West Coast Eagles defender Jess Rentsch has set the League on fire this season, her relentless pressure and strength rewarded with a Rising Star nomination in round nine.
The second-year Eagle has developed her game and stepped up another level this season, crediting her siblings for her appetite for defence.
“My brothers, and not wanting to lose,” Rentsch said with a smile.
“I only have two brothers, but growing up on a farm, pretty secluded from everyone, they were who I played with growing up.
“And just not wanting to be beaten, ever, I’m a really competitive person, and the whole family is, card games go crazy in our house.”
The 19-year-old lives with exciting young teammate Lucia Painter, who was also awarded a Rising Star nomination in round one, following an impressive three-goal debut in the blue and gold.
“Hats off to Lu, she’s very deserving,” Rentsch said.
“We’re actually only three months apart in age, but the way she’s attacked her first year of AFLW is absolutely incredible.
“There is a little bit of competitiveness there but we’re honestly just best mates so it doesn’t really get in the way of anything.”
Rentsch grew up in Penshurst, a small country town in Victoria, and relocated to Perth after getting selected by the Eagles with pick 2 in the 2023 AFLW Draft.
“Penshurst, she’s small, full of paddocks, sheep and one oval,” Rentsch said.
“It’s very community centred, there’s one football club and I was the only girl who played footy there until I got to an Under16.5 team, because that was the league.
“I love it, it’s a really good town, but there’s not a lot going on there.”
Eagles coach Daisy Pearce praises Rentsch’s commitment to her craft, on and off the field.
“I’m really proud of her, it’s awesome to see ‘Rentschy’ go out there for 80 minutes on the weekend, but to see her behind the scenes and what she puts in, we just feel blessed to have her,” Pearce said.
“A second-year player that turns up every day with passion and energy, she wants to improve, she sets the standards with how she competes and gets after things, this recognition (Rising Star nomination) is just reward for what she does.”
West Coast face Geelong on Friday night at Sullivan Logistics Stadium, bouncedown from 6:15pm.
