Debutant Lucia Painter has been rewarded for her stunning round one performance with a Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination.
The powerful forward-mid was instrumental in West Coast’s 15-point win over Gold Coast on Thursday night at Mineral Resources Park, sparking the victory with a game-breaking third quarter.
Painter booted three goals in a dazzling seven-minute burst to help the Eagles secure a 5.5 (35) to 2.8 (20) season-opening triumph.
It was a remarkable debut for the No.7 draft pick, who arrived at the Eagles with a reputation as one of the nation’s most exciting young talents after earning All-Australian honours at the 2024 National Championships.
Painter, who finished with 13 disposals, said the nomination came as a surprise.
“Daisy (Pearce) rang me this morning and we were just having a normal chat then she told me that I got a Rising Star nomination for round one,” Painter said.
“It was so crazy to me because I didn’t expect any of this for my round one debut.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the nomination and the support I’ve had from the Eagles in the entire lead up to round one.
“An amazing club and culture to be part of with such an amazing group of girls and coaches.”
Painter was drafted by West Coast with pick No.7 in last year’s AFLW Draft after a standout junior career with the Bendigo Pioneers and Victoria Country.
Known for her strong overhead marking, elite penetrating kick and clean ball use under pressure, she looms as a key figure in the Eagles emerging side.
The 19-year-old averaged 23.9 disposals, 4.6 marks and 7.4 tackles per game in the Coates Talent League last year, while finishing runner-up in the league’s best and fairest and earning Team of the Year honours.
Painter’s round one heroics underline that promise, with the teenager making an immediate impact in blue and gold.
“I just went out there with all the girls to have fun and trust in what we’d done through pre-season,” Painter said.
“It was a credit to the whole team who played their role Thursday night.”
The Eagles hit the road in rounds two and three, taking on Essendon at Windy Hill and St Kilda at RSEA Park.
