From finishing year 12 and playing WAFLW to being selected as West Coast’s first draft pick in the 2021 pool, it’s been a rapid rise for Charlie Thomas, who has now played three games in the blue and gold.

The 18-year-old is loving the challenge and has been a sponge since arrival, with senior coach Michael Prior saying she’s been bouncing knowledge off captain Emma Swanson, and using her experience in the AFLW to advantage.

Now, Thomas is facing a new factor to her development in the Melbourne hub and has been thriving alongside 30 teammates as well as enjoying life as a full-time footballer.

“It’s been so awesome being in the hub with the girls, I’ve been learning so much, especially off of some of the senior leaders like ‘Swanny’ and ‘Hooks’ (Dana Hooker),” Thomas said.

“’Paz’ (Parris Laurie) and Aish (McCarthy) have also taught me so much about playing as an inside mid and I feel like I’ve already grown my skills so much since I’ve been here.

“I’ve also really enjoyed training during the day and living life as a full-time footballer in the hub, and having access to more one-on-one time with staff and vision has been awesome.

“I also love hanging out every day with 30 of my best mates, as well as hearing about their experiences in AFLW, it’s been great to develop my craft as a midfielder.

“It’s always been a dream to play AFLW and to be living and breathing it all day every day is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Thomas has been playing football since she was just five years old and possesses a clean overhead mark and the capacity to weave through traffic and accurately dispose of the football.

She the only Eagle to play from Auskick to AFLW, and it’s evident in her playing style, with football nous and ability to read play amongst her strengths.

The onballer’s development across the summer also impressed Prior, with Thomas being named in a practice match against Fremantle, and a subsequent round one debut against the same side.

Having played in every game since, Thomas has been averaging three tackles and three contested possessions in the Eagles’ engine room and is continuing to build on every performance.

“It’s been really good to learn off of every game I play and know where my strengths are and where I need to improve,” Thomas said.

“Playing alongside the likes of ‘Swanny’ and ‘Hooks’ also gives me a first-hand experience into performing at the highest level of footy.

“I’ve also been learning body work and technique from ‘Hammer’ (Hamish Brayshaw), my mids coach, which has been helping me in my development.”

Despite the uncertainty around fixtures and battling the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Thomas has embraced the challenges that come with playing pandemic football and is already looking towards West Coast’s match against Geelong.

Known for carrying a football with her everywhere she goes, Thomas is relishing the opportunity to play as many matches on the road as possible and is hoping for four premiership points in the process.

“If I play, Geelong will definitely be a good test of where we’re at and the work we’ve done across the pre-season,” Thomas said.

“But we’re ready to take it on and I have a great group of girls by my side to do it with.

“The off-field culture at West Coast is awesome, and it’s only gotten better in the hub, spending so much time with the girls.

“It will be good to see if we can translate this to an on-field performance, and hopefully get one over Geelong.”