After six rounds in the 2022 AFLW competition, the West Coast Eagles medium defender Emily Bennett will make her debut against Richmond this weekend.
The reliable rebound defender is good in the air and at ground level, which will only strengthen West Coast’s backline, with the likes of Evie Gooch, intercept defender Belinda Smith and Ashton Hill.
Charlie Thomas will also line up for her second game off half-back after an inspired performance last weekend against Collingwood earned her a player of the day nod from senior coach Michael Prior.
The onball brigade of skipper Emma Swanson, Dana Hooker and Bella Lewis will remain the same, with Sarah Lakay to start in the ruck as Parris Laurie shifts to a deep forward position.
Kellie Gibson also makes a move back to West Coast’s forward line after spending time in the midfield last weekend against Collingwood, with Eagles youngster Courtney Rowley to play her third game of the season.
Mikalya Bowen and Niamh Kelly will also strengthen the Eagles’ engine room on the wing, with Maddy Collier also making the move to an outside midfield position after playing a majority of the season in the backline.
Tall forward Andrea Gilmore also makes her return to the side, while Grace Kelly is being rested and Ashlee Atkins has been omitted.
The team are looking to win their second match of the season against Richmond this weekend, and their first in front of a home crowd at Mineral Resources Park.
Tickets are available for purchase here, $10 for adults and free for children.
