West Coast Eagles defender Evie Gooch is embracing new challenges as she comes into her fourth match with the club.

Hailing from Fremantle, the superboot has relished responsibilities with West Coast – given to her by senior coach Michael Prior – and is in charge of organising the backline when on field.

This informal leadership role has allowed Gooch to further her development at the Eagles, with 30 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 13 rebound 50s to her name across three matches, while also being on track to have her best AFLW season to date.

“It’s been really good for my development to have that organisational leadership role,” Gooch said.

“It’s forced me to be held accountable on field, while also challenging myself to be on top of my game.

“I have to get my basics covered and help others before I can impact in that way, I think it’s challenged me to know my role and backline and basic game structure also.

“It’s given me a new responsibility which I’m stoked for and I really enjoy the challenge.”

Having played with the likes of Kellie Gibson, Ashton Hill and Belinda Smith at state level has also helped Gooch with her easy transition from Fremantle to West Coast.

As well as this, the 26-year-old has lined up with a number of current Eagles players at the Dockers and works with skipper Emma Swanson at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

“I’ve been fitting in really well, it’s been really great to rekindle friends from previous teams,” Gooch said.

“I obviously played with a few of the girls at state level and several at Freo, so it’s been good to come together again in the blue and gold.”

Gooch is joined in the backline by Smith and Hill and knows their game style well having played with them previously.

The full-back has also enjoyed being a part of Hill’s journey back from an ACL injury and manned the West Coast backline alongside her in round three, after 713 days on the sidelines.

“I’ve loved having ‘Hilly’ back playing with us after her injury,” Gooch said.

“She’s so stealthy in the way she plays, it’s really encapsulating to watch, she’s definitely quiet and effective down back.

“’B’ Smith is also awesome to watch with her speed, she takes off with her pace from backline once we’ve done our job and just takes it that little bit further with the attack.

“She’s also a great intercept marker and it’s cool to watch.

“’Breso’ (Tayla Bresland) is another great teammate, I like her contest work and how strong she is in pack, she’s taken multiple awesome grabs this season and I can’t wait to see more.

“Altogether it’s been great to be a part of the backline and also West Coast’s 2022 campaign and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season with the girls.”