West Coast Eagles galore in AFL’s 22Under22 squad, one Fremantle Dockers player recognised

Teenage sensation Ella Roberts is among four West Coast players to be included in the AFLW 22Under22 squad this season, while one Fremantle Docker made the cut.

Roberts, 19, has been touted as a potential All-Australian after taking her game to another level in 2024 under new coach Daisy Pearce.

The Margaret River product, who was the first Eagle to make the final 22Under22 team last season, is joined in the extended squad this year by vice-captains Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas.

After the back of her first full season following a frustrating run of injuries, defender Beth Schilling was also recognised for her breakout year in blue and gold.

The finals-bound Dockers had one representative, with forward Tunisha Kikoak capping off a stellar rise to the AFLW with the club’s sole selection.

The 19-year-old signed with Fremantle as a replacement player for then-pregnant star Kiara Bowers, having missed out on being picked up in the 2023 draft.

The Tasmanian product has played nine games this season and has become an important target in the Dockers’ forward line following an ACL injury to star spearhead Aine Tighe, kicking six goals in her debut campaign.

The 44-player squad was chosen by former AFLW star and commentator Kate McCarthy as Chair of Selectors, with support from the AFL Players Association and Champion Data.

McCarthy said it was a challenging selection process with so many players putting their hand up.

“As we know, there is some incredible young talent in our league, and to try to narrow the squad down to just 44 players has been very difficult,” she said.

“This squad is a credit to the youth we have seen come through the pathways and make a large impact on the competition.

“We have a number of first-year players in the squad, which shows the upward direction our competition is heading.”

“Best of luck to those attempting to select their 22 players – I feel like this squad is one with incredible depth, so finalising that down to 22 is going to be incredibly tough, for all the right reasons.”

Players must be 22 and under for the entire AFLW season, including grand final day, and have played at least five games throughout 2024 to be eligible for selection.

The final team will be voted by the public, with the results announced on November 20.