West Coast coach Daisy Pearce is optimistic after her team’s season-opening victory and is pushing her players to maintain momentum as they prepare for a second consecutive win. In her debut game as coach, Pearce led the Eagles to a thrilling one-point victory over Richmond last Friday. However, she has quickly shifted focus to their next challenge against Essendon at Mineral Resources Park, scheduled for Saturday.
For this upcoming match, the West Coast Eagles have made several team changes. Jayme Harken, a standout player from the Claremont Tigers, will make her AFLW debut. Harken’s impressive track record includes winning the Dhara Kerr Medal twice in a row and earning the MVP title in the WAFLW league for two consecutive seasons. She also played a pivotal role in Claremont’s grand final victory, securing the Lou Knitter medal for best performance. Known for her elite endurance, clean ball handling, and ability to break tackles, Harken is a versatile midfielder who is expected to make an immediate impact.
Team captain Emma Swanson, who missed the first game due to groin soreness, is set to return to action after receiving clearance from medical staff. Swanson’s experience and leadership in the midfield will be crucial as the Eagles take on Essendon. Additionally, ruck Sarah Lakay is returning to the lineup after recovering from a back injury that cut short her 2023 season. Lakay’s physical presence in the contest will be important, particularly as she faces off against Essendon’s dominant ruck, Stephanie Wales.
The inclusion of Harken, Swanson, and Lakay comes at the expense of Evie Gooch, Tess Lyons, and Verity Simmons, who have been omitted from the team. The Eagles are focused on building on their strong start to the season, with the match against Essendon kicking off at 11:05 am at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.
Pearce’s leadership and the team’s strategic adjustments highlight the Eagles’ determination to secure back-to-back wins, which would be a significant achievement early in the season. Fans are eager to see how the new lineup performs, particularly with the debut of Harken and the return of key players like Swanson and Lakay.
