She first landed at training not long after giving birth to her second child Coen in March last year and found herself playing fullback for the Poochettes.

Grant said she "found it really hard" with the fitness side of things at first but that's a distant memory.

The 26-year-old now has played predominantly in the midfield in 2021 while also playing across the half back line.

READ ALSO:

Grant said she's "really enjoying" her move to the middle.

"[I enjoy] the fitness. I had never experienced playing in the centre before and I just like being able to go everywhere," Grant said.

Grant is originally from Adelaide and before she moved to Gunnedah lived in Coffs Harbour where she first started playing the game.

Gunnedah coach Sam Proudfoot saying Grant "was a big get" for the Dogs.

"What she brings is just this really understated determinedness," Proudfoot said.

"She's a great competitor and a really good leader, much more through her actions."

In saying that, Proudfoot said her confidence and voice had grown in 2021.

"It goes without saying, she's someone everyone in the team looks up to," he said.

The club has also been a great fit for Grant and her family.

From embracing herself, partner Luke Johanson, children Maya and Coen, to helping out with them, Grant said the club had been "very supportive".

Johnason, a mine worker, even started playing for the men's side.

Grant didn't think he would like it but: "He loves it," Grant said.

The Bulldogs host the New England Nomads this weekend across three grades - 14s, men's and women's.

The men's side face a tough assignment against the high-flying Nomads.

Meanwhile, the women are yet to be beaten but aren't taking anything for granted.

"We're still nervous. We don't come out too confident," Grant said.

"We're trying new things as well this year and have a lot of new players. We're just trying to have fun really."

Proudfoot said he used the week off for the long weekend to mix things up.

"We had a yoga session on Tuesday. Took things a bit easier and took stock of where we are," he said.

"We used the week off as a bit of a reset but we're excited to have a home game. We're pumped and excited to see what New England bring. We have a fair bit of respect for them."

Proudfoot said New England coach Lindsay Brown had his side playing "some really good footy".

"We played them pretty early on, round three I think it was. They're not doing great for numbers, it's fair to say, but the players they have are of a really high calibre," he said.