FROM young guns on the rise to competition stalwarts, plenty of players took their game to the next level this year. 

Some earned All-Australian selection and featured prominently in their club's best and fairest counts, while others simply took the next step in their AFLW journey.

AFL.com.au takes a look at the Dogs' breakout player from the 2025 season.

RYLIE WILCOX

There's just so much to like about the Bulldogs' young gun. Wilcox is as tough as they come, can play both through the midfield or in defence and wears her heart on her sleeve.

The combination of speed and work rate has quickly seen her become a fan favourite at the Kennel and the sky really is the limit for the Northern Knights product.

A strong decision-maker with classy skills, Wilcox has huge upside as Tamara Hyett's side look to continue to surge up the ladder.

For the second year in a row, Wilcox finished as the runner up in the Bulldogs' best and fairest, but after just 41 games of AFLW footy, she's quickly becoming one of the Dogs' most important players.

How Hyett uses her star asset in 2026 will be an interesting watch.