West Coast Eagles skipper Emma Swanson has been one of the AFLW competition’s top midfielders this season after far surpassing career-best numbers, and has led the Eagles’ side emphatically from the front.

Being honoured as West Coast’s third AFLW Club Champion, while also receiving the inaugural Player Trademark Award, Swanson has capped off a stellar season with selection in the 2022 All Australian squad.

Playing the last three rounds of the season through pain with a fractured finger, Swanson finished the year with excellent numbers, including an average of 22.2 disposals, 11.1 contested possessions and 4.1 marks.

The hard-running onballer also completed the year with an average of 346 metres gained, putting her in the AFLW competition’s top 15 for all aforementioned categories.

Her tireless efforts were also prevalent in the contest, with the skipper’s exhilarating performances leading her to average 4.9 tackles and four hard-ball gets per match.

Senior coach Michael Prior said it was terrific the Eagles’ skipper has been rewarded for her efforts.

“I think it’s fantastic ‘Swanny’ has been named as a member of the All Australian squad, she’s been our hardest worker all year,” he said.

“She was obviously rewarded after being named as the Club Champion and Player Trademark Award with West Coast, but it’s really exciting for her to be recognised in this way.

“’Swanny’ is definitely one of our most selfless players, she stands up when you need her, and that’s been apparent across the entire year.

“Even going forward to kick goals when we need, including two in round seven against Richmond, Swanny has definitely had her best season in the competition so far.

“Another example is when she fractured her finger and continued to lead the girls through pain, she has a lot of admirable qualities a leader should have.

“I’m really proud of her efforts this year.”