Teenage ruck Sarah Lakay put on a clinic last Thursday for West Coast during the RAC Derby at Optus Stadium.

Lakay shone in the very close finish, filling the stat sheet with a massive 42 hit-outs alongside five tackles and seven disposals.

The 19-year-old’s performance helped spur the Eagles onto the closest result in RAC Derby history, with the blue and gold going down by three points in a blockbuster finish.

Lakay's 42 hitouts were the second most in an AFLW match ever – second to the Adelaide Crows' Erin McKinnon who had 47 in Round 10 in Season Six.

Formerly a basketball convert, Lakay was selected by West Coast in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft at pick 40.

Standing at 186cm she was picked up after having a record-breaking day at the AFLW draft combine, recording a standing vertical jump of 72cm and the running vertical jump of 82cm.

Playing behind Parris Laurie in season six, Lakay now thrives in the starting ruck position being one of the leading contributors this season.

Having played a total of 13 games of the club the ruck has a bright career ahead of her.

“I think her growth is probably a two-fold thing,” coach Michael Prior said post-game.

“She’s got her herself a little but fitter this year, we had Parris Laurie last year but she’s now a number one ruck and really thriving.

“She’s doing some really good things, she had 42 hit outs today which is outstanding.”