In exciting news, two big names look set to put their hand up for selection this week against the Fremantle Dockers in the RAC Derby.
Midfielder Courtney Rowley could be suiting up for her first game of the season, having suffered an ACL injury in the final game of the Eagles’ 2023 campaign.
The 21-year-old starred in a scrimmage on Saturday and looks in prime position to be available for long-awaited return to AFLW this weekend.
“Courtney Rowley returned for a scrimmage match over the weekend and got through successfully,” AFLW High Performance Manager Wes Salisbury said.
“She’ll put her hand up and if she gets through full training, she’ll be available for the weekend.”
Key forward and former Docker Amy Franklin looks set to return against her old side this weekend, recovering from a broken finger sustained in week four against Collingwood.
“With ‘Frankie’, she’s coming back from a broken finger,” Salisbury said.
“If she gets through full training this week, she’ll put her hand up for selection against Freo.”
New draftee Jess Rentsch was withdrawn from the Eagles’ loss to the Hawks on Saturday with an ankle complaint, while Kellie Gibson was helped from the ground after a blow to her chest.
“Jess Rentsch rolled her ankle in the third quarter,” Salisbury said.
“She had it strapped up and went back out there, she will get an MRI on that this week and then she will be a test for availability against Freo.
“Gibbo’ came off the ground after an impact to her chest in the fourth quarter, she’ll be assessed for her availability later this week depending on how she pulls up.”
Defender Sophie McDonald remains sidelined through concussion protocols and a return timeframe is still to be advised.
“Sophie is coming back from repeat concussions,” Salisbury said.
“We’re under advisement from a couple of external doctors on the best timeframe and the best way for her to return.”
Last Updated:
