West Coast Eagles senior coach Michael Prior believes defensive pillar Sophie McDonald deserves more recognition for her efforts shutting down the AFLW’s best key forwards this year and warrants consideration for the All-Australian team.

McDonald has been named once in the AFLW’s team of the week this season, despite having an obvious influence on West Coast’s defensive performances this season.

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Prior McDonald press conference 19.10.22

West coast AFLW senior coach Michael Prior and key defender Sophie McDonald speaks to the media ahead of their round 9 match against Western bulldogs.

“If you look at Soph’s stats she wouldn’t be up there in having the numbers but it’s her influence on games in terms of stopping the most dangerous forward in the opposition that gets it done for us week after week,” Prior said.

“I think Soph (should be) in the conversation for not just Team of the Week but the 22 under 22 and the All-Australian team as well.”

During season seven of AFLW, West Coast have thrown a number of tough challenges at McDonald including the likes of covering the League’s best goal scorers including Gemma Houghton (Port Adelaide), Bonnie Toogood (Essendon) and Chloe Scheer (Geelong).

One key factor behind McDonald’s ability to get the job done in the Eagles’ backline is her work off the field studying her opposition and doing her homework on her matchup leading into games. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Sophie McDonald of the Eagles and Tegan Cunningham of the Hawks compete for the ball during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 06 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the West Coast Eagles at Skybus Stadium on September 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

“Out of eight games I think Soph’s only been beaten once and that’s a massive achievement,” Prior said.

“She’s a valuable asset in this football team and we continue to through tough jobs at her and she keeps getting it done on the weekends.

“More credit is due.”

McDonald has managed to play in all eight games so far and is grateful for her head coach’s praise, however team success remains her main priority as the side looks to continue building on an improved season.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Bonnie Toogood of the Bombers is tackled by Sophie McDonald of the Eagles during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 03 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Mineral Resources Park on September 11, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

“I don’t look at myself and look for that recognition each week,” McDonald said.

“I just go into each game wanting to do my role and my part of the team so to get recognition is nice but it’s not something I’m gunning for week in, week out.

“There’s a very different feeling coming into the club this year - you can see the trajectory that we’ve got for future years.

“We’ve lost four games under 10 points and at least half of those we probably should have won, so the improvements are obviously there and I’m really excited to see where it’s going to go in years to come.”