The grassy hills and old wooden stands of Whitten Oval were packed with women’s football fans as the sun set last Saturday evening.

I say women’s football fans instead of Western Bulldogs and Geelong supporters because there’s something different about the people that line the fence at an AFLW game.

Yes, there were more cheers when the Bulldogs kicked a goal. Yes, it was their home ground and yes the majority of people there were wearing Bulldogs’ colours.

But I got the feeling that everyone there was subconsciously supporting the same team.

Walking through the Bulldogs cafe after the game trying to find my family I found myself in what should have been enemy territory. Those enjoying a post-game snack were all wearing red, white and blue.

Here I am decked out in my full Geelong tracksuit and I’m getting nothing but smiles from the people around me. Bulldogs supporters came up and said hello, they waved and I felt completely comfortable in their surroundings.

From behind me I heard, “Hi Phoebe.” I turned around to see women’s football legend, Sue Alberti. I’ve met Sue many times when I played at the St Kilda Sharks as she is the club’s number 1 ticket holder.

She explained to me that although she was happy that her Bulldogs won, she was just happy for women’s football in general and with a big hug, she left.

This is the GenW the AFL talks about. It’s a movement and I’m so thrilled to be part of it.

In saying all of that, the result of last weekend’s game was disappointing for our team.

Though we felt we matched it with the reigning premiers for a large part of the game, in the end they were more efficient with the ball and we will learn a lot from the match and move forward.

We have our first interstate trip this weekend and we will be facing another premiership winning side.

There are a couple of big inclusions to our team. Rocky is back and her strength and power will add depth to our midfield.

And something I am so excited for is the debut of our captain Melissa Hickey.

Hickey has had an agonising 12 months away from the game she loves. I’m thrilled to see her lead her new team, her new club. I’m sure she has been dreaming of this moment for the last 365 days of the year. I can’t wait to run out on the park beside her.

Travelling with your teammates is always a memorable experience. You always return home with stories about funny things your teammates said or did. It’s a good opportunity to bond with teammates.

More importantly it’s a good opportunity for us to improve on last week and hopefully return to Geelong with four points.