AFLW West Coast Womens 2025

[Livin1989]

RookieMe says people don't like MacKereth's lack of defensive pressure. Seems daft to me - you can teach defensive pressure. What you can't teach is athletecism and skill, and MacKereth's got both. Given how rare natural forward talents are, any coaching setup worth their salt would surely back themselves to teach her that part of the game.

But what would I know, they've got these video setups where they analyse every inch of a player's movement, probably they've seen stuff any casual watcher will miss. It's still annoying to see the AFLW missing out on a rare offensive talent. Maybe she's a victim of small list sizes - previously clubs would take players on as 'development projects', and teach them what they're missing after drafting them. Now, with lists so crowded, they don't.

Lol, your edit mirrors my sentiments exactly, get out of my head (and makes my beautiful new insight look like I'm almost verbatim copying what you're saying ) great minds think alike though, don't they?

 

[AlphaSheep]

More broadly though, I think this REALLY highlights how hamstrung all clubs are by a prohibitively small list sizes...... They all appear to be so Incredibly cautious to take in "project players".

It sucks for League entire AND the talented kids not getting into the system to develop in an elite environment. There's such an overwhelming expectation of the young draftees of AFLW to perform within their first 2 seasons it's actually ****ing absurd.

No project players except Collingwood taking another bunch of tall netballers. I know size matters, but it's nuts to me they'd spend those list spots on netballers and not on MacKereth.

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

Ahhhh, I see. I feel like we've derped by not pre emptively delisted or set at least ONE of the aforementioned players onto the inactive list for next season given the unlikeliness of Rowley or Western to participate at all. Also, absolute radio silence on the situations of Drennan and McDonald...

I'm not totally across the rules but I don't know that there's an option to stash an injured or inactive player on a list and get an extra pick in the national draft. I don't think there is. For what it's worth, someone reported that McDonald is expected to return for next season while the club is working through Drennan's situation. McDonald, Western and Rowley are all contracted for next season and I can only assume that Drennan is as well.

Without knowing anything about KSC beyond the RookieMe write-up and the highlights, she seems like a reasonable pick at that spot with some high-end potential, but I'm not really going to be expecting much next season out of a taller prospect drafted well into the second round. (Riggs to me was different because she was widely regarded as a first round talent who strangely slid into the early second round)

I did bring up the pre-season draft previously, and how I hope the club does a good job scouting for it. Rowley blew out her knee in November 2023 and missed the whole season following that, and did the same a month earlier in 2025, so it seems extremely likely that the club will put a line through her and Western before the pre-season draft. Since Lindgren is still training with the club she'll probably be picked up, but it's important to take the PSD spots seriously. It's not like the men where you can take a late flier on someone like Davis (pick 65) or Newton (2nd round pick, reject draft) or Fred Rod (rookie draft) and then just stash them away while they develop. Between injury, winter illness and personal issues (not counting the inactive McDonald and whatever you want to call the Hosking stuff, we had Hooker, Swanson and Drennan all miss time for personal reasons) it's very tough to get through a full season without using train-on players, so even though the PSD picks are at the very bottom of the list it's still highly likely that they'll be playing a few matches, potentially ahead of a player like KSC who might be a bit of a longer-term project.

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Ahhhh, I see. I feel like we've derped by not pre emptively delisted or set at least ONE of the aforementioned players onto the inactive list for next season given the unlikeliness of Rowley or Western to participate at all. Also, absolute radio silence on the situations of Drennan and McDonald...

Not too fussed about the radio silence on those two, they’re both out for “personal reasons”. We don’t need to know any more than that really.

And decisions on making someone inactive can wait a while, the PSD isn’t until April or May and the season doesn’t start until August. See how everyone’s traveling in the new year. The two girls rehabbing ACLs might be flying and ahead of schedule, or one of them might have a setback that rules her out.

 

[Livin1989]

I'm not totally across the rules but I don't know that there's an option to stash an injured or inactive player on a list and get an extra pick in the national draft. I don't think there is. For what it's worth, someone reported that McDonald is expected to return for next season while the club is working through Drennan's situation. McDonald, Western and Rowley are all contracted for next season and I can only assume that Drennan is as well.

Without knowing anything about KSC beyond the RookieMe write-up and the highlights, she seems like a reasonable pick at that spot with some high-end potential, but I'm not really going to be expecting much next season out of a taller prospect drafted well into the second round. (Riggs to me was different because she was widely regarded as a first round talent who strangely slid into the early second round)

I did bring up the pre-season draft previously, and how I hope the club does a good job scouting for it. Rowley blew out her knee in November 2023 and missed the whole season following that, and did the same a month earlier in 2025, so it seems extremely likely that the club will put a line through her and Western before the pre-season draft. Since Lindgren is still training with the club she'll probably be picked up, but it's important to take the PSD spots seriously. It's not like the men where you can take a late flier on someone like Davis (pick 65) or Newton (2nd round pick, reject draft) or Fred Rod (rookie draft) and then just stash them away while they develop. Between injury, winter illness and personal issues (not counting the inactive McDonald and whatever you want to call the Hosking stuff, we had Hooker, Swanson and Drennan all miss time for personal reasons) it's very tough to get through a full season without using train-on players, so even though the PSD picks are at the very bottom of the list it's still highly likely that they'll be playing a few matches, potentially ahead of a player like KSC who might be a bit of a longer-term project.

Ahhhh I see, I think I understand now. Inactive players are only able to be supplanted in the pre season as opposed to the draft proper, if I'm comprehending this right? Hey, at least we'll get a reasonable pick without all of GC's ****ery to contend with. I think this presents an absolute golden opportunity to try and pluck a diamond in the rough. We absolutely should be paying this a ****load of attention.

 

[Livin1989]

Not too fussed about the radio silence on those two, they’re both out for “personal reasons”. We don’t need to know any more than that really.

And decisions on making someone inactive can wait a while, the PSD isn’t until April or May and the season doesn’t start until August. See how everyone’s traveling in the new year. The two girls rehabbing ACLs might be flying and ahead of schedule, or one of them might have a setback that rules her out.

I'm not miffed that they aren't providing details of the "personal reasons". That part is understandable and none of our business, but some clarifications or suggestions as to if they are going to play or not surely isn't that hard to be forthcoming about?

I don't think I've seen one case of anyone in the AFLW rehabbing and coming back to play from An ACL in less than a year? and they'd be so underdone in terms of prep for season proper I'd be inclined not to play then anyway.

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

I'm not miffed that they aren't providing details of the "personal reasons". That part is understandable and none of our business, but some clarifications or suggestions as to if they are going to play or not surely isn't that hard to be forthcoming about?

I was disappointed they didn’t give any update on Drennan’s availability during the season. But now? What would they say exactly, other than what Eliza Reilly said which is that it’s a complex situation they’re still working through?

I don't think I've seen one case of anyone in the AFLW rehabbing and coming back to play from An ACL in less than a year? and they'd be so underdone in terms of prep for season proper I'd be inclined not to play then anyway.

Rowley did her first one in late October 2023 in the final round of the season, apparently wasn’t diagnosed until several weeks later, and played her first game back in mid-October 2024.

 

[Monocle]

RookieMe says people don't like MacKereth's lack of defensive pressure. Seems daft to me - you can teach defensive pressure. What you can't teach is athletecism and skill, and MacKereth's got both. Given how rare natural forward talents are, any coaching setup worth their salt would surely back themselves to teach her that part of the game.

But what would I know, they've got these video setups where they analyse every inch of a player's movement, probably they've seen stuff any casual watcher will miss. It's still annoying to see the AFLW missing out on a rare offensive talent. Maybe she's a victim of small list sizes - previously clubs would take players on as 'development projects', and teach them what they're missing after drafting them. Now, with lists so crowded, they don't.

I thought that both Mackereth and Stoddart were very unlucky to go undrafted.
Both may have some shortcomings but they both read the play well and have good footskills.
These are traits that are hard to teach.

That booming accurate left foot on Stoddart is a rare skill set that I was certain someone would punt on, but it was not to be …… so what would I know.

I hope they are able to get a second shot at being drafted in the future.

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

I thought that both Mackereth and Stoddart were very unlucky to go undrafted.
Both may have some shortcomings but they both read the play well and have good footskills.
These are traits that are hard to teach.

That booming accurate left foot on Stoddart is a rare skill set that I was certain someone would punt on, but it was not to be …… so what would I know.

I hope they are able to get a second shot at being drafted in the future.

On the AFLW draft wrap-up they mentioned a couple of players (I'm pretty sure Mackereth was one) who didn't get drafted and it seemed like fitness may have been part of the concern from AFLW clubs. Anyway, they talked about how the pre-season draft can be really good for players who were right on the cusp of being drafted because a lot of teams will have list spots to fill due to long-term injuries, pregnancy, etc, and the players with fitness concerns have a good chance to work really hard the next few months and end up on an AFLW list.

 

[Livin1989]

I was disappointed they didn’t give any update on Drennan’s availability during the season. But now? What would they say exactly, other than what Eliza Reilly said which is that it’s a complex situation they’re still working through?



Rowley did her first one in late October 2023 in the final round of the season, apparently wasn’t diagnosed until several weeks later, and played her first game back in mid-October 2024.

Yes, my assertion is that I am also disappointed that there was no news during the year.... Apologies if I didn't articulate that point accurately. Why are we learning any obscure talking point about it through a journalist on Twitter? Lol

If your matching right then it's demonstrated that her recovery was bang on a year. She played 3 games at the end of that season. She'd be likely to do the same this time around. As a team likely pushing for finals I'd be inclined to just put her to inactive honestly. She will be underdone and we may have had the opportunity to develop another in her stead in the meantime

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

If your matching right then it's demonstrated that her recovery was bang on a year. She played 3 games at the end of that season. She'd be likely to do the same this time around. As a team likely pushing for finals I'd be inclined to just put her to inactive honestly. She will be underdone and we may have had the opportunity to develop another in her stead in the meantime

Probably, but what benefit is there in the club making that decision in December?

 

[Livin1989]

Probably, but what benefit is there in the club making that decision in December?

Now THAT's a valid point. Sorry, my brain is still working under the assumption we could have had an extra spot for the draft

 

[UseR2006]

The jorts are coming back, gents. Not just on the men's side...but the ladies too!

Just need her goal song to be...

 

[AlphaSheep]

This is fun. I've been watching Wolly develop for years now, so it's great just to see her finally make it.

Also interesting to see how many mentions West Coast gets - Daisy sends her a special message, which obviously means something to her, and she lists Chuck and Ella as friends and inspirations. I get the feeling she wouldn't mind winding up at West Coast one day.

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

How does a top prospect wind down the hours before draft night? We spent draft day running, bowling and brunching with Olivia Wolmarans

www.afl.com.au

 

[Byron_Clanger]

No project players except Collingwood taking another bunch of tall netballers. I know size matters, but it's nuts to me they'd spend those list spots on netballers and not on MacKereth.

Netballers and the Irish girls seem to be the only project type players that get anyway leeway. Being a pick 14 who blew out her knee before ever playing a game? You bet your ass you're getting the raw end of the prawn (Kav) though getting Paterson a year before her due date probably expeditated that decision by a year.

You'd think there'd be some re-signing announcements soon. Cleaver extended her contract last year the same time as Kav, until the end of 2025 but nothing's been said yet. In the same article Western re-signed until the end of '26 so it could be a dicey one for her unless they just choose to extend her for a further year.

Losing Hooker (34) Hosking (30) and Johnson (25) actually made the list younger, if that was at all possible.

AFLW: Experience and youth sign on

Mikayla Western, Kayley Kavanagh and Georgie Cleaver have signed contract extensions with the club

www.westcoasteagles.com.au

 

[Livin1989]

This is fun. I've been watching Wolly develop for years now, so it's great just to see her finally make it.

Also interesting to see how many mentions West Coast gets - Daisy sends her a special message, which obviously means something to her, and she lists Chuck and Ella as friends and inspirations. I get the feeling she wouldn't mind winding up at West Coast one day.

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

How does a top prospect wind down the hours before draft night? We spent draft day running, bowling and brunching with Olivia Wolmarans

www.afl.com.au

Must be quite jarring to not have the team who's Academy you've been in not be able to pick you only to go on and watch GC bid a bajillion picks in the top 15 for theirs

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

2025 AFLW Draft review: West Coast

West Coast brought in just two players through the 2025 AFLW Draft but both have enormous upside and can impact in the front half.

central.rookieme.com

WEST Coast managed to secure the local young star, while also adding another exciting talent in the form of a Victorian utility in what was a relatively small draft crop after a huge one in 2024. The Eagles made finals for the first time and will be looking to build on that effort next season in Daisy Pearce‘s third year at the helm.

DRAFT HAUL​

Pick 20. Mia Russo
Pick 36. Jovie Skewes-Clinton


West Coast really built up its side off the back of last year’s AFLW Draft, so realistically it was a case of adding best available with some serious offensive flair. They got that in the form of local midfielder Russo who can also go forward, while Skewes-Clinton loves a goal celebration and can also swing back if required too.

Russo has had her injury interruptions over the last couple of seasons, but is genuine quality and realistically should have gone far higher. Her power out of the stoppage is a feature of her game, and when fit and firing, she is just as damaging as most others in the draft crop. She gets to stay home, and the West Australian Under 16s MVP and dual All-Australian will likely get the chance to impress early in the season.

West Coast do not mind taking a punt of a Vic Country prospect, with Skewes-Clinton having come along in leaps and bounds the last 18 months. Always naturally gifted, the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels utility joins former teammate Jess Rentsch at the club, and as Skewes-Clinton showed for the Rebels and Vic Country, can get the job done at either end. She is one who might need some time to build up an AFLW tank, but once she’s unleashed, will do some serious damage.

GRADE: A

The Eagles will be thrilled to take the slider in Russo whose value should be higher. She and Skewes-Clinton bring further excitement to a young list, while also adding some further flair in the front half of the ground. Both can hit the scoreboard, which is an area that the Eagles will look to improve on going forward.

 

[Ilkka Sinisalo]

This is fun. I've been watching Wolly develop for years now, so it's great just to see her finally make it.

Also interesting to see how many mentions West Coast gets - Daisy sends her a special message, which obviously means something to her, and she lists Chuck and Ella as friends and inspirations. I get the feeling she wouldn't mind winding up at West Coast one day.

Brekky, bowling, and Dan Gorringe: Inside No.1 pick’s whirlwind draft day

How does a top prospect wind down the hours before draft night? We spent draft day running, bowling and brunching with Olivia Wolmarans

www.afl.com.au

That's good business. If she loves Richmond and living in Melbourne, good on her and best wishes for a great career. But if she gets homesick or Richmond is still a dumpster fire in two years, well then we've already got a good relationship with her dating back through her club career. Also it's good business for the club to be supporting junior footy, as the more girls who are being drafted out of WA the greater chance that we'll get a good one in the draft or be able to bring a couple home in the trade period.

It's actually really good that there have been very few rumours of girls not wanting to move interstate (aside from Gold Coast hoarding all of the local talent obviously). The AFLW has transitioned really well from the state-based model to a fully national draft and full credit to the girls for embracing it.

 

[jatz14]

That's good business. If she loves Richmond and living in Melbourne, good on her and best wishes for a great career. But if she gets homesick or Richmond is still a dumpster fire in two years, well then we've already got a good relationship with her dating back through her club career. Also it's good business for the club to be supporting junior footy, as the more girls who are being drafted out of WA the greater chance that we'll get a good one in the draft or be able to bring a couple home in the trade period.

It's actually really good that there have been very few rumours of girls not wanting to move interstate (aside from Gold Coast hoarding all of the local talent obviously). The AFLW has transitioned really well from the state-based model to a fully national draft and full credit to the girls for embracing it.

Yeah, the transition happened sooner and more easily than I imagined. I think I underestimated how much the players would embrace that aspect of professionalism.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

That's good business. If she loves Richmond and living in Melbourne, good on her and best wishes for a great career. But if she gets homesick or Richmond is still a dumpster fire in two years, well then we've already got a good relationship with her dating back through her club career. Also it's good business for the club to be supporting junior footy, as the more girls who are being drafted out of WA the greater chance that we'll get a good one in the draft or be able to bring a couple home in the trade period.

It's actually really good that there have been very few rumours of girls not wanting to move interstate (aside from Gold Coast hoarding all of the local talent obviously). The AFLW has transitioned really well from the state-based model to a fully national draft and full credit to the girls for embracing it.

You never really know with a player until the trade request comes in. Who the hell knew during the season/trade period that Lily Paterson would all of a sudden become available? Riley Beveridge had us on the money with Skepper, Slocombe and the girl from Brisbane who ended up re-signing. Paterson was no where in the picture.

Like Loxley said to Russo pre-draft, we'll see you in a couple years..never did they think they'd have to wait only one

 

[Byron_Clanger]

Now that we're in the dog days of the footy calendar (finally) and everyone's gone home for Christmas I thought I'd take this little time to share my hands down favourite photo involving this football club for a number of years that doesn't involve Mr Reid. A more fitting image for this chapter of the club you'll never see, grateful to have her here and hope we have her for many more years to come.

 

[UseR2006]

This is the gif of the year for mine.

 

[Livin1989]

View attachment 2499488

This is the gif of the year for mine.

10000000000000%

 

[Livin1989]

The juxtaposition of this one is pretty ****ing good though

 

[Livin1989]

Yep, after several full game rewatches I am BULLISH on a Charlotte Riggs breakout year next season... She was a millimeter off producing a rising star contending season IMO.

Also, how clean Rowley was in the middle has gone mostly under the radar. Her importance in our wins over Saints and Port is now very apparent to me. Hopefully our new recruits can fill that void while she rehabs that ACL.

I'm curious though, what is everybody else's hopes and/or predictions for season 2026?