The West Coast Eagles are thrilled to confirm the club has retained 29 AFLW players from last season in a strong showing of loyalty and commitment.
With key focuses on development and growth from within, the Eagles are delighted to have kept their exciting young list together following the recently completed AFLW Sign and Trade and Priority Signing periods.
West Coast also landed trade target Amy Franklin, who at 20 years of age and with two seasons of AFLW experience is the ideal fit with coach Michael Prior’s talented group.
In addition, the club extended the contracts of 12 players, including captain Emma Swanson, 2021 Club Champion Bella Lewis and emerging stars Ella Roberts, Charlie Thomas, Courtney Rowley, Sarah Lakay and Lauren Wakfer.
Lewis, Rowley & Wakfer sign on ✍️ pic.twitter.com/jlNoHqcotS
— West Coast Eagles AFLW (@eaglesaflw) March 10, 2023
Key defender Sophie McDonald and speedster Mikayla Western also re-signed until the end of 2024, while experienced utility Kellie Gibson, basketball convert Eleanor Hartill and forward Shanae Davidson inked one-year extensions.
“To retain 29 players from last season and recruit Amy Franklin is a terrific result for the club and a huge vote of confidence in our AFLW program,” AFLW List Manager Jordan Loxley said.
“We have worked hard to add talent through the draft and other avenues in recent years, and everyone can see the exciting potential of this core group as they grow together in coming seasons.”
Head of Women's Football Michelle Cowan was proud of the inclusive culture the coaches, players and staff have created and continue to develop.
"It’s great to have the playing group committed and aligned to our team's vision. Now it’s time to put in the hard work and continue our development," Cowan said.
"We want to be competitive in this competition and know the effort and application this is going to take. Our players are up for this challenge and driven to make an impact."
Amy has arrived at the nest! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/73vUrzdNmU
— West Coast Eagles AFLW (@eaglesaflw) March 22, 2023
Having led the team since West Coast entered the competition, skipper Swanson was excited about the bright future ahead as the Eagles pursue sustained success.
“I think just having 29 players all recommit to the club shows externally what we all already know internally - we have a shared vision here, it’s an absolutely great place to be and we are all determined to put this team and club where it should be,” Swanson said.
“The addition of ‘Franky’ into the side is exciting, she already has a great connection with some players in our group and I think she fits perfectly into what we have been working on building here.”
West Coast Eagles AFLW 2023 Squad:
1. Lauren Wakfer 2. Kellie Gibson 3. Charlie Thomas 4. Ella Roberts 5. Courtney Rowley 6. Bella Lewis 7. Aimee Schmidt 8. Sasha Goranova 9. Isabella Simmons 10. Jess Sedunary 11. Aisling McCarthy 12. Emma Humphries 13. Emma Swanson 14. Belinda Smith 15. Abby Bushby 16. Zoe Wakfer 17. Dana Hooker 18. Jaide Britton 19. Amy Franklin 20. Kate Bartlett 21. Mikayla Western 22. Ella Smith 23. Sarah Lakay 25. Eleanor Hartill 28. Shanae Davidson 29. Emily Elkington 30. Beth Schilling 31. Evie Gooch 32. Krstel Petrevski 35. Sophie McDonald
