Western Bulldogs priority signing Emma Kearney says she thought her days as a footballer would have been over before a national women’s competition would be formed.

With the last game in the Women’s Exhibition Series leading the way for the beginning of the women’s national league in 2017, Kearney said she never thought she would see the day.

“I thought by the time a national competition was around I’d be retired by then, so I’m pretty thrilled that I’ve still got a few more years in me to play at the high level," she told westernbulldogs.com.au.

Kearney has spent the past three seasons with the Bulldogs, after originally being recruited with pick number 10 in the 2013 AFL women’s draft.

Match Information: Women's all-stars match

The 26-year-old counts herself lucky to be able to add to the five exhibition games she’s already played for the Club.

“I was really excited, (and) it was a bit of a relief actually, I was hoping to be with the Bulldogs.”

Kearney is happy to be teaming up with Ellie Blackburn and Katie Brennan on Saturday night.

“I play club footy with Ellie, so I’m really wrapped - I play in the midfield at Melbourne University with her so we’ve got a pretty good connection and hopefully we can bring something on the weekend.

“I’ve played a few games with Katie and she’s an absolute gun, so yes, looking forward to it.”

The match will be shown live via Channel Seven, which Kearney said is massive for women’s football.

“To get that exposure is really crucial and hopefully we get a lot of people come in to the ground on the day or even just watching it on TV.

“I know a lot of people don’t know what women’s footy is about and hopefully they can see it’s quite a skilled game”.