Karratha’s Abbygail Bushby to debut in AFLW derby clash for West Coast Eagles

Karratha’s Abbygail Bushby is set to make her AFLW debut today when West Coast Eagles face off against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

The round five clash will see Bushby make her debut after Jessica Sedunary pulled up with a calf injury last weekend in the clubs win against Greater Western Sydney.

The 17-year-old is expected to slot into an outside midfield position and is known for her fitness and talent to deliver possessions into forward 50 plus with her explosive speed.

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.

“Not sure if I’ll get too much game time this year as 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.

“But if I do get a game, it would be an absolute honour and probably one of the best days of my life.”

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.

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.”

West Coast Eagles take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium today at 1.10pm.