West Coast Eagles have announced Charlie Thomas and Bella Lewis as AFLW co-captains for the 2025 season, a milestone moment for two players who have shared a football journey since childhood.

Childhood teammates turned club leaders, Charlie Thomas and Bella Lewis have been officially unveiled as West Coast’s AFLW co-captains for the 2025 season.

The duo’s elevation marks a proud and exciting chapter for the young leaders, who expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm during their first press conference as co-captains.

“Super stoked and humbled to be named captain and even more so to do it alongside Bella,” Thomas said.

“We’ve got so much to learn but we’re excited for what’s ahead. We’ll be leaning on the great people we have around the club, and we’re really looking forward to growing together.”

For Lewis, the opportunity to captain the club with her long-time teammate feels like a dream realised.

“We always knew we’d play together for a really long time, and leadership always came naturally to both of us,” Lewis said.

“We used to talk about what it would look like if we ever got the chance to captain together and now it’s a reality.”

The pair acknowledged the strength of the support system around them, including senior coach Daisy Pearce and former captain Emma Swanson, who will continue to guide and mentor the next generation.

“We’re really lucky to have Daisy on board and ‘Swanny’ still doing a lot of work with us,” Thomas said.

“It’s definitely not something we’re doing alone it’s a group effort.”

Pre-season preparations are tracking strongly, with Lewis praising the squad’s work ethic and the impact of new high performance manager Sam Batton.

“The girls are looking really strong and fit,” Lewis said.

“We’ve been building on our fundamentals under pressure and continuing the game plan from last year.

“We’ve averaged at least 28 players on the track every session, so we’re in a really good place heading into the season.”

With six weeks to go until round one, the focus now turns to sharpening match fitness and reintroducing contested intensity.

“Once we start coming up against opposition bodies again, that physicality lifts another level,” Thomas said.

“We’ve been working on areas from last season, but also building on our strengths.”

Both players spoke about the leadership qualities they aim to bring, with Thomas highlighting her calm on-field presence and vocal leadership from the backline, while Lewis emphasised her high standards and relentless on-field effort.

“Off-field, relationships and genuine care are something I work really hard on,” Lewis said.

“On-field, I just don’t stop until the final siren. I want to lift the standard and bring the group along with me.”

Thomas echoed the importance of care and connection within the group.

“I’m a pretty caring person and hope the girls continue to feel that,” Thomas said.

“Being down back allows me to see the game and be a voice for the team. I’m working hard to grow that part of my game.”

The backline will face a reshuffle following the news that inaugural Eagle Sophie McDonald has been placed on the inactive list, but Thomas said the squad is well prepared to adapt.

“Obviously disappointing, but ‘Soph’ continue to be supported by the club,” Thomas said.

“We’re really excited by the girls coming in. Beth Shilling had a great year last year and we expect her to go to another level and new additions like Lucy Boyd and Charlotte Riggs might also play back at times.”

With a unified and driven playing group behind them, Thomas and Lewis are focused on setting the tone for the season ahead.

“We’re not the finished product as leaders,” Lewis said.

“But we’re building the foundations together and that’s what makes it so exciting.”