1. Plenty to learn
Despite the West Coast Eagles producing their most successful start to a season in 2024, their 45-point loss to Brisbane on Sunday shows that this developing young side has plenty to learn when going up against an experienced team such as reigning premiers Brisbane Lions. Brisbane have been the benchmark with their standards, both in games and training, and the Eagles can take a lot away from the way Brisbane go about their business.
2. Drenno the ball magnet
For the third consecutive week, Ali Drennan has finished with 25+ disposals, impressing against Brisbane with a game-high 27 touches, four marks and six clearances. At 33 years of age, the experienced midfielder continues to take her game to new heights and is currently averaging a career-high 21.4 disposals per game.
3. Roberts keeps rising
The Eagles may not have finished with the result they were after on Sunday, but it was another opportunity for teenage talent Ella Roberts to shine. Roberts had an important impact on the game for West Coast, laying strong tackles and taking contested marks at pivotal moments in the game. The 19-year-old finished with a game-high and round-high 10 marks, a season-high 24 touches, five tackle and three clearances.
4. Fans show the love
It was warm conditions for footy on Sunday at Mineral Resources Park, and the fans made the most of the sunshine. Despite the schedule clash between the AFLW game and the WAFL grand final, over 1,700 fans turned up to support the Eagles, and the love and the atmosphere was felt all around the venue.
5. Digging deep
The Eagles have suffered some injury woes over the past two weeks, with some big names such as Jess Hosking (quad), Amy Franklin (finger) and Jaide Britton (concussion) all missing Sunday’s battle with Brisbane. The team constantly shows resilience and a next-player-up mentality, which was evident on the weekend in the absence of some experienced teammates, with the players coming into the side making the most of their opportunities and playing their roles well.