There was an air of excitement in 2020 as the West Coast Eagles embarked on their long-awaited first AFLW season.

A carefully constructed plan to lay the foundations for the list build had been put in place, and signing star midfielders Emma Swanson and Dana Hooker – the team’s first captain and vice-captain, respectively - were critical moments on the journey.

After 17-year-old duo Mikayla Bowen and Rosie Deegan became the club’s first recruits in January 2019, the finishing touches were put on the list when West Coast added six players via the draft in October, including top pick Imahra Cameron (selection 19 overall). 

Luke Dwyer was appointed the inaugural coach and West Coast’s first game was set against Collingwood at Victoria Park. 

Fielding 11 AFLW debutants, the Eagles started fast on the road as Hooker made history by kicking the team’s first goal in the opening term. The Magpies’ experience eventually told, though, as they ran out 27-point winners, albeit in an encouraging maiden performance for the Eagles. 

West Coast’s AFLW side would have another couple of firsts in round two - a home game at Optus Stadium in front of 35,185 fans and RAC Derby against crosstown rival Fremantle, who had been in the League since its inception in 2017.

The Dockers were too good in a 45-point loss for West Coast, however, with McKenzie Dowrick and Tarnee Tester slotting majors for the Eagles. 

But just two matches later West Coast registered their first win with an impressive victory over the Western Bulldogs at Leederville Oval, led by Irish sister act Niamh and Grace Kelly. 

In an intense contest, the Eagles held on for an epic and historic four-point victory against the fast-finishing Bulldogs to announce themselves in the AFLW competition. 

The Eagles’ last game of the season came unexpectedly when, four days out from their March 15 clash against Gold Coast, COVID-19 was formally declared a pandemic. 

As a result, spectators were locked out of the Suns clash at Mineral Resources Park, and West Coast’s rounds seven and eight matches against Carlton and St Kilda were cancelled.

In their final game, the Eagles finished with a 25-point defeat to the Suns, with Hayley Bullas kicking the team’s only goal for the match. 

Following the truncated campaign, Hooker won West Coast’s inaugural AFLW Club Champion award in a thrilling count. 

The dual All-Australian pipped Swanson by a single vote after collecting six of a possible seven votes in the final round.

Cameron claimed the Best First Year Player award and Alicia Janz was recognised as Best Club Person.

Inexperience and growing pains are to be expected with expansion sides and the Eagles’ first season in the competition was no different.  

However, through inspiring leadership and a number of strong performances from individuals, the Eagles put together a foundation to build on for years to come.