Pilbara players to get their AFLW chance with West Coast Eagles travelling talent search

Pilbara-based footballers have a chance to strut their stuff in front of AFLW recruiters as the West Coast Eagles embark on a regional talent search. The Eagles will hold a talent search for Pilbara athletes with trials at the JD Hardie Centre in South Hedland at 6pm on Thursday December 8, and at the Karratha Leisureplex at 6pm on Friday December 9. In a statement, the club said they were “seeking talented athletes and footballers aged 15 years to 30 years”, with those interested encouraged to apply online before the session. The West Coast Eagles already have one Pilbara player on their books. Karratha’s Abbygail Bushby made her AFLW debut on September 22, facing off against Fremantle at Optus Stadium. The 17-year-old midfielder is known for her fitness and talent to deliver possessions to the forward 50, plus her explosive speed. The West Coast Eagles will be looking to bounce back from a less-than-ideal season seven campaign in which they finished 16th on the ladder with a 2-8 win-loss record. The club has already begun making significant changes to its AFLW playing list, having de-listed inaugural players Hayley Bullas and Imahra Cameron, along with Emily Bennett and Ashleigh Gomes. Bushby, a versatile left footer, has improved quickly over the last few months, being one of the clear success stories out of the pre-season campaign. Speaking to the Pilbara News earlier this year, Bushby said she wasn’t sure if she would get much game time this year. “I’m a developing player, having to balance school with footy but with some exceptional players at West Coast it will be hard to break in the team,” she said. It capped off a stellar year for the 17-year-old who competed for WA at the State championships and was then drafted by the West Coast Eagles with pick 24 in this season’s AFLW Draft. Swan Districts’ coach Adam Dancey told the West Australian before the draft that Bushby was a strong-bodied and athletic inside midfielder. “She’s improved her defensive running and she’s really clean and good overhead,” he said. “She’s a super competitor and she’s really improved as the season has gone on.” The exciting talent was drafted to the Eagles with pick 24 and has had a great WAFLW campaign which saw her take out the Swan Districts’ top gong for a female player, the McSherry Medal.