Jessica Rentsch, Abbygail Bushby, Jaide Britton and Lucia Painter will remain in the blue and gold through to the end of the 2027 season, further strengthening West Coast’s youthful core.
The promising quartet shape as important members of the Eagles’ future, and have each committed to two-year contract extensions.
AFLW List Manager Jordan Loxley praised Rentsch’s strong first year and ongoing progress since she was taken at pick No.2 overall in the 2023 draft.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Jess commit to the club for another two years,” Loxley said.
“As our first selection in 2023, she’s continued to impress with her work ethic and growth every session. Winning our Emerging Talent Award in her debut year speaks volumes about the impact she’s already made.
“Her competitiveness and athleticism have again stood out this preseason, and her versatility gives us great flexibility. Jess is a key part of our future and someone we see being a long-term player at our club.”
Bushby, who made her AFLW debut in season seven, has also caught the eye with her poise and creativity around the contest.
“Abby has taken her game to a new level this pre-season,” Loxley said of the 21-year-old.
“Her composure and skill around stoppages, both by hand and foot, are real assets to our midfield. We got a glimpse of her talent at AFLW level against Sydney last year, and we’re excited to see that level of performance more consistently.
“She’s still got so much upside, and we’re looking forward to watching her continue to grow and develop.”
Britton, 22, has established herself as a reliable and hard-working wing option, and her off-field leadership has also impressed.
“Jaide has really stepped up as a leader within our group,” Loxley said.
“Her endurance and ability to play the wing role with consistency and drive make her a valuable part of our team. She brings professionalism and work ethic every day, and we’re really pleased to have her re-sign for another two years.”
The quartet is rounded out by exciting young forward Lucia Painter, who made a stellar debut in round one of the 2025 season.
Painter announced herself with three goals and 13 disposals to earn a NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination.
Selected with pick No.7 in last year’s draft, the Bendigo product is making an immediate impact and quickly becoming one to watch.
“Lu has made a fantastic impression since arriving at the club, with her work ethic, professionalism and appetite to improve standing out from day one,” Loxley said.
“In a short period, we’ve already seen exciting growth in her game, and we’re really confident in where she can take her football.
“Her strength around the contest, ability to impact both inside and outside, and composure with ball in hand are exciting traits.
“We see Lu as a key part of our midfield group and a core player for us well into the future.”
