Western Bulldogs AFLW senior coach Tam Hyett says she’s thrilled to see Ellie Gavalas reach her 50th AFLW game in the clash with Hawthorn this weekend.
Gavalas, who arrived from North Melbourne before the 2024 season, will celebrate her milestone under lights at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday night.
“Ellie’s been great for us as an experienced player...she was part of a really successful program at North Melbourne, and she's brought some really strong experience in the way she plays in our forward half,” Hyett told Andy Maher and Andrew Gaze on SEN 1116 this week.
“We've got a pretty young forward group and she's been brilliant.
"She's pretty funny too - she’s always up for a laugh. She’s been great so we’re really excited for her to play her 50th game.”
For Hyett, who this week signed a two-year contract extension, the match is also a moment to reflect on the team’s progress since she arrived in March last year.
“The positivity and growth around not just the team, but the program since March last year (has been evident)," she said.
"Myself and our GM Women's Football Patrice Berthold came in at the same time, and there were a few things we wanted to shift.
“Being a really proud foundation Club, we thought there were areas we wanted to improve on both from an on-field perspective but also off-field. We've really seen that improvement in the last 12 months.
"Hopefully we can keep trending upwards."
The Bulldogs enter Round 3 with a 1-1 record, having bounced back from an opening-round loss to Melbourne with a convincing win over Richmond.
Next comes an unbeaten Hawthorn, with the Bulldogs to host them at home this Saturday night in Indigenous Round.
