Now she can hardly wait to get to work in the kennel.

Ashmore moves into team camp with the Western Bulldogs on Friday ahead for this weekend’s AFL Women’s game against Melbourne.

For the past two years Ashmore has lined up with the Dees, but the AFL Women’s draft in April served up a surprise when she was drafted to the Bulldogs at pick 13.

She will be coached by Collingwood premiership player Craig Starcevich, a strong advocate of the women’s game, who will make his AFL coaching debut.

“I was a bit hesitant at the start but now I’m really excited. I’ll be playing alongside a whole bunch of different girls and I’m really happy to be part of it all,” Ashmore said.

The Bulldogs and Demons will play two matches this years, both AFL curtain raisers to their male counterparts, with a few list adjustments between games.

Popularity, publicity and support for women’s football has been booming since the inaugural Melbourne-Western Bulldogs game two years ago.

Ashmore endorsed AFL chief Gillon McLachlan’s push to streamline the timeframe to establish a national women’s league as soon as 2017.

“I think it’s amazing. There’s a high enough standard in the game to create a national competition,” Ashmore said.

“From when we started, we didn’t get much coverage in the general public.

“This year, it’s amazing how much it has grown. Our first game will be streamed online and the second will be aired live on TV.

“So many more people will be able to watch us play.”

Ashmore plays state league with premier division club Melbourne University, with fellow MUGARS midfielders Emma Kearney and Madeline Keryk also set to line up for the Bulldogs.

Once she arrives at Whitten Oval, Ashmore will have access to the Bulldogs’ staff and training, medical and preparatory facilities.

The Bulldogs women’s team will cross paths with the men’s team in a goal-kicking challenge.

Bulldogs head coach Luke Beveridge will address the women’s team in a post-training session.

Ashmore said the change of environment meant a chance to keep developing her game at the highest levels.