WITH a plethora of talent heading up the West Coast Eagles in their inaugural season, the real question will be whether they can find the consistency they need to really contend in the competition having not rally played together all that much prior to the season. With players coming from across Australia it is not a question of ability but really of whether they can rally as a team in their first season together.

KEY PLAYER: Dana Hooker (midfielder)

A real ball magnet, Hooker made the jump from Fremantle to West Coast over the trade period, making for a key player on the Eagles’ list as one of the upper echelon in the AFL Women’s. With speed, class and endurance to boot, Hooker can have an impact wherever required and rarely puts a foot wrong on the field.

RISING STAR: Mikayla Bowen (midfielder)

The tough midfielder has a wealth of talent and will look to really make her mark on the competition in her inaugural season. With clean skills, speed and an ability to find the footy, Bowen will want to break into the side and stand up the same way she did in the 2019 AFL Women’s Under 18 championships – where she was named MVP for Western Australia.

WATCH FOR: Mckenzie Dowrick (utility)

The Eagles were quick to nab Dowrick from Brisbane over the trade period, returning the classy left footer to her home state. With clean hands and strength to boot, Dowrick will apply some good pressure in the air while her height, youth and reliability make her a handy inclusion for the side.

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CONFERENCE OPPONENTS: Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Melbourne, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs.

FIXTURE:

Round 1 – @ Collingwood
Round 2 – vs. Fremantle
Round 3 – @ GWS GIANTS
Round 4 – vs. Western Bulldogs
Round 5 – @ Melbourne
Round 6 – vs. Gold Coast Suns
Round 7 – @ Carlton
Round 8 – vs. St Kilda

West Coast have an interesting fixture for their inaugural season, taking on their state rivals Fremantle in Round 2, with the Dockers coming off an impressive 2019. The Eagles are fortunate to miss out on taking on reigning premiers, Adelaide, but do come up against Melbourne, a side with a very settled list and Carlton, a side with impressive young talent, making for an unpredictable season. They will host fellow expansion sides in Round 6 (Gold Coast) and Round 8 (St Kilda), so will want to finish the season on a high against other new-look sides.

PREDICTION:  6th/7th in Conference B

While West Coast has some real talent among their ranks, they are unlikely to break through the pack in their inaugural year having not had a wealth of time together. While the teams in their conference are not necessarily the best in the business, their opposition has had plenty of time to iron out their flaws, while the Eagles have had to go from the ground up this season and are likely to be outclassed by cleaner, more settled teams.