WESTERN Bulldogs marquee signings Katie Brennan and Ellie Blackburn were already looking ahead when the final siren sounded in the VFL Women's Grand Final on Sunday.

The pair embraced in the centre of Coburg's Piranha Park after Brennan contributed two crucial goals in the Darebin Falcons' 12-point win and midfielder Blackburn ran herself to a standstill during a last-quarter rally by Melbourne University.

"It was difficult (as opponents), but you deal with it," Blackburn said.

"Katie and I spoke after the game and focused on what we're looking forward to now and next year."

A new season was just about to start for a group of elite players as friends and foes gathered in the rain in the middle of the ground for the presentations.

Darebin premiership teammates, Melbourne marquee signings Daisy Pearce and Melissa Hickey and priority pick Karen Paxman and Carlton forward Darcy Vescio, who was named best on ground, joined Brennan in victory celebrations on Monday, while priority signings Emma Kearney (Bulldogs) and Kaitlyn Ashmore (Brisbane Lions) were with Blackburn and others at Melbourne University's 'Mad Monday' function in Richmond.

The players will report to their AFL clubs later this week for individual fitness programs before the start of pre-season training in late November for the 2017 AFL Women's competition in February-March.

"It's not a long break, particularly coming off a long season with exhibition games as well as the club games. Hopefully, I can get a week off work and chill out, and get as much rest as possible," Blackburn said.

"We've met with the doctors and physios at the Bulldogs and they will give us a plan to go and work on our own. (The start of training) will all come around pretty quickly.

"I'm looking forward to getting into an elite environment and doing something we've all worked really hard and strived for."

Kearney finished with an impressive 37 possessions and Blackburn racked up 28 as Melbourne University came up just short of the powerful Falcons.    

Both will be raring to go for the Dogs' first training sessions under coach Paul Groves.

"I feel good. It's the first time I haven't been really sore after a game all year, so I'm happy with that," Blackburn said.