Exciting young defender Mackenzie Webb will make her West Coast Eagles debut against the Bulldogs on Saturday at Mineral Resources Park.
Webb hails from Claremont, coming up though the Tigers’ ranks and getting elevated to the senior WAFLW side after just four Rogers Cup games.
The 19-year-old was named as a train-on player for West Coast earlier this year and recently exceled as an over-age player for WA in the AFLW Under 18s National Championships.
Webb said it’s an unbelievable feeling to be making her debut, and being told the news by her twin sister after training on Wednesday made it even more special.
“I can’t believe it, I am so excited,” Webb said.
“I immediately started crying and shaking, especially hearing the news from my twin sister.
“I’m just over the moon, I’m so stoked, it’s been a couple of weeks coming and it’s been getting close, so it feels unbelievable.”
Eagles caretaker coach Rohan McHugh said Webb has continued to improve since joining the team as an injury replacement player ahead of round one.
“It’s really exciting, ‘Webby’ has been with us now from the start of the season, coming in as a replacement player,” McHugh said.
“Since the moment that she came in, she’s just shown such a great attitude to want to improve, and she’s just grown week by week.
“She gets her chance now after showing what she can do, so it’s super exciting and I can’t wait.”
McHugh said Webb’s strength and competitive nature will make her important inclusion to the Eagles backline this Saturday against the Dogs.
“Her teammates love her, so that’s always a good sign,” McHugh said.
“She’s a competitive beast, we found that out pretty early, and she’s a natural defender which I love.
“She loves the contest, being in the contest and winning the contest, but she’s also got a real physical presence.
“For a young player, she’s really strong, she moves really well and goes through the contest, so really looking forward to seeing that from her this weekend.”
The Eagles take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday at Mineral Resources Park, bouncedown from 2:05pm.
