Some three years after relocating from Tasmania to Gunnedah, the mine operator has had a daughter, Harper, with her partner, Lee Rose, whom she will marry in November, and this year she recommenced her AFL career.

Read also:

She also became an AFL NSW/ACT development officer - adding another rewarding element to a footy adventure that includes her previously playing in Tasmania's State League with the Devonport Football Club.

She also played for the Hobart City Demons, and was among the early pioneers of women's AFL in Tassie.

When Kestles heard whispers that the Bulldogs were keen to launch their first-ever women's team this year, she texted the club's president, Hamish Russell, and told him to go for it.

She was then made co-coach of the side, with Sam Proudfoot, while she also marshalls her troops as primarily a defender.

After a loss to the Swans in round one, the Bulldogs have had back-to-back wins - including a 73-point defeat of the Suns in Moree on Saturday (10.19-79 to 1.0-6).

Kestles said it was a "phenomenal" performance.

"The girls did a lot of things we haven't seen before," she said. "They created space and used the ball really, really well."

Kestles previously coached a women's junior side in Tasmania. She envisages herself having a lengthy coaching career.

"I love coaching," she said. "I love watching the development of new players."

Kestles said it was "amazing" to see the growth of women's AFL nationally.

The public's "acceptance" of women players is something she finds deeply satisfying.

One day she will be able to tell Harper that she played her role in the development of the game.

The Bulldogs host the Suns on Saturday.