West Coast midfielder Bella Lewis is excited by the Eagles’ progress in 2022, believing the team came on in “leaps and bounds” in the second season of the year. 

The Eagles were highly competitive in most games despite fielding the youngest AFLW squad this season, with four of the club’s defeats within a margin of 10 points.  

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Isabella Lewis of the Eagles lines up her kick during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 03 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Mineral Resources Park on September 11, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Club Photographer)

Lewis is confident that if the team can continue building on their ability to play four quarters each week, the Eagles can put themselves in a situation where the final result doesn’t boil down to one or two plays.

“The team came along really well this year,” Lewis said.

“We had about 15 new players come in so when you consider how far we’ve come across pre-season and the 10 games we’ve played, it is really exciting to see.

“For us the energy brought in our round one win against Port Adelaide was a massive highlight and it’ll be good to see that again next year.”

Looking at her own performance, the 19-year-old enjoyed the steps she’s taken as a leader, particularly helping the first-year players find their feet.

Averaging 15.4 disposals and 5.7 tackles a game, Lewis had a strong season however the 2021 Club Champion is still looking to improve as she sets her sights on helping her side bridge the gap to the top teams in the competition.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 22: Isabella Lewis of the Eagles celebrates with teammates during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 09 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs at Mineral Resources Park on October 22, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Club Photographer)

“There was a number of games this season I was happy with and I contributed the amount I was hoping to, but for me it’s about keep that consistency and doing it every week,” she said.

“I really appreciate the club looking at me to be a future leader, it has really helped me develop my relationships with my teammates on and off the field.

“It helps me hold myself accountable and makes me want to play better so if that’s a role the club wants me to continue in the future it’s something I’d like to take on.”

Lewis credited her teammates for adapting well to significant off-season changes and lauded the cohesion shown by the team this year.

The midfielder showed faith in the current squad, confident that with more experience West Coast can push up the ladder.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 07: Isabella Lewis of the Eagles in action during the round seven AFLW match between the West Coast Eagles and the Richmond Tigers at Mineral Resources Park on October 07, 2022 in Perth, Australia.

“Being the youngest team in the competition in a way has been a really good thing,” Lewis said.

“We are a bit of a sisterhood at the moment and for us the belief has really changed a lot this season and we know how much we want it.

“The desire is there and we can see that outlook to the future around how good we can be once we get a few more games into the younger girls.

“If you keep all the players we have now and we’ve kind of created a culture that no one wants to really leave so it’s going to be super exciting to see what this group can do.”