After a lengthy six-month off-season, the AFLW program formally kicked off pre-season training on Monday night.

The week started with a team meeting at VU Whitten Oval, where new players and staff were introduced, and coach Nathan Burke’s vision for season eight was revealed.

The group then departed for the familiar Skinner Reserve and completed a gruelling session under the lights. They were officially back in business.

Marking a sign of the new times - and glimpse at what full-time status of the AFLW competition could look like – was Wednesday afternoon’s training session.

The team rolled into Skinner Reserve just after midday, tested their running capacity and were back at Whitten for a 4pm gym session.

The group also underwent a light recovery session on Thursday, and will prepare to go again on the track on Saturday morning.

Check out the best shots from week one of AFLW pre-season below.