AFLW West Coast Womens 2025

[Monocle]

Forwards. We need some. Right now all our scores are kicked by midfielders... well, I guess Dalgleish is a forward, but a small one. Also, with all our mids propping up the backline and forward line (Rowley down back, Painter and Roberts up forward) it leaves our midfield thin, which let Essendon get on top, because we ought to be much better in the midfield than that game showed.

I know Britton and Bushby are young, and show some athletic ability, but their skills are consistently poor... maybe they'll improve, but they're not natural footballers like a Dalgliesh is, despite her only having played two games. Drennan's also had plenty of the ball last few games, but never looked damaging, I'd much rather those possessions in the middle were going to Rowley.

And I can't really blame Lewis for looking ordinary, she's playing forward too, presumably because her bad ankle has meant she doesn't have the tank for midfield. So now she's playing out of position, and doesn't really know how.

If all our defenders were healthy, and we had a few decent pure forwards, we could re-concentrate all our best mids in the actual midfield for a change and really do some damage. Yeah, that would probably squeeze Britton, Bushby and Drennan out. So all things considered, we're not doing too badly, given the poor situation. And maybe Lewis's fitness will improve to the point where she can get back to the middle, which will make us better again... but only exacerbate the problem with a lack of forwards.

So who can our forwards be? I don't think the problem with Franky is lack of skills or athletecism. She's just not very strong one-on-one, so in a congested forward line, or any kind of wrestling contest, she's outmatched, tossed aside. Given open ground to run in, she looks great, but there's never much of that up forward. So maybe she's a wing? Well, she doesn't really have the midfield skills for that, I think. And she doesn't like playing back, which leaves her future very uncertain.

Roxy seems to make a much better defender than a forward. Gibbo's okay, but that's one okay player, when we need about five. Can Riggs play forward? But then we've got Franklin, Riggs and Lakfer all up forward, and that's far too many tall forwards, we need a mix.

Could the return of Smith, Johnson, Boyd, McDonald etc free up other backs to go forward? Maybe, but it looks a bit doubtful if any of our current backs would make good forwards. Maybe we'd have to trade a few to get a forward, either mature age or through the draft.

And then the draft... as huge as the drafts these days are getting, not a lot of pure forwards. If we finished about ninth, we'd miss the top two forward picks - Baron and Wolmarans, who will both go early. Alex Neyland might go early too, but is Sydney Academy, so the Swans will snap her up.

We could certainly get local girl Alicia Blizard, who I really like, but she's good at everything except marking on the lead, which is kind of important for a forward, so her stocks have tumbled lately. I actually think she's a defender, not a forward, was amazing down back in the U16s, but in U18s they stuffed her forward and she's never looked comfortable. And Alira Fotu has huge talent, but kinda sucks at the moment because she's always playing basketball, and may not even get picked.

I'd LOVE to get Eloise Mackereth, as I've said, because she's a mid-range 175cm, very fast and creative, and will probably still be available mid first-round. And nearly every other top-30 draft pick who can play forward is actually a hybrid midfielder too... that wouldn't be too bad, but we really need a pure forward, because at some point the defence figures out goal-kicking mids, and stops them.

Good option and I do like that she can actually read the play ahead of her and then make a good lead, also her positioning in the forward 50 is indicative of, once again excellent awareness of where you need to be.

We do really urgently need to seriously address the genuine forward shortfall on our list ....... asap .

I know that the mail out of West Coast is that Charlotte Riggs will play as a defender, she is however at this point in time in IMO, the only player that has the "complete skillset" to play as a genuine KPF on our list.

Acknowledgement : Yes I know Roberts can play there too, but thats a real robbing Peter to pay Paul situation.

Also good to see Riggs debuting this weekend.

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

Hope Lindgren goes well, but I was not hoping that we'd already be into the train-on players by week 3 of the season.

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Hope Lindgren goes well, but I was not hoping that we'd already be into the train-on players by week 3 of the season.

We won’t be into top ups in the extended squad unless the two outs for Riggs/Lindgren are both forced changes.

 

[HoneyBadger35]

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Bakker also an emergency.

Hope everything is alright in the Hooker/Worthington household.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

They brought in three talls...hrm...Kav a bit stiff to be a one and done and hopefully it's nothing too serious with Hooker.

Four of their five on the bench are medium/talls...where are the runners?! Riggs has been a back up ruck since she was playing SANFLW as a 15 year old they literally don't need Lakay in.

 

[WCEswift]

Kav very stiff imo lakay im not keen, shes (at risk of getting cancelled) slow very very slow big turning circle

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

Bakker also an emergency.

Hope everything is alright in the Hooker/Worthington household.

If it’s anything like my household, bloody kids are probably sick all the time.

 

[squashface]

Kavanagh dropped after the debut is rough

 

[Livin1989]

BIGG RIGGZ!!! **** YEAH.
though I'd have kept Kav and not put Lakay back in?!

 

[jatz14]

Forwards. We need some. Right now all our scores are kicked by midfielders... well, I guess Dalgleish is a forward, but a small one. Also, with all our mids propping up the backline and forward line (Rowley down back, Painter and Roberts up forward) it leaves our midfield thin, which let Essendon get on top, because we ought to be much better in the midfield than that game showed.

I know Britton and Bushby are young, and show some athletic ability, but their skills are consistently poor... maybe they'll improve, but they're not natural footballers like a Dalgliesh is, despite her only having played two games. Drennan's also had plenty of the ball last few games, but never looked damaging, I'd much rather those possessions in the middle were going to Rowley.

And I can't really blame Lewis for looking ordinary, she's playing forward too, presumably because her bad ankle has meant she doesn't have the tank for midfield. So now she's playing out of position, and doesn't really know how.

If all our defenders were healthy, and we had a few decent pure forwards, we could re-concentrate all our best mids in the actual midfield for a change and really do some damage. Yeah, that would probably squeeze Britton, Bushby and Drennan out. So all things considered, we're not doing too badly, given the poor situation. And maybe Lewis's fitness will improve to the point where she can get back to the middle, which will make us better again... but only exacerbate the problem with a lack of forwards.

So who can our forwards be? I don't think the problem with Franky is lack of skills or athletecism. She's just not very strong one-on-one, so in a congested forward line, or any kind of wrestling contest, she's outmatched, tossed aside. Given open ground to run in, she looks great, but there's never much of that up forward. So maybe she's a wing? Well, she doesn't really have the midfield skills for that, I think. And she doesn't like playing back, which leaves her future very uncertain.

Roxy seems to make a much better defender than a forward. Gibbo's okay, but that's one okay player, when we need about five. Can Riggs play forward? But then we've got Franklin, Riggs and Lakfer all up forward, and that's far too many tall forwards, we need a mix.

Could the return of Smith, Johnson, Boyd, McDonald etc free up other backs to go forward? Maybe, but it looks a bit doubtful if any of our current backs would make good forwards. Maybe we'd have to trade a few to get a forward, either mature age or through the draft.

And then the draft... as huge as the drafts these days are getting, not a lot of pure forwards. If we finished about ninth, we'd miss the top two forward picks - Baron and Wolmarans, who will both go early. Alex Neyland might go early too, but is Sydney Academy, so the Swans will snap her up.

We could certainly get local girl Alicia Blizard, who I really like, but she's good at everything except marking on the lead, which is kind of important for a forward, so her stocks have tumbled lately. I actually think she's a defender, not a forward, was amazing down back in the U16s, but in U18s they stuffed her forward and she's never looked comfortable. And Alira Fotu has huge talent, but kinda sucks at the moment because she's always playing basketball, and may not even get picked.

I'd LOVE to get Eloise Mackereth, as I've said, because she's a mid-range 175cm, very fast and creative, and will probably still be available mid first-round. And nearly every other top-30 draft pick who can play forward is actually a hybrid midfielder too... that wouldn't be too bad, but we really need a pure forward, because at some point the defence figures out goal-kicking mids, and stops them.

This is a bit late, as the side has come out already, but it confirms what I was going to say.

Strengthening our forward line isnt really going to help our midfield, because it isnt going to allow Painter and Roberts to play as full mids. What its going to do is force Franklin, Roux and maybe Gibson out.

But while replacing Franklin with Lindgren is an improvement, it isn't going to fix our forward line, because the issues are deep. So, it will still need Roberts and Painter, otherwise its just shuffling deck chairs.

The simple reality is, we dont have a list that can afford for Roberts to not go forward and kick goals, I don't think it matters how we structure it. Even if Lindgren turns into a revelation and becomes a second forward line only version of Roberts., we would need her AND Roberts, not her INSTEAD of Roberts. Because we have Roberts now, and its not enough. If we add a player that kicks as many goals as Roberts, and Roberts keeps kicking goals, this still isnt enough goals. Its certainly isnt if Roberts kick less.

I also dont think Rowley is the great hope. I was a big fan of hers, but her stats, including kicking and disposal efficiency are at the same level as Bushby and Britton, in fact, her career disposals per game is less than both of them. I now tend to think of them as equivalents, more or less interchangeable and giving more or less the same output. Hopefully she proves me wrong, which she may as she has been injury interrupted.

I also think Painter is some way of spending big junks on the ball. Despite people pointing out she played mid and racked up big numbers in juniors, it isnt the same. Partly, she is forward to rest I think, and bringing in forwards isnt going to let her play full time mid, at least this year, as I suspect her tank isnt up to it.

 

[jatz14]

BIGG RIGGZ!!! **** YEAH.
though I'd have kept Kav and not put Lakay back in?!

Yeah, seems odd, we seem to be going bigger.

 

[Kegs15]

This is a bit late, as the side has come out already, but it confirms what I was going to say.

Strengthening our forward line isnt really going to help our midfield, because it isnt going to allow Painter and Roberts to play as full mids. What its going to do is force Franklin, Roux and maybe Gibson out.

But while replacing Franklin with Lindgren is an improvement, it isn't going to fix our forward line, because the issues are deep. So, it will still need Roberts and Painter, otherwise its just shuffling deck chairs.

The simple reality is, we dont have a list that can afford for Roberts to not go forward and kick goals, I don't think it matters how we structure it. Even if Lindgren turns into a revelation and becomes a second forward line only version of Roberts., we would need her AND Roberts, not her INSTEAD of Roberts. Because we have Roberts now, and its not enough. If we add a player that kicks as many goals as Roberts, and Roberts keeps kicking goals, this still isnt enough goals. Its certainly isnt if Roberts kick less.

I also dont think Rowley is the great hope. I was a big fan of hers, but her stats, including kicking and disposal efficiency are at the same level as Bushby and Britton, in fact, her career disposals per game is less than both of them. I now tend to think of them as equivalents, more or less interchangeable and giving more or less the same output. Hopefully she proves me wrong, which she may as she has been injury interrupted.

I also think Painter is some way of spending big junks on the ball. Despite people pointing out she played mid and racked up big numbers in juniors, it isnt the same. Partly, she is forward to rest I think, and bringing in forwards isnt going to let her play full time mid, at least this year, as I suspect her tank isnt up to it.

Absolutely agree with 95% of this - especially the Roberts stuff which is the biggest issue for the team and our list build going forward - if we're a sci-fi battleship we're only equipped with one (maybe two) lasers to actually attack with, can float/move around in space as long as we want but if we can't cut through to the goals it's pointless.

I will say (this may be nitpicky) that I think Rowley absolutely replaces someone like Britton going forward. Her career stats are lower but she's also been thrown forward, back, wherever needed a lot more (which says a bit about how coaches trust her). Such an underrated pair of clean hands in the air, a good kick, equally as tough and more composed than Britton/Bushby. Think she's been playing back out of necessity but going forwards will be a valuable wing/mid who just does the right things, will be a positional upgrade moving us more towards an Adelaide/Brisbane quality where their wings/flankers are equally as quality and composed. This will obviously necessitate a stronger forwardline (and backline if injuries don't sort themselves) but I dunno, just think Rowley will continue to be a quality contributor even if she doesn't completely transfix the team the way Ella Roberts can.

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Yeah, seems odd, we seem to be going bigger.

I could have understood it if we were playing the Saints at Marvel. But Moorabbin doesn’t seem like the ground where being taller and slower will help much.

 

[JoshWoodenSpoon]

if we're a sci-fi battleship we're only equipped with one (maybe two) lasers to actually attack with, can float/move around in space as long as we want but if we can't cut through to the goals it's pointless

Just want to herald this beautiful effort.

 

[AlphaSheep]

Absolutely agree with 95% of this - especially the Roberts stuff which is the biggest issue for the team and our list build going forward - if we're a sci-fi battleship we're only equipped with one (maybe two) lasers to actually attack with, can float/move around in space as long as we want but if we can't cut through to the goals it's pointless.

I will say (this may be nitpicky) that I think Rowley absolutely replaces someone like Britton going forward. Her career stats are lower but she's also been thrown forward, back, wherever needed a lot more (which says a bit about how coaches trust her). Such an underrated pair of clean hands in the air, a good kick, equally as tough and more composed than Britton/Bushby. Think she's been playing back out of necessity but going forwards will be a valuable wing/mid who just does the right things, will be a positional upgrade moving us more towards an Adelaide/Brisbane quality where their wings/flankers are equally as quality and composed. This will obviously necessitate a stronger forwardline (and backline if injuries don't sort themselves) but I dunno, just think Rowley will continue to be a quality contributor even if she doesn't completely transfix the team the way Ella Roberts can.

Yep, Rowley's a different level to some of the role players in the team. Struggled at first to adjust to the level, was just starting to get there when she did her ACL, and since returning she's had a rushed half season last year, and now has been thrown into the backline when she's not really a defender.

So she's had a lot thrown at her for a young player, and from the first two games this season I think we can see she's just starting to get near her full potential. A lot of the young mids don't really start to do that until about 22/23, Rowley's only 21 and if she had a regular midfield spot I reckon she'd be averaging about 12/13 disposals now, and close to 20 in a few years time, with increasing efficiency.

Physically she's good without being special, but I think she's one of the most clever players on the field, figures things out and rarely does anything stupid. With any luck, our small defenders will get healthy soon and she can take a midfield spot away from someone less talented.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

I haven't been the most religious person in recent years but this is still beautiful. Onya Charlotte and Daddy Riggs. And Courtney as well.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

This is a bit late, as the side has come out already, but it confirms what I was going to say.

Strengthening our forward line isnt really going to help our midfield, because it isnt going to allow Painter and Roberts to play as full mids. What its going to do is force Franklin, Roux and maybe Gibson out.

But while replacing Franklin with Lindgren is an improvement, it isn't going to fix our forward line, because the issues are deep. So, it will still need Roberts and Painter, otherwise its just shuffling deck chairs.

The simple reality is, we dont have a list that can afford for Roberts to not go forward and kick goals, I don't think it matters how we structure it. Even if Lindgren turns into a revelation and becomes a second forward line only version of Roberts., we would need her AND Roberts, not her INSTEAD of Roberts. Because we have Roberts now, and its not enough. If we add a player that kicks as many goals as Roberts, and Roberts keeps kicking goals, this still isnt enough goals. Its certainly isnt if Roberts kick less.

I also dont think Rowley is the great hope. I was a big fan of hers, but her stats, including kicking and disposal efficiency are at the same level as Bushby and Britton, in fact, her career disposals per game is less than both of them. I now tend to think of them as equivalents, more or less interchangeable and giving more or less the same output. Hopefully she proves me wrong, which she may as she has been injury interrupted.

I also think Painter is some way of spending big junks on the ball. Despite people pointing out she played mid and racked up big numbers in juniors, it isnt the same. Partly, she is forward to rest I think, and bringing in forwards isnt going to let her play full time mid, at least this year, as I suspect her tank isnt up to it.

It's why I think this team is still 2-3 years away from doing any real damage. Not only is like 85% of the list either 21 or younger but it's like players mostly playing out of position because there's only so few spots in the midfield. I'm sure the club's gonna give Daisy all the time in the world to chop and move the list around and with the draft being truly national now we can start phasing out the less impactful local girls.

Dalgleish has made more an impact at pick 57 than I've seen with most of the WA girls who were taken way higher than her over the last four drafts.

 

[UseR2006]

I haven't been the most religious person in recent years but this is still beautiful. Onya Charlotte and Daddy Riggs. And Courtney as well.

This was very well done. Absolutely love watching this AFLW team grow and mature.

It's why I think this team is still 2-3 years away from doing any real damage. Not only is like 85% of the list either 21 or younger but it's like players mostly playing out of position because there's only so few spots in the midfield. I'm sure the club's gonna give Daisy all the time in the world to chop and move the list around and with the draft being truly national now we can start phasing out the less impactful local girls.

Dalgleish has made more an impact at pick 57 than I've seen with most of the WA girls who were taken way higher than her over the last four drafts.

Agree we're probably another 2 drafts away from really attacking the top end of the ladder but the girls we're drafting now are much more progressed both in skill and readiness to play AFLW compared to the earlier girls.
I think we went taller because we were not getting as much field position last week as we did in the first match. Having a couple extra outlet kicks will be handy but hopefully it doesn't slow the team down too much.

I do like that daisy is playing around with the list and finding out what the girls have in multiple roles.
Also a lot of squads are going to be extra careful playing us now, no longer the walk overs.

 

[Monocle]

It's why I think this team is still 2-3 years away from doing any real damage. Not only is like 85%

Dalgleish has made more an impact at pick 57 than I've seen with most of the WA girls who were taken way higher than her over the last four drafts.

Agree.

 

[Livin1989]

How do we build a forwardline....quick? We may need to be bold with trades or try scout an Aine Tighe type from Ireland.. I think we are the only list with no Clovers

 

[Monocle]

How do we build a forwardline....quick? We may need to be bold with trades or try scout an Aine Tighe type from Ireland.. I think we are the only list with no Clovers

I don't think there is a quick fix, we just need to prioritise it at the draft and in the trade periods.

If we can show that we have improved considerable elsewhere across the ground and become more competitive and successful in all positions, then we do become a more enticing prospect in the trade market, to lure the forward line players that will accelerate us into contention.

Two more years of lessening pain and then I think we are much better placed to be a serious contender.




Also need to keep in the ears of the managers of: Zippy Fish, Molly O'Hehir, Kaitlyn Srhoj, Ella Slocombe ............................... and any other girls with odd and unusual names.

 

[Livin1989]

I don't think there is a quick fix, we just need to prioritise it at the draft and in the trade periods.

If we can show that we have improved considerable elsewhere across the ground and become more competitive and successful in all positions, then we do become a more enticing prospect in the trade market, to lure the forward line players that will accelerate us into contention.

Two more years of lessening pain and then I think we are much better placed to be a serious contender.




Also need to keep in the ears of the managers of: Zippy Fish, Molly O'Hehir, Kaitlyn Srhoj, Ella Slocombe ............................... and any other girls with odd and unusual names.

Ya huh, that is my sincere hope.... That we perform well enough in every aspect around the ground that trade targets may see the projection of where we could go and get on board. Just look at Chloe Molloy to Swans.

I think we have made genuine improvements this year, and hopefully we don't fade out this season (though considering most of our best players are like 21 and under, we just might again). I feel like we've nailed this draft, and I think I'd like to see Riggs developed as a forward honestly. She's very good aerialy. We absolutely deserve to get some local talent back to the home state given what the VFL did to cripple WA at the beginning of the women's comp

 

[PerthBoy86]

Anyone going to the game who wants to meet before, during or after the match?

Be my first Eagles AFLW game (second AFLW game). How bad does the weather have to get before they cancel? If they do.

 

[Livin1989]

Anyone going to the game who wants to meet before, during or after the match?

Be my first Eagles AFLW game (second AFLW game). How bad does the weather have to get before they cancel? If they do.

Hopefully the Perth Diaspora in Melbourne is great enough that you are not alone my man!