After nearly a 12-month hiatus, the famous colours of the Murray Bushrangers will be out in action when they take on country rivals Bendigo Pioneers at Yarrawonga on Saturday.
Both Locke and Williams (who hails from Broadford) will feature in the back six, while Dawe, who makes her long-awaited debut, has been named on the interchange.
“Chloe, she's a versatile player and known for her forward and midfield work, but she'll start down back,” Bushrangers assistant coach Mario de Santa-ana said.
“She's a really good runner, a great communicator on the ground so we'll be looking at her to lead that back six.
“Emily, she's a first year player, she's a tall key defender who is super competitive and loves the physical contest.
“And Lucy, she's been with the program for a couple years, so it's great to see her making her debut - she's primarily a ruck and tall defender and she's a strong left foot kick.”
Plenty has changed since the last time the Bushies fronted up in a NAB League match in March.
The age group has been raised from under-18 to 19, while the finals series will be split into metro and country conferences.
The top-four Vic Country/Tasmania and top-four Vic Metro sides will qualify for finals.
Coach de Santa-ana said he and the players could not wait to get out there and have footy back.
“It has been a long time coming. Personally, I'm so excited and raring to go and I know the other coaches and all the players are the same,” he said.
“I think it'll be the same feeling for everyone.
“It's a slightly different format this year, there's been a bit of a restructure.
“They have synchronised it to run with the AFLW, so we start and finish around the same time as them. It's a nine-round season which includes a bye and finals run for three weeks.
“And there will be a break over Easter for the under-17 and under-19 national championships. We have got some quality players who I believe will be strong chances to feature in the championships.”
And though the Bushrangers’ win-loss record isn't its ultimate yard-stick this season, de Santa-ana is hoping to see improvement across the board.
“I'm pretty confident with our chances this year,” he said.
“Hoping to grab some wins, but more importantly, hoping to get some AFLW draftees at the end of the year.
“With a bit of luck hopefully we get away with a win this weekend.”
● Murray Bushrangers take on Bendigo Pioneers at Yarrawonga's JC Lowe Oval at 12.15 pm.
