Exciting youngsters Jess Rentsch and Sanne Bakker will make their AFLW debuts as West Coast Eagles in round one against Richmond on Friday night.

Rentsch was selected with pick No. 2 by the Eagles in the 2023 draft, and the 18-year-old is renowned for her outstanding athleticism and agility.

She is a penetrating kick by foot, with explosive speed off the mark and strong ability to take the ball at top speed without breaking stride.

Since her arrival at the club, Rentsch has slotted in well with her teammates, and has brought a vibrant and youthful energy to the group.

“We drafted Jess because we loved her competitiveness and athleticism, the way that she attacks the ball in the game and we thought she would be someone who could come in and have an immediate impact for us,’ senior coach Daisy Pearce said.

“She has great versatility, she can play midfield, she’s played on ball and on the wing, but we’re going to use her down back predominantly.

“Jess has the ability of being able to play on a range of different opponents, with her attitude of never wanting to give up and never conceding anything, whether that’s on talls or smalls, we know she will always compete.”

Bakker was signed as an injury replacement player for Matilda Sergeant earlier in the year, the Oakleigh Chargers midfielder developing at an impressive rate over the past six months.

A former national 800m and 1500m runner, the 18-year-old’s competitive nature shines through on the football field.

Bakker has the versatility to play inside mid or utilise her running ability on the outside and has been a welcome inclusion to the developing young team.

“Sanne really impressed us, she played as an over-ager in the Coates Talent League for the Oakleigh Chargers and was having a big impact in that competition, and her competitiveness really stood out,” Pearce said.

“She’s an incredible athlete, she comes from an athletics background and her ability to cover the ground is impressive for a young player.

“She had a bit of an interrupted pre-season with some back issues early on, and has been patient and disciplined with her rehab, which challenged her at times being away from home, but she’s worked through that and learned a heap along the way.

“Since she’s been back on the track, she’s really impressed us with her appetite to compete, her instincts for the game are really good and being selected for round one is a credit to her work rate and discipline.”