West Coast Eagles co-captain Charlie Thomas will suit up in the blue and gold for the 50th time on Saturday, facing Adelaide at Norwood Oval.
The 22-year-old defender has played every game since she was drafted to the Eagles in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft and becomes one of the youngest players in the league to reach the milestone.
“I’m super proud to play 50 games for this club,” Thomas said.
“I was talking about it with Daisy (Pearce) before, and she said she was a fair bit older than I am before she played her 50th.
“I’m just super grateful, and proud of myself but also just women’s footy in general, I think it’s pretty cool that girls are able to play so many games now at such a young age.”
Thomas has made an incredible impact on the Eagles team and the League in her first 50 games, being named Eagles’ Best First Year Player and receiving a NAB Rising Star nomination in her first year.
The Subiaco product went on to win the Eagles’ Club Champion in 2023, followed by an All-Australian selection, and was voted co-captain by her teammates, alongside Bella Lewis, ahead of the 2025 season.
Senior coach Daisy Pearce commended Thomas' consistency, leadership and professionalism at such a young age.
“It’s so awesome to see Charlie play her 50th game for the club, and it’s amazing to think she hasn't missed a game,” Pearce said.
“The consistency with which she plays at such a young age is incredible, and now, taking on leadership duties, she just hasn't taken a backwards step.
“50 high-standard games and plenty more to come, which also highlights her durability and her professionalism off the field.”
Thomas praised her former line coach Rohan McHugh (Eagles’ AFLW forwards coach) for the guidance and support he offered when she arrived at the club, both on and off the field.
“There’s been plenty of people who have helped me throughout my career which I’m really grateful for,” Thomas said.
“One that springs to mind is ‘Rowy’, he was my backline coach in the first couple of years at the Eagles, he was unreal, helping me on field but also as a person and a leader off-field.”
The Eagles take on Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Saturday for round nine, bouncedown from 10:05am WST. Watch live on 7mate, Fox Footy and Kayo.
