Windy Hill has been the backdrop to many iconic football moments throughout Essendon’s history.

And on Saturday, another event will be added to the venue’s narrative when the VFLW Bombers host Geelong in the preliminary final and their first final at Windy Hill, with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs.  

When the Bombers run out on Saturday, they will have not only a home ground advantage but also stories of past Essendon teams inspiring them to victory at their spiritual home.

Vice-captain Courtney Ugle understands the significance of Windy Hill for Essendon fans and is confident the VFLW Bombers can overcome the challenge of Geelong to add their own piece of history to the ground.  

“We were all kind of spewing that we missed out on a first final (elimination final against Casey) as a home game because it's (Windy Hill) the spiritual home ground of the Bombers and it just hits different,” Ugle said.

“When you know the history behind the club and all the people that have really changed the game, the legends of the game and the people who have played the game, now we have a new era with a women's side that has been welcomed into the whole Bomber world.

“To be able to play home games and finals at Windy, it’s going to hit different.”

Although fans won’t be able to attend Saturday’s prelim due to current restrictions, Ugle is grateful for those who have shown their support throughout the season. 

Essendon’s VFLW side has played three games at Windy Hill this season with a strong supporter base attending each match to show their support, something that has inspired the Bombers to a maiden finals series.

For Ugle, there is nothing better than running on to the field and hearing the roar of the crowd from the grandstands at Windy Hill.

“What I do love is that you can actually hear the crowd roar when you're at Windy. I think the crowd is the best part about playing there because you know you're going to get your supporters there,” she said.

“We've got some pretty loyal, passionate Bomber supporters who have showed up wherever they can.

“Some come to every game and they may not have any connection to anyone in the team, but it's because they barrack for the Bombers that they will show their support no matter who's playing - boys or girls.”

The motivation to perform for their fans, who will be watching from home on Saturday, will be an inspiring factor for the Bombers, but Ugle insists the team won't put any extra pressure on themselves.

As the side prepares for their maiden preliminary final, head coach Brendan Major has continued to incorporate a balance of light-hearted and serious moments into the team’s program to ensure the Bombers aren’t overwhelmed by the occasion.

“I love that Major has stayed consistent with how he's approached this finals campaign,” Ugle said.

“He hasn't really made a big emphasis on it at training, but because we all know what game is coming up, we all know how important it is, we don't need to talk about it.” 

Ugle and Major, who have both been at the club since the inauguration of the VFLW side in 2018, can look back with pride to see how far the team has come.

In its first season, the side finished at the bottom of the ladder with only one win.

Three years later, the VFLW Bombers climbed the ladder to finish fifth with eight wins plus a nail-biting three-point elimination final victory over Casey Demons.

While the on-field success demonstrates the growth in the program, Ugle believes it’s the contribution by individuals that reflect the true progress, including the establishment of a strong culture.

“I honestly do remember the first year when we won one game and we were getting smashed every weekend. But Major believed in us and trusted the process and he has even grown and developed and evolved over the years, so I'm really proud of him,” she said.

“There's been lots of girls that have come through and made their mark and left but then there’s girls like me. I'm still here and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“But then full credit to the girls we’ve welcomed into the program too like Mia-Rae (Clifford). She has been exceptional for us and really drives that belief.”

The VFLW Bombers will embrace their three-year journey to the finals and use their challenges as motivation when they face Geelong on Saturday.

The last time the two sides met in round 10, the Cats claimed a 23-point victory in a dominant display at Deakin University Oval.

But with a Grand Final spot on the line, the Bombers hope to learn from their defeat to Geelong and redeem themselves on home turf.

“We didn't play our best game at all against Geelong during the year. It was actually pretty disappointing the performance that we put on,” Ugle said.

“But take that away, the way we've been playing as a group, I will back my team in day in and day out that we will match up well.

“No doubt about it, they've got a really great side but I think that the way we've been playing with our hunt, our endeavour, our tackle pressure, and the trust we have in one another, I believe we'll get the job done. We won't back down and it'll be a great hitout.”

The winner of the preliminary final will face Collingwood in the VFLW Grand Final at ETU Stadium on Sunday, August 8 from 1.15pm. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans cannot attend Saturday’s prelim but will be able to stream the match live online here.