Horsham Demon Nekaela Butler has made a promising start to her VFLW career.
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Butler signed with the Western Bulldogs after impressing during a trial period, and played her third VFLW match at the weekend.
Butler said it had been a whirlwind experience.
"It's been really fun, and I've been going alright," she said.
"The Bulldogs messaged me about coming down to train with them a while ago, and I thought it would just be normal training. But after about a month or two, they asked me to play a game.
"It was pretty cool - definitely unexpected."
Playing in the VFLW gave Butler a chance to test herself in one of the country's highest quality leagues.
In her debut, Butler came up against AFLW players, including two-time All-Australian and six-foot ruck Sabrina Frederick.
"It was pretty nerve-wracking," Butler said.
"In my first game I was up against Katie Brennan and Sabrina Frederick. I almost got taken out by Sabrina at one stage, which was quite scary."
But far from being overwhelmed by the quality of her opposition, Butler shined in her debut match.
She was named in the Bulldogs' best as they defeated Richmond 4.4 (28) to 2.10 (22).
"It was very surprising to get in the best," Butler said.
"I would say it wasn't my best game. I probably held my own, but I didn't think I quite did well enough to get in the best. It was nice though.
"It has been pretty cool to play against some AFL players."
Butler continued her good form into the side's next two matches, a 10 point win against Casey Demons and a 15 point loss to the Southern Saints.
Butler said the step-up in quality had allowed her to play with more confidence.
"It's hard to explain, the football is quicker than the (Greater Western Victoria) Rebels, and there's a lot more skill," Butler said.
"You can put a lot more trust in your teammates, and know that people are going to have your back if you stuff up.
"With those more skillful players, it can be a bit easier to just play football."
The promising beginning had Butler hopeful of being selected in the 2019 AFLW draft, expected to be held in October.
"That's definitely my goal," Butler said. "Since I was a kid, I always wanted to get drafted, but I never thought it could actually happen.
"I'm just really hoping I can get picked up."