Western Bulldogs VFLW coach Liam Cavanagh believes the team's alignment with the AFLW program has been one of the biggest positives to come from the 2026 season.

The VFLW Bulldogs currently sit sixth on the ladder with a 5-8 win-loss record, a significant improvement on last year's campaign.

With finals still within reach, Cavanagh said the connection between the club's VFLW and AFLW programs has helped create a strong brand identity and foster a supportive environment.

"The alignment piece we have with the AFLW side is really strong at the moment," Cavanagh said.

"Hopefully we see some seamless collaboration, and both teams playing a similar brand."

After winning three of their last five matches, Cavanagh has been particularly impressed with his side's ability to perform under pressure in tight contests.

"We're starting to develop a bit of an identity," Cavanagh said.

"We're not a team that's just going to come out and blow you out of the water, but we can handle a close game. There's been a lot of moments where we've needed to save the game, and we've been really smart."

One player who has thrived this season is Jorja Livingstone, with the midfielder currently sitting second in the Coaches' MVP Award standings.

"She's a really good embodiment of the program itself," Cavanagh said.

"She's really consistent with the way she prepares, and it's been awesome to see her go to a level that she wasn't sure she could reach.

"Nobody can take any credit except for her."

With six games remaining and a finals spot still up for grabs, Cavanagh said the priority is giving his young group the opportunity to experience finals football.

"I think just getting finals experience for this group would be awesome for them," he said.

"They're so young, so to be here in 12 months' time and to be coaching a group that has finals experience; that'd (be) such a great position to be in.

"All I want is for the girls to make finals and get to experience that."

The VFLW Bulldogs will host Sandringham this Saturday morning in a VFL/W double-header at Mission Whitten Oval.