Brianna Davey loved running around on Whitten Oval as a Western Bulldog in Saturday night's 39-point win over Melbourne, but she already has one eye firmly on 2017 and the navy blue.
The 21-year-old defender was one of the few women playing in the AFL All-Stars match who knew which club she would be representing next year, having joined Carlton as a marquee player in July.
Davey was grateful for the opportunity the Dogs had given her in recent years.
"The Bulldogs have done an amazing thing for women's football – along with Melbourne – and I'm extremely privileged and honoured to be part of that," Davey said.
"But I'm on to a new club and a new chapter, and I'm really looking forward to pulling on a blue jumper next year and representing Carlton."
The Bulldogs kicked nine goals to Melbourne's four in the second half to break the game open, and Davey said there was a greater focus on ball control coming into the third quarter.
"In the first half we tried to rush it on a bit too much, and our skills weren't quite on-point. But once we came out in the third quarter, the message was, 'Girls, let’s keep our composure and hit up targets.'
"That was the major turning point … we became more composed with the ball."
Asked about the luxury of having six-goal hero Moana Hope and Katie Brennan in the Bulldogs' forward line, Davey said it was a privilege to take the field with some of the best players in the country.
"It's pretty handy having (the best) players on the field. It's the sort of football you love to play, being surrounded by smart footballers. It was a great night to be part of," she said.
Davey, a former goalkeeper for the Matildas, Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, employed some keeper-like distractions when standing the mark, dodging and darting while opponent Sabrina Frederick-Traub kicked for goal.
"I don't expect to jump up and save it or anything, but it's a put-off tactic. Lining up at goals and having someone on the mark being a nuisance takes your eye off it a little bit."
Along with Carlton's other signings Darcy Vescio and Lauren Arnell, Davey is eagerly awaiting the start of pre-season training in November, but not before a well-earned rest.
"My body is screaming for a break, having gone straight into football season from soccer. I'd say it's been over a year and a bit since I've had a break, so I can't wait," Davey said.
"I'll just kick my feet up for a couple of weeks or a month, and then get straight into pre-season."
