1. New recruits are the real deal
The West Coast Eagles had seven debutants on Friday night, Jess Rentsch, Georgie Cleaver, Tess Lyons, Sanne Bakker and Verity Simmons all making their AFLW debut, while former-Tiger Jess Hosking and former- Sun Ali Drennan made their club debut. All new recruits had a significant impact on the game and played their roles well in the blue and gold. Drennan managed 18 disposals, a game-high 10 tackles and a team-high five clearances, while Hosking lead the way with 15 touches, six marks and two excellent goals against her old side.
2. Contest and connection is key
One of the main focuses for this group in the lead up to the season has been contest work and connection. The Eagles finished with 63 tackles for the game to Richmond’s 65, but it was obvious the home side was digging deep around the contest and following up with second, third and fourth tackles to create the stoppage. They played with intensity and accuracy that has rarely been seen from this developing young group and their hard work from an extended pre-season is paying off.
3. Welcome to the Daisy era
AFLW icon Daisy Pearce made her highly anticipated coaching debut on Friday night, recording her first win at the Eagles’ helm. Pearce’s aura and connection with the group is evident, the players often expressing their delight with the Pearce appointment and the culture and environment she has created. West Coast went into round one as the underdogs against a strong Richmond outfit, and you can’t help but feel like they players are playing for not only the team, but their coach. And what’s a first win without a post-game Gatorade shower while singing the song loud and proud!
4. Thomas picked up where she left off
The Eagles’ reigning club champion and star defender Charlie Thomas started her 2024 campaign with a bang, finishing round one with a team-high 24 touches, 13 rebound 50s and 13 intercepts. The 20-year-old made history last season when she became the first West Coast Eagles AFLW player to be named in the All-Australian team, and it looks like she’s on track for another incredible season, managing a career-high nine contested possession and a career-high 527m gained on Friday night.
5. Fans flock to the footy
The atmosphere at Mineral Resources Park on Friday night was electric, with a venue record of 2166 passionate fans turning up to watch the Eagles in action. The crowd was loud and engaged, loving what they were seeing from the blue and gold and celebrating with the team at any chance they had. The fans got around the players post-game in the Fan Zone, enjoying photos, signatures, hugs and high fives after what was an exhilarating win.
