AFLW pre-season: Five things we learned from West Coast’s practice match against St Kilda

West Coast’s prized draft pick is on track for the opening round of the AFLW season — but another rising star has had another cruel concussion setback. ELIZA REILLY wraps up the key talking points.

West Coast has suffered another pre-season loss, falling to St Kilda by 32-points at Mineral Resources Park on Friday.

These were the five big talking points to come out of the 8.7 (55) to 3.5 (23) loss.

No. 2 draft pick Jess Rentsch showed positive signs. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

1. RENTSCH RULES

West Coast unveiled No. 2 draft pick Jessica Rentsch for the first time this pre-season and she looked right at home at half-back. Drafted as a midfielder/winger, Rentsch’s speed and power were on show coming out of defence. Rentsch competed well in the air and was able to intercept several St Kilda attacks. The 18-year-old didn’t play last week’s practice match against Fremantle due to a pre-season hamstring injury. But Rentsch is on track to debut in round one after getting through a half of action unscathed.

Kellie Gibson celebrates a goal. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

2. INJURY CARNAGE AT SAINTS

Despite winning the game, the Saints have been left to lick their wounds after losing multiple players to injury out of the physical clash. Gun midfielder Georgia Patrikios came off the ground gingerly and was spotted in a moon boot on crutches due to a foot injury. Molly McDonald finished the game with a corked thigh. While Hannah Priest was ruled out with a calf injury. In better news, it was great to see Hannah Stuart back out there for the Saints after overcoming an ACL injury.

Hannah Priest leaves the field on crutches. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Roxy mate it's a practice match. pic.twitter.com/T9ip1u1Yoi

— Paddy Grindlay (@pad_nauseum) August 16, 2024

3. NEW ROLE FOR SWANSON

West Coast captain Emma Swanson has been one of West Coast’s best midfielders since the club entered the competition in 2020, winning two best and fairests as an on-baller. But the skipper looks set to be trialled in a new role in defence this season. Swanson sat behind the ball at half-back and helped set-up West Coast’s structure and defence, limiting the damage as best as she could. Her physicality was also on show, getting involved in a few scraps around the ground but her leadership is set to be crucial to the Eagles’ hopes of improvement this season.

Nicola Stevens is set to come under MRO scrutiny. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

4. FIRST WEEK ON THE TOOLS

Jayme Harken and Tess Lyons both only realised their AFLW dreams on Wednesday. But the WAFLW pair were thrown straight into action against the Saints, both showing that they’re deserving of a spot on the list. Harken, a two-time Dhara Kerr medallist and premiership player with Claremont, didn’t just start on-field but in the centre square for the Eagles. The 28-year-old brought her physicality and fight around the ball. While Lyons showed glimpses of her athleticism in the ruck but also spent some time in defence, halving several contests in the air. There’s no rest for the wicked and the pair will be hopeful of getting early opportunities.

“I thought we won the contest and territory battle, which was pleasing. But in the second half that was the bit that fell away. St Kilda’s midfield dominance edged away. We will review honestly about what it takes to turn that into a four quarter performance.”

Daisy Pearce pic.twitter.com/XZr5T4gq8W

— West Coast Eagles AFLW (@eaglesaflw) August 16, 2024

5. HEAD HIT WORRY

St Kilda veteran Nicola Stevens looks set to come under scrutiny from the match review officer after a dangerous tackle on Emily Elkington. The young Eagle’s head hit the ground in the slinging motion which has drawn the ire of the MRO on several occasions already this season. Elkington was forced to come from the ground in the arms of two trainers and looked unsteady on her feet. It’s a bitter blow for the 19-year-old Claremont product who has already suffered several concussions throughout her short career, missing three games last season after a head knock. Her parents were on hand to comfort her on the sidelines.

Originally published as AFLW pre-season: Five things we learned from West Coast’s practice match against St Kilda