The West Coast Eagles have further bolstered an emerging midfield group as they build their AFLW list with through the national draft tonight.

The Eagles used their first two selections on high end midfield talent and then added a developing ruck to the mix as well as an experienced utility player.

West Coast started the night by securing Greater Western Victoria midfielder Jessica Rentsch with the second selection in the ballot.

The excited youngster, from Hamilton in country Victoria, also boasts leadership qualities having been captain of her club this season and also has family connections in WA on her mother’s side. Undoubtedly that will assist in the relocation to Perth as she chases her sporting dream. 

Rentsch was presented with her guernsey by newly-appointed AFLW senior coach Daisy Pearce and was beaming as she took possession of her prized Eagles jumper.

The club boasted another first-round selection at #14 and they pounced on inside midfielder Kayley Kavanagh from the Calder Cannons and Victoria Metro.

She enjoyed an outstanding year earning all-Australian selection and winning Victoria Metro’s most valuable player award.

The Eagles chose East Fremantle sporting all-rounder Georgie Cleaver with a virtual free hit for one of the most talented players in the draft. A national under age netballer Cleaver nominated in the WA draft pool which meant she drifted further down the order than she would have if she had been in the broader draft.

A ruck-forward Cleaver is a physical player who will add another tall option to the squad.

The Eagles rounded out their selections by recruiting former Fremantle utility player Matilda Sergeant. Able to play through the midfield the 24-year-old played 19 games with the Dockers but was delisted earlier this year.

AFLW list manager Jordan Loxley was delighted with the draft haul that leaves the club in a strong position to begin its proposed rise up the ladder.

“To be perfectly honest it all went to according to plan,” Loxley said. “To secure Jess with our first selection was our major priority. We love her toughness, aggression, speed and power.

“Kayley is an inside midfielder who really knows how to find the footy and is also a tough competitor. She comes from a basketball background, accumulates a lot of the ball and has enormous upside.

“Georgie is probably the steal of draft and we believe would have been rated inside the top 10 by most clubs. She is very versatile and is an exciting prospect.

“We were delighted to round out the night by selecting Tilly who brings maturity, a competitive streak and is familiar to the group having after being a train-on player with us last season.”