Sarah Hartwig is embraced by Mikala Cann after kicking a goal during the clash with Gold Coast at People First Stadium. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Western Bulldogs forward Sarah Hartwig says the team’s ability to hit the ground running in their season opener should hold them in good stead.

The Bulldogs opened their 2026 AFLW campaign with a 26-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday night – their first Round 1 triumph since Season 7, 2022.

Hartwig said starting stronger was a key focus heading into the clash.

02:34

Sarah Hartwig | Start fast, take it on

Forward Sarah Hartwig reflects on a starring performance in the Pups' win over the Suns.

“The past few years we’ve started pretty slow, so our messaging this time around was ‘start fast and start hard’,” she said post-match.

“We really took that on and did that well - I’m so proud of all of us.

“We just have to follow through for the rest of the game now.”

Hartwig finished with an equal-career high three goals in the wet and slippery conditions at People First Stadium.

00:41

AFLW R1 | Cue the celebrations: Hartwig nabs Dogs opener

Sarah Hartwig takes a strong mark and converts the goal to kickstart the Bulldogs in 2026

Despite her individual impact, she was full of praise for second-year Bulldogs and her partner in crime up forward, Emma McDonald.

“She inspires me so much. Her marking is incredible and I learn so much from her as well, even though she’s so much younger than me,” Hartwig said of the 20-year-old McDonald.

“We love playing with each other – I think we make each other better.”

The Bulldogs will host Richmond at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon from 2:05pm AEST.