After a thrilling win against Port Adelaide, West Coast debutant Mikayla Western believes the match has boosted the new-look Eagles’ confidence ahead of their upcoming clash against the Gold Coast Suns.

Western was one of the key players to spur West Coast into their fourth quarter comeback, and kicked a crucial goal as the Eagles overran the Power.

“It was an excellent win, we definitely enjoyed celebrating all of our hard work,” Western told SEN WA.

01:37

Western post match v Port Adelaide

Eagles media chats with club debutant, Mikayla Western, after a victorious first game of the season

“That’s round one done, that’s the first challenge we’ve faced, we’ve got plenty more that’s coming our way.

“But now we shift our focus on Gold Coast this week and we will try to bring our A-game again if we want to be successful.”

West Coast had eight debutants taste victory for the first-time as Eagles, with the win giving the squad an extra boost at training as the side prepares to travel east.

“It was such a good first game of the season, at home and with so many debutants playing it was just awesome,” Western said.

“It gave us a lot of confidence; the vibes were up out on the track last night and everyone’s feeling really good.

“Heading on the road for the first time this season brings its new challenges, the Suns are a handy side and we don’t want to underestimate them at all.”

We’ve got another challenge to face now and there is still nine more weeks in the season.

- Mikayla Western

Since joining the club prior to the start of season seven of AFLW, Western has revelled in her time in an Eagles jumper.

The midfielder feels the team is coming together nicely, crediting the program in cementing the new squad in such a short period of time.

“It’s something pretty unique to have 15 new players join the club and to gel the way we are, it’s pretty special,” Western explained.

“You are never too sure how it’s going to go with so many new players coming together for the first time.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Mikayla Western of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 01 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Mineral Resources Park on August 27, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

“Within five-to-six weeks of pre-season we got together, to have run out with them all and to be enjoying training as much as I am it’s a good feeling.

“The club is amazing, the resources are incredible, the staff and the program they are building at West Coast is really exciting.

“I’m really happy I get to be at the forefront of it and ride the journey with these girls hopefully for a long period of time.”