The West Coast Eagles will officially launch its Female Academy at a sundowner event this evening.

Western Australian Football Commissioner Cheryl Edwardes will open proceedings and share her views on female leadership at the sundowner, which was purposefully scheduled ahead of International Women’s Day on Thursday.

Influential women from government, business and education fields will assemble in Subiaco Oval’s Doig Room from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for what is sure to be a memorable occasion.

Launching the West Coast Eagles’ Female Academy is a crucial step towards preparing for the club’s AFLW 2020 debut.

Aimed at supporting players aspiring to play in the AFLW, the Academy is a new component of the Western Australian female talent pathway and endeavours to complement the already successful West Australian Football Commission State Female Talent Academy.

In addition to head coach Drew Petrie, the Academy coaching team includes former Collingwood AFLW assistant coach Nikki Harwood, past East Fremantle Women’s Football Club head coach Steph Walding, West Coast Eagles club champions Luke Shuey and Eric Mackenzie, plus past players Drew Banfield, Ryan Turnbull, Chad Morrison and Adam Selwood.

Sundowner attendees will get an exclusive opportunity to watch the players hone their skills during a training session at Subiaco Oval.

Petrie and a budding Academy superstar will also address the crowd following the training block.