The 2025 AFLW season will go down as a watershed moment for the West Coast Eagles women’s program.

Under the guidance of senior coach Daisy Pearce, the team not only recorded its most successful campaign in club history but also laid the foundations for sustained growth and belief.

Reflecting on her second season at the helm, Pearce couldn’t hide her pride in the group’s progress.

“We are really proud of the team’s progress,” Pearce said.

“Their ability to train together really helped lift our standard and improve fundamental skills early on. Being in my second year as coach also allowed us to increase our understanding of how we want to play.”

That clarity translated into a season built on strong team defence and a sharper scoring edge. Simple focuses, executed well, became the backbone of a campaign that saw the Eagles rise to new heights.

One of the most notable shifts came in the team’s physical preparation. Pearce highlighted the players’ commitment to strength and conditioning as a game-changer.

“It was driven from within the playing group,” Pearce explained.

“You can have the sports scientists telling you what to do but unlocking that player-driven side was huge.”

The addition of high-performance staff like Sam Batterton and the synergy with long-time fitness lead Wes Salisbury paid dividends. The Eagles finished games stronger, winning final quarters and sustaining consistency an area that had previously been a weakness.

For the first time, West Coast played finals football. For Pearce, the achievement was about more than just the scoreboard.

“They’ve got a taste for what it takes now. There are still gaps between us and the top teams, but the best thing is they’ve got belief, and they enjoy coming in and getting to work.”

That belief was tested throughout the year with injuries, illness and wild weather but resilience became a defining trait. And for four inaugural Eagles; Emma Swanson, Belinda Smith, Dana Hooker and Kellie Gibson the chance to play in a final was a moment of reward.

“They’ve been such a big part of the journey,” Pearce said.

“To still be in the competition when 10 other teams aren’t, it meant a lot to them.”

First-year players Lucia Painter, Charlotte Riggs, Lucy Boyd and Kayla Dalgleish injected energy and talent from day one.

“They’re not just exciting, they’re a pleasure to work with,” Pearce said.

“Lucia announced herself on opening night and got the balcony jumping. Charlotte played multiple roles after an interrupted pre-season. Lucy showed great footy IQ, and Kayla proved it doesn’t matter where you’re picked in the draft, she made us better in her first year.”

Among the standouts was Jess Rentsch, who delivered another impressive season.

“Jess is an absolute competitor whether it’s a warm-up drill or a game, her level is sixth gear all the time. She makes people better around her,” Pearce said.

Few players captured imaginations like Ella Roberts. Already a fan favourite, her growth in 2025 was as much about professionalism as pure talent.

 “She’s a pretty special player,” Pearce said.

“So much of what she does is just Ella doing Ella things. But this year, her consistency and leadership really grew.

“She’s setting standards now, and that’s exciting for us and the competition.”

Leadership was another evolving story. With Emma Swanson stepping aside, Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas embraced co-captaincy.

“Charlie and Bella are young, but their hunger to improve and their ability to connect with teammates made them perfect for the role and having each other to lean on was a real strength,” Pearce said.

Off the field, the fans were a constant source of energy. From Perth to interstate venues, the Eagles faithful made their presence felt.

“It means the world to us,” Pearce said.

“Running out onto a foreign oval and seeing a huge guard of honour of travelling fans is pretty special. Their energy lifts us, and the players love those connections.”

As the season closes, Pearce’s focus now shifts to growth both for the team and herself.

“I’ll spend time embedded in the men’s program, learn from Andrew McQualter and his team, and then recharge before it kicks off in February,” Pearce said.

“Pre-season comes around quick, and we’ve got enthusiastic players ready to get better.”

The 2025 season wasn’t just a step forward, it was a leap. A finals berth, a fitter and hungrier squad, and a wave of emerging talent have set the stage for what’s next.

“We’ve got a great foundation now,” Pearce concluded.

“The girls are aware and hungry to get after the things we need to improve. We’re proud of their effort and resilience and excited about what’s to come.”