Ella Wood earns VFLW chance with the Western Bulldogs

Wood has impressed playing representative football with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels the last several seasons.

The Rebels' season came to an end last weekend, and Wood was quickly approached by the Bulldogs.

"I was actually getting ready for school early in the morning and I got a call from one of the Bulldogs recruiters up there, and he offered me a contract," Wood said.

"I was absolutely overwhelmed. I didn't know how to take it. But I'm super keen."

Wood said getting a contract in the VFLW was something she had aspired to achieve.

"It was always something I wanted to get involved in," Wood said.

"Ever since I started at the Rebels, I tried to put my best work out there so I could show myself a bit more and maybe get that opportunity.

"Fortunately I've now been given that chance."

Wood had an impressive season with the Rebels in 2019, getting named in their best in five of seven matches.

Wood was also given a leadership role with the club alongside fellow Wimmera footballers Nekaela Butler and Maggie Caris.

"It was kind of a surprise for me to be honest because I don't really see myself as a leader," Wood said.

"But getting the opportunity to step up and guide the younger ones was really good for me."

Wood was hopeful she could make her VFLW debut at some stage this season.

After having a bye in round one, the Bulldogs season gets underway against Williamson on Saturday night.

"I'm hoping to maybe squeeze one game in," Wood said. "But there's a lot of talented girls around the club so it wouldn't surprise me if I didn't get there."

Wood also had one eye toward the AFLW National Draft which is expected to take place in October.

"The draft is one thing I've been thinking about a bit at the minute," Wood said. "But for now I'm just hoping to do well in the VFL season if I do end up getting a game or two."

Greater Western Victoria Rebels female coordinator Krista Woodroofe said there were a growing amount of opportunities at the draft.

"It's an ever-changing landscape," Woodroofe said.

"With the new teams getting introduced, I have no worries that we will have at least one, if not a couple of girls that will head into the AFLW next season."

Three other Rebels have also been offered contracts with the Bulldogs in the VFLW.