When West Coast’s recruiting team assembles in the coming weeks to fine-tune its draft strategy, Bella Lewis, the club’s AFLW co-captain, will be at the forefront of shaping the future of the AFL team. With her keen insights into the game’s emerging talent, Lewis joins list manager Matt Clarke, national recruiting manager Duane Massey, and the scouting team to strategize over the club’s valuable early picks.
As a standout player and leader for the Eagles’ AFLW team, which is currently making a strong finals push, Lewis is also carving out a significant off-field role. Since May, she has been an integral part of the club’s recruiting team, dedicating hours to live matches, analyzing game footage, and engaging with draft prospects and their families.
A Unique Perspective in Recruiting
At 22, Lewis is breaking new ground for active AFLW players by contributing to the recruiting department. Her involvement has been met with enthusiasm from the Eagles, who appreciate the fresh perspective she brings. “Following these boys throughout the year and getting to know them has been really great. I’m loving it so far,” Lewis shared with AFL.com.au.
Initially, Lewis focused on understanding the recruitment process, observing everything from colts to national championships. Her weekly routine includes office days and weekends spent watching games live, supplemented by video analysis. “I’ve really enjoyed it, and the recruiting team have provided such a great space for me to learn and contribute as well,” she remarked.
Expanding Opportunities for Women in AFL
Lewis’s foray into recruiting coincides with her studies in psychological behavioral science and her proactive approach to gaining work experience. Her timing was impeccable, aligning with the Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, which aims to elevate women into senior roles within men’s AFL programs. The program, launched in 2021, offers structured learning and mentoring over two years.
“It’s about getting women into higher positions in men’s programs and having the experience to do that, like Daisy (Pearce) did for coaching when she went to Geelong,” Lewis explained. With strong support from West Coast’s head of women’s football, Michelle Cowan, and head of football John Worsfold, Lewis’s application was met with enthusiasm.
Building Bridges Between Programs
Through her recruiting role, Lewis is gaining a comprehensive understanding of team-building dynamics, having already experienced West Coast’s AFLW development firsthand. The Eagles’ AFLW team, under Pearce’s leadership, has evolved into a promising finals contender, while the AFL team is poised for a pivotal draft, holding the top two selections.
“I find great interest in where people think that success comes from and what they think is most important in the rebuilding stage we are in,” Lewis said. Her dual perspective enriches both the women’s and men’s programs, fostering stronger connections across departments.
“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,” said national recruiting scout Todd Nisbett.
Nisbett, who mentors Lewis, sees her as a “connector,” using her engaging nature to unify various parts of the club. Her involvement in recruiting represents a significant step forward in aligning the AFLW and AFL programs.
Preparing for a Crucial Draft
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, scheduled for November 19-20, Lewis’s contributions have been invaluable. Despite joining the recruiting team in the final months before the draft, her ability to quickly grasp the nuances of this year’s prospects has impressed her colleagues.
“She knows it fully, and that’s probably the thing that I was impressed with most, just that confidence to back herself in,” Nisbett noted.
Balancing her responsibilities as co-captain and recruiter, Lewis is poised for a busy month. If the Eagles’ AFLW season concludes before the draft, she will join the recruiting team in Melbourne. Otherwise, she will participate remotely, ensuring her insights are part of the decision-making process.
Looking ahead, Lewis envisions a more extensive role in 2026, with increased travel and challenging scouting assignments. However, her immediate focus remains on the upcoming draft. “This is probably the calm before the storm I think, just because you’re kind of wrapping everything up in terms of where things sit in the draft order,” she said.
Lewis’s journey reflects a broader movement within the AFL to integrate women’s insights and leadership into traditionally male-dominated areas, paving the way for future female leaders in the sport.
