The West Coast Eagles’ AFLW squad took another strong step forward in their 2025 preparations, putting together an encouraging display in their pre-season intraclub match, held over four 15-minute quarters.

With team defence a key pre-season focus, the hitout provided an important opportunity for players to showcase their development, both individually and as a team.

It marked the return of defender Annabel Johnson, who featured in her first game play since suffering an ACL injury in the 2024 pre-season. Playing limited minutes late in the first and second halves, Johnson impressed with her composure and ball movement through the middle.

The match also gave a first look at exciting new draftees Lucia Painter, Kayla Dalgleish and Lucy Boyd.

Painter’s physical strength and strong hands were standout features in her debut appearance, while Dalgleish showed her class in the forward line with a composed goal just before three-quarter time.

Jaide Britton was among the best afield, constantly involved in the play with her work rate and defensive pressure, helping to generate turnovers and drive the ball forward.

Mikayla Western was a clear standout, using her speed and agility through the midfield to great effect and capping her performance with a classy set shot goal.

Fellow midfielder Abbygail Bushby also hit the scoreboard with two goals, showing great goal sense and impact around the contest, while second-year Eagle Jess Rentsch impressed with her speed and clean hands through the middle.

Lauren Wakfer provided a strong aerial presence in the second half, taking multiple contested marks and finishing with two goals and a key smother.

Dana Hooker made an inspiring return after giving birth to her second daughter, Zara, in December and worked tirelessly up and down the wing.

The experienced midfielder showed her trademark work rate and leadership, covering the ground with intensity and composure.

Liz McGrath, one of the club’s off-season recruits, impressed with her ruck craft and ability to impact around the ground, while Amy Franklin and Georgie Cleaver showed their versatility and smarts in the forward and defensive halves respectively.

Overall, the intra-club contest delivered plenty of positives, including sharp ball movement through the corridor and a strong showing from the club’s emerging talent.

With round one fast approaching, the Eagles are building nicely toward a competitive 2025 campaign.