Bella Lewis has achieved more than most in her first year of AFLW, finishing first in the West Coast Club Champion award, being named in the 22under22 team at 19 years of age, and receiving a Rising Star nod in round eight of the 2021 season.

But Lewis’ primary focus isn’t on individual accolades, and is instead aspiring to produce a consistent 2022 season and fine tune her fundamental skills, as well as using strength and body work to win contested ball as an inside midfielder.

Also hoping to improve on her leadership – and model on and off-field behaviour from captain Emma Swanson – Lewis is looking towards a settled second year at West Coast as well as growth and development from the squad as a whole.

“As a team I think it’s being connected and knowing how each other play, which is more of a process goal we’re really working towards,” she said.

“I think it’s starting to gel really well, especially in the midfield I know that we know how each other play and we’re able to use that to our benefit, which will hopefully outcome in some more wins for us.

“In terms of my personal goals, I’m just trying to improve and stay consistent every week, no matter who we’re playing.

“And in terms of who I look up to at the club, I don’t like to give her too much credit, because she already knows it,” she laughed.

“But ‘Swanny’ (Emma Swanson) is always going to be who I model my behaviour off.

“On-field she is just very tough with her body and confident in the way she plays, and I think we are similar in some of the ways we use our body.

“Off-field, she’s got a perfect balance between being a leader and having serious conversations, and then also being relaxed and knowing when to have fun.

“She reads the group really well, which is super important for a captain.”

With the season now a week away, the group will use 2022 – and their third season in the AFLW competition – to aim for improvement round-by-round.

For Lewis, it’s also about focussing on the positives and enjoying the game while doing so.

“What I’m looking forward to about season 2022 is the growth that we will have as a group, just because we’ve had most of the girls fit this pre-season and everyone’s fitter and stronger and knows the structures,” she said.

“We’re settled with Mick (Prior), he’s doing a really great job and I’m excited to see where that takes us.

“I think I just want to be able to look back and be proud is knowing that every single person is giving their all and trying their hardest, and whatever result we get, we can feel comfortable knowing that was all we could do.

“I think if I wanted one achievement it would be to have the most fun, because I think that’s when I play my best footy, is when I’m having a good time and enjoying it.”

And with a two week stint on the road for West Coast earmarked from rounds four to seven, Lewis is already looking forward to the ‘mini-hub’ situation.

“I am so keen, I am probably one of the most keen girls who wants to go into a hub, because who doesn’t want to go somewhere with your best friends and spend all day with them?” she said.

“It’s good for the cohesion of the group, playing footy and being a full-time athlete.

“It will give us a glimpse of seeing what that’s like, so I’m keen.”