West Coast has shored up its AFLW list ahead of season 2021 by securing the signatures of 11 pivotal players.
Dana Hooker, who last night claimed the Eagles’ inaugural Club Champion Award, has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will have her wearing blue and gold until the end of 2022.
She is not the only player with an existing contract to sign-on with West Coast.
Dynamic ruck Parris Laurie, who tied for third in last night’s best and fairest count, has recommitted to the club, as has versatile defender Belinda Smith, who placed equal fifth in polling.
Irish sister act Grace and Niamh Kelly recommitted to the club earlier this month.
The Eagles have also re-signed a number of players who were out of contract at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign.
Imahra Cameron, who took out the club’s Best First Year Player Award last night, has inked a new deal with the club, as have emerging midfield talents Mikayla Bowen and Hayley Bullas.
The club has also re-signed defensive quartet Ashton Hill, Kate Orme, Chantella Perera and Sophie McDonald and secured the services of athletic utility Beatrice Devlyn for 2021.
West Coast Eagles head of female football Adam Selwood said he was excited by what the future held for the club’s re-contracted players.
“It is a wonderful achievement for our AFLW program to have so many players believe in the direction we are heading and commit further to the football club,” Selwood said.
“We have shared a wonderful journey to date, which has not always been a smooth one, however we now in a wonderful position to grow the program again and continue our development as a team.
“Previous evidence has shown that expansion programs take a little time to take shape, however I know the substance and culture of this group is in a terrific space and these signings are further evidence of our positive environment.”
On a sadder note, the club has bid farewell to several players ahead of today’s first list lodgement deadline.
West Coast recently informed Kate Bartlett, Cassie Davidson, Emily McGuire, Danika Pisconeri and Tarnee Tester that they would not be offered contract extensions.
The club also has two retirees, Talia Radan, who confirmed her exit from the AFLW last month, and Emily Bonser, who has elected to hang up the boots for personal reasons.
Selwood thanked all of the departing players for their contribution to the club’s maiden AFLW campaign.
“List lodgement is always a challenging time of the year that requires difficult decision to be made,” Selwood said.
“We are extremely thankful to all the players who formed our inaugural AFLW team and wish those who will not be with us in the future the greatest success with their footballing careers.
“They should be very proud of their West Coast Eagles achievements.”
West Coast Eagles AFLW List – August 12 (Alphabetical order)
Ashlee Atkins
Mikayla Bowen
Tayla Bresland
Hayley Bullas
Mhicca Carter (rookie)
Imahra Cameron
Melissa Caulfield
Maddy Collier
Beatrice Devlyn
McKenzie Dowrick
Kellie Gibson
Brianna Green
Courtney Guard
Ashton Hill
Dana Hooker
Alicia Janz
Grace Kelly
Niamh Kelly
Parris Laurie
Aisling McCarthy
Sophie McDonald
Kate Orme
Chantella Perera
Belinda Smith
Emma Swanson
