Western Bulldogs VFL Women’s captain Mickayla Ward has credited her side’s dedication and work rate, for their improvement in the Club’s second year within the VFLW competition.

Facing Collingwood in the VFLW Grand Final this weekend, the Bulldogs enjoyed a considerable shift in 2019, finishing third on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away season, compared to sixth in their debut season.

Leading her side to its first ever finals berth, captain Mickayla Ward said the group are feeling excited and energised ahead of this Sunday’s clash with the Magpies.

“It’s pretty special,” Ward said.

“We didn’t know what the expectation was (in 2019). We were aiming for finals, but now coming up to this weekend, it’s just a bonus and we’ll put everything out on the table.

“We’ve got a great leadership group with Tayla Dinuccio and Ashleigh Gunn supporting myself, but we’ve also had a great team environment.”

With a mix of AFLW, VFLW and NAB league players, VFLW coach Sean Kavanagh said that the development of the players’ fundamental skills has been a key focus throughout 2019.

“The gap between our AFL girls and our VFL girls, that gap is now closing, which has been really pleasing,” Kavanagh said.

"Basically, everyone on our list has now played, which is exciting. To give as many of our girls some exposure at the level as we could was the plan, and it's been a great season so far."

With the addition of NAB league players, Elizabeth Georgostathis, Ella Wood and Sophie Molan during the latter half of the season, the Bulldogs have seen significant improvement across the entire squad.

“All three of the (NAB league) girls have been incredible for us,” Ward said.

“Coming through a junior development (program), where some of our VFLW players haven't had that experience, they're able to get out there, know exactly what their role is and go and do it." 

The Western Bulldogs will play in their first VFL Women’s Grand Final on Sunday morning at Ikon Park, Carlton.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase at vfl.com.au

For full match information, click here.