NOW the AFL Women’s Draft is done and dusted, Draft Central will review each club’s draft hand, and provide supporters with all the content they need to know about the latest additions to their AFL Women’s programs. We continue the club-by-club reviews with West Coast.

#3 Charlotte Thomas (Tall Utility) 05/09/2003 | 175cm Subiaco / Western Australia

Despite only playing the one game before succumbing to a wrist injury that curtailed her 2021 season, Thomas showed how highly she was rated by West Australian claubs by being the first from her state to be called out on draft night. A tall utility who primarily plays forward, Thomas is a smart user who hits targets and makes the right decisions with ball-in-hand. She might not have played much this season, but as a member of the AFLW Academy, Thomas has been an eye-catching player for many years, and one who stands out for her ability to impact a game wthrough her ball use and composure. Expect her to be right to go ahead of the 2022 AFL Women’s season and the Eagles will be thrilled to have her on board. charlie thomas CONTENT: >> Thomas well supported during injured season

#21 Courtney Rowley (Balanced Midfielder) 24/09/2003 | 167cm Peel Thunder / Western Australia

Class personified, Rowley is an unbelievable talent with ball-in-hand, and complements Thomas as the two best ball users in Western Australia heading to the Eagles. Rowley can hit targets over multiple distances and has clean hands on the inside, as well as being able to play off flanks at both ends. After a successful AFL Women’s Under 19 Championships campaign, Rowley was named in the All-Australian team. Her high-level defensive pressure matches that of her offensive ability, and is something that makes her such a successful and driven player, and one who is ultra-competitive at all levels.

COURTNEY ROWLEY CONTENT:

>> Rowley’s “crazy” ride only getting started >> Peel prepares for 2021 after “whirlwind season”

#24 Beth Schilling (Key Defender/Ruck) 01/12/2003 | 178cm Peel Thunder / Western Australia

An athletic tall who can roll through the ruck or stand as a key defensive option, Schilling has been a big mover for Peel Thunder this season, playing in a premiership. An eye-catcher at both WAFLW and AFLW Under 19 Championships level, Schilling was able to purely play as a key defender for the Allies, where she averaged almost five rebound 50s per game to go with her 12.3 disposals and two marks. Her competitive nature and presence in the air and at ground level is noticeable, and once she increases her endurance, Schilling will be able to impact for even loner periods of play.

BETH SCHILLING CONTENT:

>> Schilling follows brothers into footy, rises to challenges

#40 Sarah Lakay (Ruck) 20/02/2003 | 186cm Swan Districts / Western Australia

An athletic ruck who has come from a basketball background, Lakay teamed up with Schilling for her state and will look to do so again in the blue and gold. Another tall looking to build her endurance, Lakay has an elite vertical leap, which she showcased at the recent AFL Women’s Draft Combine, smashing the previous record in the vertical jumps. Her strength overhead, competitive nature and defensive pressure at ground level make her a danger to opposition sides, able to recover quickly after a ruck stoppage to be like a fifth midfielder. Lakay has clean hands and has already come along in leaps and bounds, something she will continue to do at the elite level. SARAH LAKAY CONTENT: >> Fast learning Lakay takes her game to new heights >> 2021 AFLW Draft Positional Analysis: Rucks

#47 Emily Bennett (Medium Defender) 26/12/2002 | 170cm Claremont / Western Australia

A natural footballer, Bennett provides great hardness and one-on-one contests each and every time she goes near the ball. Though not just a negating player, Bennett can lock down on opponents and beat them in the air or for the hard ball at ground level, then run off and provide drive out of defence. Bennett is a strong kick of the ball and good at intercept the play with clean hands and composure with ball-in-hand. Her overhead marking is a strength, and whilst she hopes to continue improving her endurance, she is a player who coaches can rely on to get the job done each week. EMILY BENNETT CONTENT: >> Bennett enjoying season after “difficult” 2020 season >> 2021 AFLW Draft Positional Analysis: Tall/Medium Defenders

DRAFT SUMMARY:

West Coast was able to target height and athleticism, as well as skilful ball users, with its five selections. Thomas, Rowley and Bennett all use the ball superbly, and are highly competitive players. Lakay and Schilling are also defensively-minded, and have terrific athleticism, able to impact in the air or at ground level. They can play multiple roles like Rowley and Thomas, and it will give the Eagles great versatility going forward.