competition takes notice of teammate Kirsty Lamb.

Lamb has been on the Bulldogs’ list since the inaugural season, and has since developed into one of the side’s most impactful midfielders.

She put together a career-best performance on Sunday against Richmond, registering a career-high 27 disposals to go with nine marks and two tackles, earning a perfect 10 AFLCA coaches’ votes.

“I think it’s about time in particular for Lamby that she gets some recognition - she’s been doing this since year one,” Blackburn said on The W Show this week.

“Her work rate around stoppages and the contest – it’s bullish the way she kind of gets herself out of it.

“I think we’re taking notice, finally. She actually had a really interrupted pre-season – she was barely out on the track.

“I think she was really worried coming into the season about how she was going to go fitness-wise - but she’s that type of player that even though she hasn’t really had a big pre-season under her belt, she will just give her all at every opportunity.

“She wears the jumper with a lot of pride, and gives 100% to the team. She’s the ultimate team player.”

Blackburn also praised key forward Bonnie Toogood for the way she has stepped up in attack since losing fellow tall Izzy Huntington to an ACL injury.

“(Bonnie’s) work up forward and around the ground, and her ability to clunk contested marks and take them in nice positions and look really dangerous in the forward line is something that as a midfielder, I personally love,” she said.

“We’ve got big targets up the ground, and that’s great to have for us. It’s awesome to be a part of.”

Both Toogood and Lamb were also recognised in AFL Media’s round five team of the week, selected in the forward line and midfield respectively.