Three key planks of West Coast’s exciting AFLW list build have committed to remain in blue and gold until at least the end of 2024, with Bella Lewis, Lauren Wakfer and Courtney Rowley signing contract extensions.
Lewis, the Eagles’ Club Champion in her maiden campaign in AFLW season five in 2021, has signed for two more seasons.
Wakfer and Rowley were both already contracted for the coming season but have added another year to their stays in the nest.
The trio of emerging Eagles shape as important players in West Coast’s future as the youthful and talented squad develops together under the guidance of senior coach Michael Prior.
Still only 20 years old, Lewis already has 29 games experience across three seasons, and the midfielder was excellent in the most recent campaign, averaging 15.4 disposals and 5.7 tackles as she finished third in the best and fairest award.
In her second season, Rowley finished top 10 in the Club Champion (eighth) for the first time after AFLW season seven, showing her growth since she was drafted as a promising midfielder from Peel via pick 21 in 2021.
Wakfer, drafted alongside her twin sister Zoe in June 2022, essentially looms as a new recruit for West Coast next season after the underage All-Australian ruck was sidelined from season seven due to a ruptured ACL.
Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan was thrilled the trio agreed to recommit to the club on day one of the AFLW’s Sign and Trade Period.
“It's great to have Bella, Lauren and Courtney committed to the football club,” Cowan said.
“They play a really important role for us on and off the field.
“The group has a really deep connection and hunger to ignite our team, and we are looking forward to their further development and impact in AFLW.”
West Coast Eagles AFLW List Manager Jordan Loxley believed the trio of Eagles have bright futures in blue and gold, and says there are more re-signings to come soon.
"Our focus this off season was to lock away our best young talent and we are extremely excited to be able to extend both Courtney and Lauren for another year and sign Bella for a further two years," Loxley said.
"Bella is a proven performer at the highest level already being a best and fairest winner and we believe she is going to go to another level next year.
"Courtney had an outstanding season last year and we also believe she also has another level to go to next year and who we see as a long term midfielder for the club.
"It shows how highly we rated Lauren in her draft year to extend her until the end of 2024 without her playing a game.
"She has done everything right with her rehab and is back to full training and on target for round one. We are really looking forward to seeing her play this year."
