WEST Coast capitalised on a truly National AFLW Draft by picking up four players outside of Western Australia. Two Victorians and two South Australians made their way to the blue and gold, with strength and pressure key elements for the Eagles at this year’s AFLW Draft.

>> EVERY PICK: National Draft | Recap

DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

7. Lou Painter
24. Charlotte Riggs
53. Lucy Boyd
56. Kayla Dalgleish

West Coast had been linked to Lou Painter leading up to the AFLW Draft, so it was little surprise when the West Australian side called out the Vic Country midfielder’s name. Hailing from the Bendigo Pioneers, Painter has long been among the best players in this year’s AFLW Draft crop, and won the Vic Country Under 16s MVP ahead of pick one Ash Centra before having an injury interrupted bottom-age campaign. A powerful utility who thrives on the contested ball and will clunk some big grabs, she is a prospect the Eagles can build around on the inside.

The Eagles were not done maximising value similar to the way they had in the men’s draft, by picking up South Australian slider, Charlotte Riggs. The Central District premiership player had interest from the Bulldogs as high as six, but the Eagles swooped in at 24 once overlooked by both South Australian teams, and one selection before the Dogs went again. She can play on all three lines, though is primarily a defender who will provide crucial rebound.

With two selections in the 50s, the Eagles doubled up on players from South Australia and Victoria, with Lucy Boyd a tall rebounding defender capable of being thrown forward, as well as small forward/midfielder Kayla Dalgleish. Boyd has SANFLW experience with West Adelaide and is strong one-on-one, while Dalgleish also packs a punch despite being lighter, with outstandong defensive pressure and a knack around goal.

Expect to see Painter and Riggs make their debuts early in the year – if not Round 1 – given their readymade nature and physicality already. Boyd has also shown she can play against senior opponents and should not be too far off, while Dalgleish might be more down the track, but adds a point of difference inside 50 that will add something to the Eagles’ front half.