{"id":178131,"date":"2024-12-15T07:39:53","date_gmt":"2024-12-14T21:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=178131"},"modified":"2024-12-15T07:39:55","modified_gmt":"2024-12-14T21:39:55","slug":"2024-aflw-draft-preview-west-coast-eagles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2024\/12\/15\/2024-aflw-draft-preview-west-coast-eagles\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 AFLW Draft preview: West Coast Eagles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/em><\/strong>‘s first season as coach. The Eagles still retained Pick 6, and aside from their own movements, were relatively quiet during the Trade Period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> FREE:<\/strong> View the 2024 AFLW Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 RECORD:<\/strong> 13th, 4-7, 62.9%
2024 PICKS:<\/strong> 6, 24, 54, 57<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

FIRST PICK:<\/strong>
Pick 6<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> and Zippy Fish<\/strong> 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Eagles would consider India Rasheed<\/a> 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<\/a>, while Vic Metro midfielder\/forward Grace Belloni<\/a> is another player who could rise into the range given her potential in both roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REMAINING CROP:<\/strong>
Picks 24, 52, 57<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> or Lily Paterson<\/a> is on the board. They could both fit a need, as could Tasmanian Mackenzie Williams<\/a> who has to relocate, with the tall defender able to replace a number of outgoing players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

KEY QUESTIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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