Since being selected at pick three in the Western Australian NAB AFLW Draft, pacey midfielder Courtney Rowley has done all she can to work towards selection in West Coast’s senior team.

In round three, she finally got her opportunity to debut at football’s highest level against the Adelaide Crows.

“It was an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget, running out alongside the girls and next to ‘Puddles’ (Sarah Lakay) who was also making her debut was awesome, something I’ve always dreamed about,” Rowley said.

“Coming from playing WAFLW at Peel Thunder, when the match against Adelaide first started I wasn’t quite used to the speed but as the game progressed I definitely got more into the swing of things.

“I got a chance to play in the forward-line and I definitely learned a lot more about playing at footy’s highest level.”

In the 2021 AFLW Academy, Rowley was Western Australian’s top ranked midfielder – competing mostly on the outside – but played onball in the AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships and laid more than nine tackles per game, alongside an average of 22.7 disposals and 95.7 fantasy points.

The 18-year-old also had a stunning summer pre-season, and earned a spot in West Coast’s 21 after becoming a versatile asset to the team.

“I came into training at West Coast and learned to play in lots of different positions,” she said.

“Lining up sometimes as an inside midfielder, an outside midfielder, learning forward craft, I wanted to soak it all up and also be used on the field wherever I was needed.

“I definitely think learning how to play as a forward was beneficial to my development and came in handy when I was selected to play against Adelaide.”

Across the game, Rowley looked dangerous at points with six disposals, three marks, two inside 50s, and two contested possessions.

Her clean marking ability and accurate kicking efficiency (80%) promising a successful future in the West Coast colours.

“It was a surreal experience being out there with the girls I’ve trained with across the pre-season, in the forward-line with ‘Schmidty’ (Aimee Schmidt), Mel (Caulfield), ‘Gilly’ (Andrea Gilmore) and Grace (Kelly).

“Also playing against the likes of Erin Phillips, someone who I’ve watched play and win a premiership on TV.

“To play at that level was something I’ll never forget.”