By Molly Magennis
Western Bulldogs midfielder-forward Elisabeth Georgostathis is more than ready to take on the 2022 AFLW season.
With pre-season training under way at the kennel, Georgostathis said the energy is high and the girls are pumped to get back into it.
“We’re lucky enough to actually be able to train together, see each other and it’s just made us all a bit more connected… We’ve all hit it off really good,” she said.
“We’re so excited for the season coming up and especially with the fixture just coming out in the last week or two, we’re all super excited and can’t wait.”
The Bulldogs have set their ambitions high for this season.
The club unveiled their ‘2×25’ plan earlier this year, with the club aiming to win two premierships by 2025.
“Obviously we’re not gonna shy away from the 2×25,” Georgostathis said.
“But that’s not saying that we’re gonna get it in the later years, we’re pushing for it as soon as possible. So even this season, we’re pushing for that premiership cup.
“We’re all working hard, we’re all pushing ourselves but also pushing each other to be better and just to be the best version of ourselves on and off the field.”
The western suburbs local who came through the Western Jets program, was drafted to the Bulldogs in 2019 and hasn’t missed a game since debuting in 2020.
Georgostathis notched up 86 disposals, 40 tackles and one goal in 2021.
This year she is going to place particular focus on increasing her knowledge of the game.
“Probably just continuing to develop my skills and knowledge of the game, and maybe kicking a few more goals would be nice…Fingers crossed,” she said.
The Bulldogs finished eighth in 2021, having won five out of nine games.
Looking ahead to 2022, the Bulldogs take on Melbourne in round one, where they’ll be vying for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup.
“It’s really exciting. Obviously it’s the Hardeman Cup so I think it’s….An exciting way to start the season and hopefully we get off on a good run with the wind,” Georgostathis said.
“I think it will be a really good game because both us and Melbourne, are both very competitive so I think it’ll be a good rivalry and yeah I’m really excited about it.”
The Bulldogs have added a number of recruits to their line-up, including ex-GWS player Elle Bennetts and delisted Geelong forward-midfielder Richelle ‘Rocky’ Cranston.
Georgostathis said the new recruits have slotted into the team perfectly.
“I know obviously I’ve been in their spot two years ago, so I know how they’re feeling. They’re obviously worried about selection and stuff like that but they have lots of good support around them,” she said.
“They’ve shown their skills and they’ve done everything they needed to to hopefully push for selection and make some games…..but yeah I’m really excited for their future and to see them play.”
The Bulldogs take on Melbourne at 6.30pm January 8 at Whitten Oval.
