West Coast Eagles sign WAFLW stars Jayme Harken and Tess Lyons ahead of AFLW season

West Coast have signed two local stars ahead of the 2024 AFLW season, with Jayme Harken and Tess Lyons joining the club as injury replacements. Fresh off a WAFLW premiership with Claremont, back-to-back Dhara Kerr medallist Harken joins the Eagles having also claimed the Lou Knitter Medal for best on ground in the grand final win over East Fremantle. The 28-year-old midfielder averaged 25 disposals across 15 WAFLW games in a dominant season for the Tigers. Eagles AFLW list manager Jordan Loxley said it was great to see Harken get an opportunity. “It’s a great story of perseverance. Jayme is a proven contested ball winner and has done everything possible to get the best out of herself,” he said. “We have no doubt Jayme will add some power around the stoppages and add another dimension to our midfield.” The Eagles also boosted their tall stocks by bringing in Subiaco Lions captain Lyons. The ruck had an impressive 2024 season averaging 20.5 hitouts and a career-high 10.3 touches from 10 games. “We think she will add great depth to our ruck and key position stocks,” Loxley said. “While it’s disappointing losing players for the season, it’s good to see others get their opportunity at the highest level. “And we believe that all of our replacement players will add great value to our list.” It comes after new AFLW recruit Annabel Johnson joined Kayley Kavanagh and Matilda Sergeant on the sidelines, with the trio all ruled out of the 2024 season with ACL injuries. West Coast signed defender Octavia Di Donato earlier this year as a replacement player for pregnant veteran Dana Hooker. The Eagles will kick off their season on August 30, hosting Richmond at Mineral Resources Park.