West Coast will launch its 2026 AFLW season against Greater Western Sydney with five players making their first appearance in Eagles colours.
Mia Russo and Jovie Skewes-Clinton are set to make their AFLW debuts alongside recruits Ella Slocombe, Keeley Skepper and Isabella Shannon making their club debuts.
Powerful onballer Russo was taken with pick 20 in the 2025 AFLW Draft from West Perth, while versatile forward Skewes-Clinton arrived from the GWV Rebels via pick 36.
“Mia is incredibly strong in the contest, highly competitive and values the role she plays for the team,” West Coast Eagles AFLW coach Daisy Pearce said.
“She’s a natural footballer and someone who grows a bit taller when she steps on the field, never taking a backward step, no matter her opponent.
“We’re really excited to see her make her AFLW debut as it’s been something she’s worked hard towards for years.
“Jovie is a strong, hard-working footballer with great natural instincts for the game. She's competitive both in the air and at ground level, and extremely coachable. On top of that, she's worked really hard adapting to life out of home and a long way from Ballarat.
“She is a real character who brings an authentic energy to the group and are confident she’ll bring that on Sunday."
Slocombe, Skepper and Shannon will make their first appearances in Eagles colours at ENGIE Stadium in Sunday’s double-header against the Giants.
Claremont product Slocombe returned home from North Melbourne last December, with the speedy winger bringing elite endurance and line-breaking run to West Coast’s team.
Versatile utility Skepper crossed from Carlton during the off-season and the 22-year-old adds 38 games of AFLW experience.
Shannon's journey back to AFLW football comes after two standout seasons with Perth in the WAFLW, with the former Saints midfielder earning an opportunity to join the Eagles’ list as an injury replacement player last week.
"Keeley has made an immediate impact since joining us from Carlton. She's a real footy head and super crafty which is a reflection of her love of the game and the amount of work she puts into it,” Pearce said.
“She's worked incredibly hard on her running capacity and strength, which has allowed her to become dangerous offensively while also being one of our best pressure players.
"Ella is a talented athlete who has impressed us with her consistency and professionalism since arriving at the club.
“She's quietly competitive, a hungry learner and someone who approaches every day with high-performance habits that rub off on others.
"Bel's story is a fantastic example of persistence and resilience. She's put together a couple of outstanding WAFLW seasons, trained on with us over the past two years and never stopped working towards another AFLW opportunity.
“We know exactly what we'll get from Bel, she's got a huge tank, great versatility and a strong competitive edge."
The Eagles begin their 2026 campaign against the Giants at 4.45pm (AEST) on Sunday, following West Coast’s AFL match against GWS.
