AFTER an improved start to the AFLW season in 2024, West Coast finished outside the bottom four in 13th, which gave the blue and gold hope through Daisy Pearce‘s first season as coach. The Eagles still retained Pick 6, and aside from their own movements, were relatively quiet during the Trade Period.

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2024 RECORD: 13th, 4-7, 62.9%
2024 PICKS: 6, 24, 54, 57

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Elizabeth McGrath (North Melbourne), Pick 54
OUT: Evie Gooch (retired), Sasha Goranova, Verity Simmons, Mackenzie Webb, Emily Elkington, Tess Lyons, Jayme Harken, Octavia Di Donato, Matilda Sergeant (delisted), Pick 42

FIRST PICK:
Pick 6

West Coast will bank another selection, though it looks incredibly unlikely the Eagles will pick up a local talent with the pick. Both Molly O’Hehir and Zippy Fish seem certain to be off the board, and the next couple of West Australian prospects will be closer to the Eagles’ second pick. Vic Country midfielder Lou Painter seems to be the most likely choice here, as a country kid, having co-captained the Bendigo Pioneers and had a star studded career already.

The Eagles would consider India Rasheed as a choice as well, given she would add some much needed firepower up front and as a rotational midfielder too. Also there in consideration would be athletic South Australian Poppy Scholz, while Vic Metro midfielder/forward Grace Belloni is another player who could rise into the range given her potential in both roles.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 24, 52, 57

The Eagles could look to scoop up some local talent with the remaining picks, but at 24, it will be interesting to see if Claudia Wright or Lily Paterson is on the board. They could both fit a need, as could Tasmanian Mackenzie Williams who has to relocate, with the tall defender able to replace a number of outgoing players.

From the later picks, East Perth speedster Sabella Banks is one the Eagles might take a chance on, while Peel Thunder winger Holly Britton would come into serious consideration to join sister Jaide at the club. Tiani Teakle and Natasha Entwistle are other defenders around the mark.

Across the country, Dandenong Stingrays’ pressure forward Kayla Dalgleish would be a valuable choice, as would Siobhan Ross, while the athletic Lavinia Cox might be pounced on with the second selection if on the board given her upside.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will Lou Painter be on the board at the Eagles pick?
– How many West Australians will the club select?
– Do the Eagles target more defensive depth or some extra punch in attack?