Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn says she couldn’t be prouder of the resilience her side has shown throughout the 2022 NAB AFLW season.

Dealing with the effects of COVID-19 – which saw two postponed games in rounds two and three – to go with some early injury battles, Blackburn said to even be within finals contention is an achievement in itself. 

“I couldn’t be any prouder than what I am right now,” Blackburn told Andy Maher and Andrew Gaze on the Club’s SEN Membership Day.

“Even the girls that got put on the inactive list like Gabby Newton and Kirsten McLeod early on in the season – who are some handy footballers alone – and then to lose Izzy Huntington, have Brooke Lochland in and out of the side, and only just get Deanna Berry back - it’s been a wild ride for us.

“Add in seven games in 30 days, COVID, interstate travel and all that – to be in a position to still play finals, I couldn’t be prouder of the resilience the group has shown and the support we have had.”

While a win over Brisbane on Sunday will keep the Bulldogs’ finals hopes alive, another prerequisite will also be Richmond needing to upset Collingwood the day prior.

“I’m obviously focused on our game and what we can control with that - we’ve still got to play a game of footy regardless,” she said.

“In saying that though - I don’t think I’ve ever cheered for Richmond before in my life, like I might be on Saturday.

“I’m commentating the game afterwards, so will probably be sitting anxiously watching while getting my hair and makeup done.

“It’ll be interesting to watch it – I have no doubt a few of the girls will be a little bit nervous about it, but regardless we’re just excited nonetheless to be in this position.”

The Bulldogs will host Brisbane at Mars Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in what will be the first AFLW match played for premiership points at the venue.