West Coast have given the AFLW a taste of their new-look forward line, comfortably kicking their highest-ever score in a pre-season clash with Hawthorn.
Pitted against the expansion side in what marked the Hawks’ first taste of match practice, the Eagles showcased a much-improved midfield-forward connection on their way to an 11.4 (70) to 6.5 (41) win.
Time will tell whether the 29-point victory stacks up against seasoned AFLW opponents, but the reigning wooden spooners’ improved fitness allowed the Eagles to put more speed on the ball.
Their forward line capitalized. Aimee Schmidt kicked two goals in the first two minutes of the game, Hayley Bullas hit the scoreboard, Kate Barlett looks ready to make the most of her second chance at the club, and 2020 draft pick Shanae Davison looks ready to cement her spot after a lively outing.
The club’s first draft selection Ella Roberts was strong in the air and used the ball cleanly going inside 50, while 2021 club champion Bella Lewis looks to have recaptured her best form after a subdued season.
Pre-season signings Ella Smith and Sasha Goranova started in defense for West Coast, with the Eagles again undersized down back as Hawk Tamara Luke did the most damage with four goals.
But the Eagles midfield competed well even in the absence of Dana Hooker (illness) as West Coast also managed the minutes of their stars ahead of Saturday’s pre-season clash with Fremantle.
“There’s some really positive signs,” midfielder Aisling McCarthy said.
“We had a lot of new girls out there who brought a lot of energy and it’s always good to see some new girls pull on the blue and gold.
“We worked on a few things from last season. Our fitness and our run out there….we’ve worked on a lot on our standards and professionalism.
“Our composition at times probably needs a bit of a lift but I think our fight and work around the ball was good.”
Despite losing 14 players from their list at the end of last season, McCarthy said the Eagles’ off-field bond had helped them fast-track on-field cohesion.
“We’re still getting to know each other out on the field. But that’s what these two weeks are for,” she said.
“I think we have good standards and we all respect each other and I think no matter whether you’re 17 or 33, you can stand up and make your voice heard.
“We’ll get feedback from the coaches and things that we have to work on and bring that into the next week against Fremantle.”
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