West Coast’s prized first draft pick Charlie Thomas says a baptism by fire was the best way for her to upskill in the AFLW competition, and she is feeling more settled after finding her feet with the pace and tempo of the game.
Coming from playing just one game of WAFLW for the Subiaco Lions in 2021 due to injury, Thomas didn’t expect to play a full year of AFLW in her debut season, but has learned more playing eight games at football’s highest level than from her Auskick to WAFLW career.
“AFLW is definitely a different pace and tempo, especially comparing it to WAFLW, but you learn how to up your skills quickly and gain that experience fast because you have no other choice,” Thomas said.
“It’s definitely a lot different to WAFLW in terms of speed and quick ball movement as well, it can take a few games to find your feet before you start to learn how the ball moves at an AFLW level.
“I feel like I’ve learned more about football in these first eight games than I have across my entire life playing.
“I’m really grateful to have such a good group of girls around me and they’re so supportive and always take time out to teach me things.
“The first couple of games I felt a bit lost with the pace and the tempo but I definitely feel a lot more settled now.”
Thomas is a versatile midfielder who has played the latter half of the year in the backline, something which comes naturally considering it was her former position in the junior competition, where she played in a mixed team.
Learning and developing this defensive craft has been a highlight of the year for Thomas, who has been leaning on experienced defender Evie Gooch as a backline leader.
Gooch has also had a standout first season with the West Coast Eagles and is currently sitting first in the AFLW competition for average rebound 50s a game, with 4.9.
“I played a lot of junior footy in half-back with the boys as I was growing up so I definitely feel like it’s a natural position for me,” Thomas said.
“Being able to see the whole play and see the field is something that I really enjoy and I’ve loved further developing my craft in this area.
“Just being able to judge and read that play is something that comes naturally to me.
“When I started in the midfield I was definitely learning a lot off of ‘Swanny’ (Emma Swanson) and even the younger girls like Mikayla Bowen and Bella Lewis, but now I’ve made that move to half-back I’ve been learning a lot off of Gooch.
“Her composure and voice down back has definitely been important for me and I’ve definitely learned a lot off of her and the way she takes on the game.
“Her experience and leadership are also something that’s helped me out a lot, particularly in my first game in the backline, her advice is really sound.
“Mick (Prior) has been great with my move to half-back as a former backline coach himself and ‘Dilla’ (Andrew Di Loreto) has been great as well in developing my game there.
“I didn’t ever think I’d come straight into the AFLW side after only playing one WAFLW game last season, but I’ve learned so much already and it’s been such a great experience.”
