Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn says she has noticed a significant increase in standards across the competition, particularly with the abilities of young players entering the AFLW system.

Blackburn is one of the more experienced heads at the Kennel now, with five pre-seasons to her name, and says young pups like 2020 draftees Jess Fitzgerald, Sarah Hartwig and Isabelle Pritchard are signs of the growth of the sport.

“The 18-year-olds (we’ve brought in) and that are coming through at the moment are just ready for it now,” Blackburn told RSN Breakfast Club.

“They can lift heavy in the gym, they’ve got really good skills, they’ve got really good football knowledge and brains, and just understand the game really well.

“I think having them come through with that development is expanding the competition and making it grow into a higher standard.

“(Also having) players that are already in it and have a few extra pre-seasons under their belts are able to develop their skills, and the coaching is better – all these things add up to make it a better competition and a better standard.”

Blackburn said this pre-season has been particularly different too, given the juggling and constantly-changing COVID-19 restrictions.

“I don’t know if it gets any easier as you come through, but I guess you’re probably a bit more prepared for what is about to happen,” she said.

“This (pre-season) has obviously been a bit different with COVID-19 and a bit more restrictions in place around what we were able to do with it all, but it’s been relatively positive.

“I’m really happy with the way personally I’ve come through it, and am ready to hit games now so it’s been really good.”

The AFLW Bulldogs are scheduled to play their season opener against St Kilda on Friday, January 29 at RSEA Park under lights.