West Coast Eagles defender Annabel Johnson has expressed her love for the club after the team’s 42-point win over the Giants at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.
In just her second game in the blue and gold, after overcoming two knee injuries since her arrival at the club in 2023, Johnson said it was an extra special win in Kellie Gibson’s milestone game.
“Credit to the girls, bouncing back from a tough loss to Melbourne,” Johnson said on SEN today.
“Our style of footy was really shining through on the weekend and it was special to get the win for ‘Gibbo’ (Kellie Gibson) in her 50th game.”
Making her Eagles debut against the Demons last weekend, Johnson said she’s thankful to be able to start repaying the club on the field.
“It was really great to play my first game for the club last week,” Johnson said.
“I joke around a bit and say that I’ve only been her for two years, but it feels like I’ve been here for about 10 years.
“I love the club, and they’ve supported me really well, and I feel really grateful for the trust they’ve put in me, and they work they’ve put into my body.
“It feels nice to finally be able to start repaying (the club) on the field, it’s been a tough couple of seasons but I’m hoping that’s all behind me now and I can play some consistent footy for the club.”
Eagles forward Amy Franklin played her best game of the season on Sunday, finishing with three goals, and Johnson said it was nice to see 22-year-old Franklin get some reward for effort.
“It was great to see ‘Frankie’ (Amy Franklin) get rewarded with a couple of goals on the weekend,” Johnson said.
“She’s been around for a while and is a consistent performer for the team and has shown real leadership for a couple of the young girls coming through.”
“I forget myself sometimes just how good of a leg she has on her, when she’s kicking from 45 meters out on an angle, but it was nice to see her taking a few marks and getting some reward.”
Fellow defender Jess Rentsch was also impressive against the Giants, and Johnson praised Rentsch’s versatility and constant want to learn and develop.
“She’s a legend, another country Victorian and we love her a lot,” Johnson said.
“I just love the way she goes about it, she came in last year and she just wants to learn.
“She’s played through the mid, she’s played down back, she’s played on the wing and she’s just so versatile.
“And she’s just so strong over the ball, the way she hunts the ball, she’s a bit of a ‘no-fuss’ player, and someone you just love to have on your team.
“Her leg speed and metres gained was a nice highlight on the weekend, and she brings a real physical presence out there, and she’s so strong for a 19-year-old.”
