Six WAFLW products to debut in opening round of AFLW action

Six WAFLW products were named to make their AFLW debuts in the opening round of the AFLW season this weekend.

No.1 draft pick Olivia Wolmarans headlines the West Aussie contingent, named for her first game as a Richmond player against Collingwood at IKON Park on Saturday.

The young key forward, who was the first ever WA player taken with pick one in the AFLW draft, joins fellow Subiaco product Olivia Crane who’s been selected for Port Adelaide against Fremantle at Cockburn on Sunday in front of family and friends in her home state.

It’s double WA delight at West Coast with top-20 pick and West Perth product Mia Russo making her AFLW debut alongside Perth export Isabella Shannon, who only signed with the Eagles last week after a dominant WAFLW season.

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“Mia is incredibly strong in the contest, highly competitive and values the role she plays for the team,” West Coast Eagles AFLW coach Daisy Pearce said.

“She’s a natural footballer and someone who grows a bit taller when she steps on the field, never taking a backward step, no matter her opponent.

“We’re really excited to see her make her AFLW debut as it’s been something she’s worked hard towards for years.”

It’s a second chance in the AFLW for Shannon, who tallied 17 appearances for St Kilda before re-igniting her dream with an impressive couple of years at the Demons.

The Eagles take on GWS at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

“Bel’s story is a fantastic example of persistence and resilience. She’s put together a couple of outstanding WAFLW seasons, trained on with us over the past two years and never stopped working towards another AFLW opportunity,” Pearce said.

“We know exactly what we’ll get from Bel, she’s got a huge tank, great versatility and a strong competitive edge.”

Like Shannon, Claremont product Juliet Kelly was picked up recently as an injury-replacement player.

The ball magnet and tackling machine will also made her debut this weekend for Adelaide Crows against Sydney at Unley Oval.

Peel Thunder product Evie Cowcher, who was taken with Geelong’s top pick and the 11th overall in the draft last year, is the sixth West Aussie named for her debut this weekend as the Cats take reigning champs North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Former Swan Districts and East Perth player Dana East will play her 50th AFLW game and first for her new club Richmond after crossing from Fremantle during the off-season.

Claremont product Ella Slocombe is making her club debut for the Eagles after signing from North Melbourne.

It comes after former Perth forward Poppy Stockwell made a successful club debut for Hawthorn on Thursday night, booting one goal.

Stockwell previously played for Fremantle before getting a second AFLW chance with the Hawks as an injury replacement player after a prolific run of goal-kicking form for the Demons.