Midfielder Britney Gutknecht will return to the action in the Western Bulldogs’ VU Whitten Oval homecoming against St Kilda on Friday night.

It will mark the 22-year-old’s first game back since a leg injury sustained in season seven, and the first game back at VU Whitten Oval in over 580 days.

Rocky Cranston will also play her first game of the 2023 season, and is set to add even more star power to the Dogs’ forward-line.

The duo will replace Celine Moody (shoulder) and Gemma Lagioia (concussion).

01:32

Gabby breaks return news to Brit

Gabby Newton lets Brit Gutknecht know that she will be making her long-awaited return, after breaking her leg in round two of last season.

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The emergencies are Naomi Ferres, Millie Brown and Bailey Hunt.

Channel 7 will broadcast the game live, with the first bounce at 7.15pm AEST on the Grand Final Eve public holiday.

With gates open from 6pm, patrons are encouraged to arrive early and check out the ongoing redevelopment progress – including the state-of-the-art indoor training facility which will play host to the Fan Zone.

Capacity is strictly limited, so secure your tickets before you get to the ground or sign up as an AFLW member today to avoid missing out. 

Please note: due to areas of the ground remaining a construction site, the main entrance to VU Whitten Oval is now located at Cross Street (Gate 1).

00:37

Back in the West

AFLW returns to VU Whitten Oval this Friday night, as we take on the Saints.

AFLW Team | Round 5

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
Friday 29 September, 7.15pm AEST
VU Whitten Oval

B: I Grant, K Lynch
HB: E Georgostathis, K Coyne, M Gorham
C: R Wilcox, K Lamb, I Pritchard
HF: R Cranston, G Newton, B Gutknecht
F: S Hartwig, H Woodley
R: A Edmonds, E Blackburn, D Berry
Int: B McFarlane, K McLeod, J Fitzgerald, D Carruthers, A Smith
Emg: N Ferres, M Brown, B Hunt 

IN: B Gutknecht, R Cranston
OUT: G Lagioia (concussion), C Moody (shoulder)