MIKAYLA Bowen is back where she thrives – at the bottom of the pack, tussling over the footy.

For years, the strong but short Bowen (who stands at 162cm) has been plying her trade on the wing and up forward, despite being initially signed to West Coast as an inside midfielder.

This season has seen the now-long term Cat going back to the role she starred in as a junior, and her numbers on paper – and more importantly, influence on the game – have exploded.

She is averaging 25.4 disposals, compared to a career figure of 16.2.

"Back to my roots, being on the bottom of packs is where I'm most used to being. Just so grateful – I could speak for hours on Mick Stinear and the impact that he's had on our broader playing group," she said.

"For me personally, (new assistant coach) Ryan Pendlebury as well has been an enormous mentor and I think it's really nice to be at a point in my career where I feel believed in by them, and really given a crack in there to get back to my roots, and just play a role in there, which is all I'm trying to do."

Geelong is sitting at 7-1, with three home games to come against Greater Western Sydney, Fremantle and Western Bulldogs, and one trip to play West Coast at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. 

"It's a good place to be, but it's one where we're not looking to get ahead of ourselves with, we're led by no one better than Mick Stinear in that space," Bowen said.

"[We're] recognising the growth we've had in really being able to push through in some games that we may have lost previously. We're playing a brand of footy at the moment that I think is really exciting to play, and really exciting to watch, so we're just going to continue putting our heads down and focusing on that.

"The confidence is there, but I think that comes from a coaching group who really believe in us. The system we play allows every player on the field to understand their role, and the progression we've been able to make over this season is the willingness to accept and do that role week-to-week."

Still just 25, Bowen has long been an unofficial ambassador for Pride Round, and a ready and willing spokesperson every year, whether that was at West Coast or Geelong.

"Not only Australia, but worldwide, I don't think there's any competition that does Pride and embraces people for who they are like the AFLW, and I'm just so proud to be a part of it," she said.

"I love being part of the Pride community – and love ensuring that the more people in this community, the better – but I just think we've still got such a long way to go. 

"Within the AFLW, we can rightly so feel so far along in where we've come – and the AFL has done such an incredible job in that space – but it's probably when you step out of our bubble sometimes that you realise there are those in the Pride community who still aren't comfortable to come to games.

"I think that's what Pride Round is all about – if there's any game that every single person on this planet can feel comfortable coming along to, it's Pride Round. 

"I'm still going to always show up and always be here."

The Cats will host their Pride Round match against the Giants on Saturday at 5.05pm AEDT.