After a year that saw both her AFLW and VFLW campaigns struck down by serious injury, she will return to the environment she loves the most when the Dogs face Collingwood in an AFLW practice match at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium.

Admitting it felt like a “lifetime ago” since the last of her six games at the top in 2017, the 21-year-old from Wynyard said she felt like she’s almost starting her career from scratch.

“I have played AFLW, but at the same time I feel like I haven’t, so I will feel like I am making my debut again,’’ the Burnie Dockers premiership player said.

“Coming into my third season I feel more comfortable and confident and have made lots of steps forward in my development, so I feel more prepared this time to have an impact.

“It has been a little while since I’ve been out on the field, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there this weekend and having a good little hit-out before the real stuff starts.”

Gamble was unable to have an on-field role in the Dogs’ 2018 premiership after suffering a torn syndesmosis in her left ankle.

Then in August her VFLW season came to an end after breaking her wrist.

“It was a tough year and a bit of a roller coaster year in terms of my emotions, but that has made me so much more determined to get out there this year,’’ she said.

“Obviously we achieved the ultimate success last year and I’ll be doing everything that I can to be out on the field this year with the team, as it was difficult at times to watch from the sidelines.

“But that’s what makes you more determined to get back out there and just enjoy footy as it makes you appreciate the opportunities you do get. When I do get to run out, it will make all those tough times worth it.”

Versatility is set to be a feature of her game this year, with coach Paul Groves set to use her at both ends of the ground.

In her first year in the competition she played mainly as a forward-ruck and was set for a key defensive role last year until injury struck.

“I love being a versatile player, which keeps you on your toes, and it is exciting that the coaches have confidence in me to play that role,’’ the 180cm Gamble said.

“It is also good for my development, as when I am playing back I am learning the forward craft off my opponent and when I am forward I soon learn how to develop my defensive game with how they play on me.”

Gamble said the vibe was a positive one at the Bulldogs, although there was a sense of the unknown with the addition of the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and Geelong into the competition. 

While she was not looking any further than Saturday, Gamble said she’d love to be part of the Dogs team that plays North at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium on February 15.

“It would be really special to play down there in Tassie in front of my friends and family and hopefully the whole North-West Coast.”