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AFLW 2022: West Coast draftee Charlie Thomas part of exclusive Eagles’ club ahead of debut

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Charlie Thomas celebrates a goal with teammates in West Coast’s practice match victory over Fremantle last month.
Camera IconCharlie Thomas celebrates a goal with teammates in West Coast’s practice match victory over Fremantle last month. Credit: Will Russell/via AFL Photos

West Coast’s top draftee Charlie Thomas will join an exclusive club when she runs out for the Eagles in Saturday’s western derby at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

The teenager will become just the fifth player in the club’s rich 36-year history to don the number three, following in the footsteps of club greats Chris Mainwaring, Chris Judd and Andrew Gaff.

Thomas will be just the second woman to wear the guernsey, with Brianna Green managing four games in two seasons after crossing from Fremantle ahead of the 2020 season.

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It’s a special honour not lost on Thomas, who was presented her guernsey by Gaff just last month at the club’s AFLW season launch.

“It was a really special moment receiving it from Gaff,” Thomas said.

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“It’s an honour to wear the number three after the history of the others who have worn it.

“You only debut once, so I want to make the most of it.”

West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff presents Charlie Thomas with the number three guernsey at the club's AFLW season launch in December.
Camera IconWest Coast wingman Andrew Gaff presents Charlie Thomas with the number three guernsey at the club's AFLW season launch in December. Credit: West Coast Eagles - Instagram

A fractured arm restricted Thomas to just one game in 2021, but the 175cm midfielder showed why the Eagles had no hesitation in recruiting her with their first pick in the draft as she dominated last month’s practice match against Fremantle.

Thomas’ all-around performance was highlighted by a sensation goal in the first quarter, with fans stunned as she snapped the ball from deep in the left pocket while in heavy traffic through the big sticks to show a glimpse of her enormous potential.

The strong outing has given Thomas plenty of confidence that she belongs in the Eagles’ midfield.

“I did feel comfortable in there. All the girls are pretty easy to work with, so no matter who is playing or where anyone is playing, we’re all going to be comfortable with each other,” Thomas said.

“All of the girls can go in with confidence. We played well as a team (in the practice match) and the processes we went through were exactly what we have been working on in this pre-season.

“We can take some improvements out of that one to bring into the game.”

When Thomas walks to the centre circle of Fremantle Oval, arguably the best player in the AFLW in Kiara Bowers will be standing across from her, an idea which both excited and intimidated the 18-year-old.

“She’s an absolutely amazing player and deserves all the respect that she gets,” Thomas said.

“It will be awesome to see her first hand but I think we are more focused on what we can do as a team.

“It is a little bit intimidating because she is a top-class player, but we want to focus on what we can do and not think too much about the opposition.

“I just want to soak it up and remain fixated on what I need to do for the team.”

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