The West Coast Eagles have named a squad stacked with potential debutants for its historic maiden AFLW outing on Sunday.
Twelve fresh faces are in line to play their first game at the highest level when West Coast takes on Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Two of those players are Irish sister act Niamh and Grace Kelly, who only started playing Australian Rules after arriving at the Eagles from County Mayo’s Gaelic football.
Other players vying for an AFLW debut in blue and gold are the club’s first recruit Mikayla Bowen, first draft pick Imahra Cameron reigning 2019 WAFLW Dhara Kerr medallist Danika Pisconeri, 2019 WAFLW leading goal-kicker Tarnee Tester and experienced defender Chantella Perera.
Bullish onballer Hayley Bullas, crafty half-back Ashton Hill, versatile midfielder Kate Orme, tall defender Sophie McDonald and noted WAFLW ball-winner Emily Bonser have also been named in the extended 23-player squad.
They will be ably led by captain Emma Swanson, vice-captain Dana Hooker and two of the team’s other leadership group members, Maddy Collier and Courtney Guard.
Only three players from the 30-player squad were unavailable for selection due to injury.
Melissa Caulfield is two weeks away from being available due to a knee issue, and Brianna Green (general soreness) is eyeing a return to football in next week's RAC Derby.
Alicia Janz, the fifth member of West Coast’s leadership team, won’t be available to play this year due to a knee injury.
Bouncedown at Victoria Park is 1.10pm AEDT (10.10am WST).
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7, 7HD and Fox Footy.
West Coast will confirm its final 21-player team at 1pm WST tomorrow.
