First-year Eagle Lucia Painter burst onto the scene in 2025, kicking three goals on her AFLW debut and solidifying herself as an important piece of the blue and gold puzzle.

Painter impressed with her speed, skill, and ability to influence games in big moments, earning her place among the best young talent in the competition. 

The 20-year-old was nominated for the Rising Star after her stand-out debut, and she went on to finished as the Eagles' leading goal kicker, and was also awarded the Emerging Talent award at the Club Champion awards. 

First year in the blue and gold, was being on an AFLW list everything you were expecting?

It was everything I expected and so much more! Such an amazing group of girls, coaches and club as a whole. The club has been incredibly welcoming. Offering so much support on and off the field, it has opened so many opportunities for me. As a team the trainings, meetings and entire program are so professional, and you can tell how much investment the coaches put into it to help develop the team. West Coast definitely exceeded my expectations and I can whole heartedly say I want to be part of the blue and gold for as long as possible.

Playing finals in your first year, you must be pretty stoked with how the team performed this season?

It was an amazing season with the girls on the field. Obviously, there are learnings from all games but playing a final was a massive step up. Each week we continued to perform and play our game brand and style. Playing finals and making history with such a young team is an incredible achievement. I’m truly grateful to be part of this club’s journey and contribute to something so special. The next few years promise to be exciting as we continue to grow, climb higher, and play more seasons together.

Moving over to Perth from VIC, how have you found the relocation?

It has been an incredibly smooth relocation, largely due to the support of the club and the constant calls and visits from my family. My dogs keep me company too and living alongside Jess Rentsch has really helped me find my spot here not only within the team, but in Perth itself. I’ve kept myself busy with work, uni and footy. As well as tapping into some coaching roles which has made WA my home now. 

Which of your teammates have your really gravitated to or formed a special bond with this season?

I’ve definitely drifted towards Jess Rentsch, we’ve pretty much become sisters now. She’s a hard worker and a good role model for me. Jess has become one of my closest friends. I couldn’t ask for a better housemate, she’s really supported and challenged me in all things over here and helped me settle in. I’ve created a lot of close relationship within the team and with the club. 

Your family attended so many of the matches, how great was it having that love and support throughout the season?

My family are my number one supporters. I don’t just do this for myself now, I do it for my family, particularly for my siblings. Moving away from my family was tough, but having my parents and grandparents make the trips to Perth and seeing my whole family at the games in Melbourne has meant the world to me. Their support has driven me to step out on the field with the biggest smile and give my best to make them proud. I couldn’t have achieved what I have this year without them.

What is some great advice you’ve received on your journey so far, from a teammate, coach or staff member?

My teammates have really helped me embrace the joy of playing football and appreciate the little things, living in the moment and enjoying the journey. The coaches have guided me to focus on patterns rather than isolated events, shifting my mindset away from dwelling on mistakes and toward maintaining clarity and purpose on the field.

How did you find AFLW icon Daisy Pearce as coach, and what does she do to really instil belief into this group?

Daisy has been incredible for this group, not just her, but the way the entire coaching staff works together, bringing diverse insights and approaches. Having someone like Daisy, who’s walked in our shoes so recently and truly understands the challenges we face, has been invaluable. She’s built such a strong connection with every player, and her belief in us has inspired confidence in ourselves and in the work we’re doing. Daisy’s trust in the playing group shines through on the field, where our belief in the system and the support from the coaching team really come to life.

What have you got planned for the off-season?

I plan on working through my program to keep my body fresh and healthy, whilst working on my fundamentals. This off-season, I’m committed to getting back to the basics and pushing myself to become even fitter and stronger than I was this year.