West Coast Eagles star duo Charlie Thomas and Ella Roberts have been selected to represent Australia in the 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland game in Sydney on August 1.
Eagles co-captain Thomas and reigning back-to-back club champion Roberts have been chosen alongside a number of high-profile AFLW names for the Australian team, including 2025 AFLW Best and Fairest winner Ash Riddell and 2025 AFLW All Australian captain Jasmine Garner.
“I’m extremely honoured to be recognised in the Australian team,” Roberts said.
“To have the opportunity to play with the best players in the whole competition is something I won’t take for granted, I’ll soak it in and learn as much as I possibly can.”
Established stars of the competition, accomplished defender Thomas was awarded All-Australian selection in 2023, the first AFLW Eagle to receive the honour, while elite midfielder Roberts featured in the All-Australian team in 2024 and 2025.
“I’m honoured to be picked as part of the team, and to do it alongside Ella and some of the best footballers in the country will be an unreal experience,” Thomas said.
“I think everyone will be out there to give it a good crack, and I’m really looking forward to learning off some of the best defenders in the league.”
The pair will join Eagles senior coach Daisy Pearce in the green and gold, with Pearce named as senior assistant coach of the Australian team, supporting Darren Crocker who has been appointed to lead Australia.
The 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match will be played under Australian Football Rules, with a classic Sherrin football.
The match will kick off at 2:15pm WST and will be broadcast exclusively live around the country on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
