Tara Murray
A shortened off-season has done little to diminish the excitement of the young Western Bulldogs heading into the AFLW season.
After just missing out on finals last season, the Bulldogs are back on track and looking to take at least another step forward.
The development of Isabelle Pritchard last season was one of the stories for the Bulldogs.
The youngster is keen to take another step forward this eason.
“I’m definitely super pumped for pre-season to be underway,” she said.
“It kicked off really well. I enjoy playing footy in winter, so it’s a bit nostalgic and a bit easier.”
Pritchard said the group came back in good shape and fitness despite less time to prepare for the season.
The 20 year-old had a short break between the two seasons, heading to Bali with a few of her teammates.
Since then she has been working on getting her fitness back up, with the side doing plenty of work on that in the first couple of weeks of pre-season.
“We’ve been focusing on our fitness and skills and focusing on how we want to play footy next season.
“Everyone has returned really well.”
For Pritchard personally, she’s trying to improve of her break out season. Last season she played all 10 games and earned a rising star nomination after making the move to the wing. She also won the Bulldogs’ coaches award.
She could be in for another position change this season.
“I’ve been preparing to spend a bit more time in the midfield, a bit more on the inside,” she said.
“Lisa Webb is the new midfield coach and she’s brought a wealth of knowledge and has been great.
“I played as an inside mid in juniors before I went down back. I like going down back and on the wing I’m starting to feel comfortable.”
Having been one of the younger sides last season, the Bulldogs lost a number of key players in the off season.
Brooke Lochland, Bonnie Toogood and Izzy Huntington have all moved on, meaning other players will need to step up and take on some leadership roles.
Pritchard said a couple of players had already stepped up to take on greater roles.
“We do have a young mix,” she said. “It’s disappointing to lose that experience.
“It means that there are some leadership roles that have opened up. Katie Lynch is one. Nell Morris Dalton is set for a big year down forward with the loss of Bonnie.
“Lizzy G [Elisabeth Georgostathis] is always dominating in the midfield, it’ll be so exciting to see her this season.”
Pritchard said the draftees had all settled in really well. She said Rylie Wilcox was one that had impressed.
Pritchard the training was starting to head into the next stage, with a bit more game simulation and working on how they want to move the ball.
She said they were pretty excited for the season ahead.
“We want to go at least one step further and play finals,” she said.
“I think we’re building something.”
