1. After just one round of the 2023 season, ‘Ella Roberts’ is the name on everyone’s lips. At just 18 years of age, Roberts displays an abundance of skill and potential, and she put on a masterclass in Sunday’s eight-point loss to Fremantle. Roberts finished with a game-high 24 disposals, including 19 kicks, with 16 contested possessions, four tackles and four marks, and was awarded the RAC Derby medal for her efforts, the first AFLW Eagle to ever win it. She was also named a round one nominee for the Rising Star, the second time she’s been nominated for the award in her career.

2. Despite the result on Sunday, there were many positives to take away from the game. The Eagles showed strong effort and intensity around the ground all day, the pressure factor was up, and the team did well to stay in the contest against an experienced Fremantle outfit. West Coast had 16 more clearances than the Dockers, their biggest clearance differential in the club’s history. The Eagles also recorded eight more contested possessions than Freo, having only won that count once last season.

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Rising Roberts on Derby medal and nomination

AFLW Rising Star nominee Ella Roberts chats to Sarah Black

3. West Coast had some wasted opportunities in front of goal, and some very unlucky bounces, but that will likely be a focus at training this week. Finishing with more scoring shots than the Dockers, it was disappointing that the Eagles couldn’t convert in their forward 50 and get some reward for effort on the scoreboard.

4. Eagles captain Emma Swanson is known to lead by example and Sunday’s game was no exception. ‘Swanny’ was tough around the contest all day, managing 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions, nine tackles and five clearances. The Eagles leadership group is brimming with experience and knowledge and continue to be incredible role models for a young and developing West Coast side.

5. The team underwent a long and intense pre-season, and after Sunday’s efforts, belief is high that the Eagles are tracking in the right direction in 2023. The players are fitter and stronger than last season, and it showed when they came face to face with the physical Fremantle side. The attitude amongst the playing group and coaches indicates that West Coast are not just here to compete this season, they’re here to win.