Female talent signed by Eagles Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - 4:54 PM - by Elliot Raiter

Two of Western Australia’s brightest young stars have made history after being signed as inaugural West Coast Eagles for the 2020 season of AFLW.

Mikayla Bowen and Rosie Deegan showed plenty of promise throughout their time in the WA State Female Academy and will join the expansion club as part of the early signing period for 18-year-old Next Generation Academy athletes.

Bowen has been rewarded after an outstanding 2018 campaign with Swan Districts, which saw the youngster earn seven league games.

The 17-year-old followed on from her early season form to be selected in the WA AFLW 18s National Championship squad, before later being picked in the 2019 AFL Women’s Academy.

Subiaco’s Deegan will enter the AFLW competition in very different fashion.

The multi-talented sportswoman represented Australia at the Youth Olympics in Basketball during 2018, securing a bronze medal in the process.

Deegan’s football resume includes selection in the 2017 AFLW 18s National Championships and All-Australian honours in the same year.

Bowen told West Coast Eagles media she couldn’t wait to showcase her talents in the nation-wide competition.

“I want them to expect a ruthless player, a player that sees the ball and gets the ball,” she said.

“I don’t really like to hold back when it comes to game time. I’m quite relaxed and calm off the field, but as soon as I step on the field it’s a see ball, get ball game for me.”

Deegan couldn’t speak highly enough of the support the club had given her during the pursuit of two dreams.

“The Eagles have always been really supportive of me throughout my basketball and football careers,” she told West Coast Eagles media.

“They have always been there helping me develop my skills. It was always a privilege for me to be able to sign with the club that’s given me so much.

“Being an AFLW player is just amazing because it’s a pathway that we’re developing so soon and it’s a pathway that I didn’t have when I was younger.