Exciting new talents Kayla Dalgleish and Lucia Painter will pull on the blue and gold for the first time this Thursday evening when the Eagles face Gold Coast at Mineral Resources Park in the opening round of the 2025 AFLW season.

Selected with pick No.7 in last year’s AFLW Draft, Painter arrived at West Coast with a reputation as one of the competition’s most promising emerging midfielders.

The powerful onballer/forward boasts a strong overhead mark, an elite penetrating kick and composure under pressure, making her a dangerous prospect around the ground.

Painter starred for Victoria Country at the National Championships, earning All-Australian honours after averaging 17.7 disposals (including nine contested) and seven tackles per game.

“I’m absolutely stoked and incredibly grateful to be making my debut in round one,” Painter said.

“It’s been amazing meeting, playing and learning from all the inspirational women at the club, and I’m so proud to be able to pull on the Eagles AFLW jumper for the first time.

"I’ve settled in well and have been working really hard, with plenty of high challenge and high support from our staff and players.”

Dalgleish is an energetic small forward who adds speed, skill and relentless pressure inside 50.

Drafted from the Dandenong Stingrays via pick 57, the agile livewire has the ability to create scoring opportunities both as a dangerous crumber and a clever lead-up target.

Her versatility also allows her to impact through the midfield, and she is set to bring real spark to the Eagles’ attack in her debut season.

"It’s incredible to be making my debut, but also nerve racking," Dalgleish said with a smile.

"Pre-season has gone really well, we’ve put in all the work so now we’re just got to trust in our preparation. The girls have been really supportive and I’m keen to get out there."

Both players have impressed through the pre-season with their work rate, skill execution and determination, and will be looking to make an immediate impact as West Coast launches its 2025 campaign.

Experienced AFLW recruit and former North Melbourne ruck Liz McGrath will also make her club debut on Thursday, bringing valuable top-level experience and a strong physical presence to the Eagles’ line-up.