Wood was named as the side's 23^rd player for their contest against the Northern Territory in Ballarat on Saturday.

The former Ararat Storm player said it was an "overwhelming" surprise.

"Honestly, I did not expect it at all," Wood said.

"It's a very big day for me. I'm extremely nervous but also extremely excited.

"It's going to be a really good experience and an opportunity to showcase what I've got."

Wood said she expected to play in an unfamiliar role on Saturday, but was determined to simply do her best for the team.

"(The coach) just mentioned that I'll be starting in the backline and working my way up the ground a bit - it's my first time playing in that sort of position," she said.

"I'm hoping to showcase what I can do in that role, but also playing as a team. It's not about just benefiting myself as an individual."

Wood said the Bulldogs had been a sensational place to develop her football.

"It's going to be a lot tougher for me on Saturday, playing against some AFL girls, but the vibe around the club has been great," Wood said.

"They have been really supportive of us younger ones at the club, so it's very exciting."

Horsham's Nekalea Butler also debuted for the Bulldogs earlier this season and played three consecutive matches. Butler has not been named for the match on Saturday.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels talent manager Krista Woodroffe said playing VFLW was a fantastic opportunity for the up-and-coming youngsters, who are eligible for this year's AFLW draft.

"It's really important and valuable for these girls to get those opportunities at VFLW level," she said.

"Ella also has had the Victoria Country experience, which has given her a bit more exposure at that elite side of things.

"We're definitely hopeful that some of our Rebels girls will get drafted this year."

Wood hoped Saturday would be another step in the right direction.

"It's been a really good feeling at the trainings building up to the weekend," Wood said.

"Hopefully I can play well in the VFL and teams can see some good qualities in me.

"I'm just going to put it all out there."

The match gets underway at Mars Stadium on Saturday at 2pm.