The West Coast Eagles are committed to building its AFLW list through the upcoming draft where it has the first two selections of WA talent pool.
But the club has also been active in scouting talent from rival clubs and has completed a deal that has landed Melbourne pair Isabella Simmons and Krstel Petrevski - as well as pick 77 - in exchange for selection 50 in the June 29 draft.
While both players have been in the AFLW system, they fit snuggly into the club’s strategy of building a list for sustained success as they are developing youngsters with strong upside.
Petrevski, 21, originally from Halls Creek is a talented midfielder and extends the family connection at the Eagles, joining cousin Samo Petrevski-Seton who is on the club’s AFL list.
Simmons, 20, is a versatile tall who can play a variety of roles.
“It’s exciting to lock in two players who we believe will play a long-term role in the evolution of our AFLW team," Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan said.
“The family connection with Krstel is a bonus and we look forward to her coming to the club.
“While Krstel has played three games with Melbourne, Isabella has not yet had an opportunity at the elite level.
"But she is another developing young player - a tall utility - who can assist us in a number of areas.
"She has untapped ability and we look forward to having her at our club.”
Making her debut for Melbourne in 2020 in the semi final against Greater Western Sydney, Petrevski was next given an opportunity in round one of the 2021 season where she booted two goals against the Gold Coast Suns.
The luckless former Demon then suffered a severe hamstring injury in Melbourne's round two win over Richmond, which ruled her out for the entirety of the 2021 season.
Now recovered, Petrevski will join the Eagles' engine room alongside inaugural and current skipper Emma Swanson, vice-captain Dana Hooker and youngsters Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas.
Off field, the proud Indigenous woman from the Kija/Jaru tribe designed the Demons' 2021 AFLW Indigenous guernsey, which represents her culture and community.
Petrevski was also commissioned to design Melbourne Storm's 2021 Indigenous Jersey, which symbolises all the people that play their part – players, staff, family and the many cultures within the club’s community.
