Hawk recruit shines in her new colours

Eliza West wasted no time in showing her new teammates what she is capable of, registering 29 disposals, twenty-five contested possessions, ten tackles, and four score involvements in Hawthorn’s thirty-eight-point win over Carlton on Sunday.

She polled a maximum ten coaches' votes in what was a perfect way to start her career at the brown and gold.

West is part of a unique midfield rotation with ex-Lion Emily Bates, former Melbourne teammate Casey Sherriff, and emerging youngsters Jasmine Fleming and Mattea Breed. While the promising Lucy Wales handles the ruck duties.

Growing up a massive Richmond fan, her game is based around brute, high-pressure, and consistent footy.

Donning the number two on her guernsey, she was also named the vice-captain of the team for the 2024 season.

Being a latecomer to AFL, West took the chance on the game and got involved via the VFLW. She was a clear standout at the Casey Demons, winning the club’s best and fairest, and as a result earnt a rookie spot of the senior list.

Having debuted in 2022, West is entering her fourth AFLW season.

The 27-year-old was shipped off from Melbourne last year after a disappointing season where the Demons went out of finals in straight sets after winning the premiership in 2022. West was dropped for the first final before returning the following week where she was among the best, 26 disposals and five tackles in a loss to Geelong.

Lize', as her friends call her, is not only a talented football player, but is also a highly touted Basketballer, having played college level at Utah State. She spent three seasons in the US and has featured in the WNBL1 South as well.

She grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and attended Peninsula Grammar in Mount Eliza, a fitting name.

Since their induction in season seven, Hawthorn has lodged three wins in both of their two seasons. But is expected to surpass that number this season.

West and the Hawks will look to make it two from two when they take on Collingwood this Saturday at Victoria Park.