When the West Coast Eagles’ recruiting team convenes in the coming weeks to intensify their preparations for the AFL Draft, a familiar face will be at the table. Bella Lewis, the club’s AFLW co-captain, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Eagles’ AFL team. Her involvement marks a significant step in the integration of female players into traditionally male-dominated roles within the sport.
Armed with keen insights into junior talent, Lewis will collaborate with list manager Matt Clarke, national recruiting manager Duane Massey, and the broader scouting team. Together, they will strategize around the club’s valuable early draft picks. This dual role sees Lewis balancing her on-field leadership as the Eagles’ AFLW team charges towards the finals, while also contributing off-field as part of the recruiting team.
Since joining the recruiting team in May, Lewis has immersed herself in the intricacies of talent scouting. Her responsibilities include watching live matches, analyzing game footage, and interviewing draft prospects and their families. The 22-year-old has brought a fresh perspective to the department, a testament to her groundbreaking role as an active AFLW player involved in recruitment.
A Unique Perspective in Recruitment
Lewis’s journey into recruitment began with her proactive approach to Michelle Cowan, the Eagles’ head of women’s football. Seeking to expand her work experience, Lewis expressed interest in an off-field role. Her timing coincided with the opening of applications for the Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, designed to fast-track the development of female coaches within men’s AFL programs.
The program, launched in 2021, has since broadened to include opportunities in football operations, list management, and recruiting. Successful applicants receive formal mentoring and structured learning over two years. Lewis’s involvement in this program exemplifies her commitment to breaking new ground for women in AFL.
“It’s about getting women into higher positions in men’s programs and having the experience to do that,” Lewis explained, drawing parallels with Daisy Pearce’s coaching journey at Geelong.
With the support of John Worsfold, West Coast’s head of football, Lewis’s application to the program was met with enthusiasm. Her experience as a player, having been recruited with pick No.3 in the 2020 National Draft, provides her with a unique understanding of team building from both a player and recruiter perspective.
Building Bridges Across Programs
The crossover between the AFLW and AFL programs at West Coast is a testament to the club’s efforts to foster connections across departments. Lewis’s role as a “connector” is pivotal, as she bridges the gap between the two programs through her recruiting work.
National recruiting scout Todd Nisbett has been instrumental in mentoring Lewis, recognizing her ability to engage with different parts of the club. Her confident and approachable nature has facilitated greater alignment between the programs, a crucial step forward for the Eagles.
“She’s happy to go to anyone and just pick their brain, and she’s got the respect from everyone that she can do that as well,” Nisbett noted.
Lewis joined the recruiting team during the critical final months leading up to the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft. Her ability to quickly grasp the nuances of this year’s prospects and contribute effectively in team meetings has impressed her colleagues.
The Road Ahead: Finals and Draft Preparation
As the Eagles prepare for an historic first AFLW finals campaign, Lewis faces the challenge of balancing her on-field duties with the demands of draft preparation. Should the Eagles’ season conclude before the draft, she will join the recruiting team in Melbourne to welcome the next group of draftees. Otherwise, she will continue to contribute remotely, ensuring her insights are part of the decision-making process.
Looking ahead to 2026, Lewis anticipates a more active role in scouting, with plans to travel and take on challenging assignments. However, her immediate focus remains on this year’s draft, a pivotal moment for the Eagles as they aim to rebuild after a challenging season.
“This is probably the calm before the storm,” Lewis remarked, highlighting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the draft. “Even just thinking about the boys that you get to follow over the course of the year. They’re about to pursue their dreams, and you’ve kind of had a hand in that throughout the year. I just find that really exciting.”
Lewis’s journey from AFLW co-captain to influential recruiter underscores the evolving landscape of Australian Rules Football, where the integration of female talent into all facets of the game is becoming increasingly vital. Her story is one of ambition, opportunity, and the breaking down of barriers, setting a precedent for future generations of female athletes.
