{"id":220381,"date":"2026-08-20T09:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T23:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=220381"},"modified":"2026-08-20T09:26:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T23:26:26","slug":"up-the-grades-vflw-west-follows-in-fathers-footsteps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/08\/20\/up-the-grades-vflw-west-follows-in-fathers-footsteps\/","title":{"rendered":"Up the Grades – VFLW: West follows in father’s footsteps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LONG-TIME Williamstown supporters would have both smiled and felt somewhat old when 18-year-old Addison West<\/a> made her VFL Women’s debut for the Seagulls on the weekend. The nephew of Western Bulldogs legend Scott<\/em><\/strong> and daughter of VFA great Troy<\/em><\/strong>, West added one more to her family’s name alongside her dad’s 208 for the blue and gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However it was not just the fact that West made her debut, but more the way she performed. Coming through the Western Jets’ pathway, West has justified her Vic Metro representation and the signs she showed in her bottom-age season by having a brilliant top-age year that continued at DSV Stadium over the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known for her clearance ability and high-volume performances, West was at the forefront of the Seagulls’ incredible 37-point victory over reigning back-to-back premiers, North Melbourne Werribee. Williamstown won 9.4 (58) to 3.3 (21) in an unforgettable performance by the bay, almost guaranteeing a double-chance in finals and moving one step closer to the minor premiership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West had the equal third most disposals on the ground with 23 – two behind Seagulls’ vice-captain Emily<\/strong> Eaves<\/strong> – while also accumulating six clearances, four tackles and two inside 50s. Her performance was one to savour and showed she has no problems stepping up to senior level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as important even if a touch overshadowed given West’s brilliant performance, National Academy member Kiara Boyd<\/a> also suited up for the Seagulls, finishing with 11 disposals and four marks. Boyd is touted as that potential top 30 prospect with a National Draft Combine invite, having played across all three lines at different points this season for the Jets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the league, Calder Cannons’ listed talent Sienna Colgan<\/a> represented Essendon, picking up eight disposals, four marks, two tackles and kicking a goal in the Bombers’ tight 13-point win over Sandringham Dragons. The top-aged Colgan has shown she is capable of being deployed in a number of on-field roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over-age Magpie Ella Jeffrey<\/a> has spent plenty of time in the black and white this season and the Pioneers’ utility played a role in Collingwood nail-biting two-point win over Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium. The Bendigo Pioneers-listed Jeffrey accumulated 12 disposals, one mark, one inside 50 and two rebound 50s in the performance, having been a consistent contributor throughout the second-placed Magpies’ 2026 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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