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Eagles aim to prove AFLW doubters wrong

3 minute read

West Coast's AFLW side are expected to finish last in their conference, but the team is quietly confident of proving the doubters wrong.

Write off West Coast's AFLW side at your own peril.

That's the message from defender Talia Radan as the Eagles attempt to prove the doubters wrong in their debut campaign.

West Coast are tipped to finish last in their seven-team conference, with the expansion club lacking star power.

But Radan says her time with Adelaide has taught her that betting odds and pundit predictions mean very little.

The Crows were widely written off in the inaugural AFLW season in 2017 but defied the odds to win the flag.

Radan, who was part of that premiership-winning side, isn't making any bold predictions about West Coast's own flag hopes.

But she's confident the team will surprise a few people.

"Look, they can write us off at their peril," Radan said.

"I've been in this situation in the first year where everyone tipped Adelaide to be bottom, and we ended up coming out and winning it.

"So bring it on I say.

"We're more than happy to go ahead and do what we need to do.

"Everyone over in the eastern states can carry on as normal and hopefully we'll surprise a few teams."

West Coast's campaign gets under way against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday.

The Magpies were the worst performed team last year but are expected to dramatically improve after snaring former Carlton captain Brianna Davey.

The Eagles signed nine players from the Dockers during the off-season including Dana Hooker.

West Coast utility Brianna Green will miss the clash with Collingwood because of general soreness.

Radan, who is a qualified lawyer and works as an advisor to the Federal Government, is now at her third AFLW club.

Her one-year stint at Melbourne in 2019 failed to yield a game due to a shoulder reconstruction.

The 31-year-old is now fit and raring to go and she has been blown away by just how quickly the squad has bonded.

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