Eagles and Suns in discussions to play autumn matches as West Coast, Freo players set for WAFLW action

New West Coast coach Daisy Pearce could be handed the reins of her new side earlier than expected, while several Eagles and Dockers stars – including two first round draft picks – are set for WAFLW action, writes ELIZA REILLY.

New West Coast Eagles AFLW coach Daisy Pearce could be handed the reins earlier than expected. Picture: Supplied

New West Coast coach Daisy Pearce could be handed the reins of her new side earlier than expected with the Eagles eyeing match practice before pre-season starts.

CODE Sports understands that West Coast is in discussions with the AFL and Gold Coast about playing match simulation in autumn to get a head start on the 2024 season.

It gives Pearce the best chance to upskill her young list in her new game plan ahead of round one in late August. Pre-season is due to commence in June but new 12 month AFLW contracts have creates scope for informal training during the off-season.

While the exact details of the arrangement are still being discussed, it’s believed that the two clubs are hopeful of reaching an outcome this week. If it is approved by the AFL, it will be a one-off.

Number two pick Jessica Rentsch. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fremantle was also approached to be involved but the Dockers told CODE Sports that they don’t intend on taking part.

The Dockers and Eagles are set to send several players each back to the WAFLW, starting this weekend in round one, to bridge the long lay-off between seasons with valuable match practice.

WAFC rules designed to protect competitive balance stipulate that WAFLW clubs will only be permitted to field two players per club per game, meaning a total of four AFLW players can appear for each team.

West Coast’s first round draft picks Jessica Rentsch and Kayley Kavanagh are set to suit up for East Perth in a big coup for the WAFLW newcomers.

The Royals failed to win a game in their inaugural season last year but new coach Jenna Allomes’ side will be bolstered by the two Victorian midfielders. Docker Dana East will also debut for East Perth after initially being zoned to Swan Districts because the Royals didn’t have a senior side when she moved to Perth from Donnybrook.

Eagles recruit Verity Simmons is expected to play a handful of games for Subiaco after retiring from netball to pursue an AFLW career late last year.

Mackenzie Webb returns home. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

At AFLW footy factory Claremont, several Tigers are set to return home to including Eagles vice-captain Bella Lewis. Mackenzie Webb, Mikayla Western and Emily Elkington. Dockers Jess Low and Maddie Scanlon are also in line for WAFLW minutes.

Fremantle’s Jae Flynn and Phil Seth will play for reigning premiers East Fremantle while Arianna Hetherington, Makaela Tuhakaraina and Tahleah Mulder return to South Fremantle. While West Perth high-performance manager and Dockers forward Megan Kauffman will suit up for the Falcons.

At this stage, Peel Thunder and Swan Districts aren’t expecting any AFLW players back due to injury and load management.

The WAFLW season is set to be officially launched on Tuesday with a function at the Camfield where the competition’s new ‘Heart, Hustle, Heroes’ marketing campaign will be unveiled. Players were critical of the WAFC last year for failing to include WAFLW players in the ‘Win, Win’ marketing campaign.

Originally published as Eagles and Suns in discussions to play autumn matches as West Coast, Freo players set for WAFLW action