HITTING IT WITH ALL WE’VE GOT
COVID-19 clusters, snap border closures and limits on group training might have cast a cloud over the upcoming AFLW season.
But the uncertainty won’t faze Western Bulldogs. The squad has returned to the training track after the Christmas break, with many players setting personal bests in strength and running testing.
Last season’s AFLW Rising Star and All-Australian, Izzy Huntington said the side might be “on its toes” waiting to hear whether the AFL will announce changes to the 2021 AFLW season, but was handling it well.
“Obviously it’s not ideal having all that uncertainty, particularly with AFLW, and most of the women are either working full-time or studying, which presents an extra challenge,” the 21-year-old said. “But considering the circumstances, we’re going really well with it, and we’re just getting things done.”
The AFL on Sunday ordered AFLW players to have COVID-19 tests. The Dogs will have their tests on Wednesday. The AFL also ordered training be conducted in smaller groups, of no more than 10.
And the Dogs adapted to that at their Tuesday night training session.
“We’re used to it because it’s what we had to do for a large part of the early stages of pre-season, so it’s just going back to the old ways,” Huntington said. “We’ve got a young group, but I feel they’re a mature young group, so there’s no qualms.
“I think the way everyone’s taken it all on board, the changes to training, that’s been a real testament to their maturity.”
The Dogs will take on St Kilda in their opening game at RSEA Park on January 29, and Huntington said the squad was coming together well.
“Most of the girls have been hitting PBs in their strength and running testing, so everything’s looking good on that front, which is a really good show considering the challenges we’ve had this year,” she said.