Pilbara football star Abbygail Bushby drafted to the West Coast Eagles AFLW side

The Pilbara has a new football star after the West Coast Eagles picked Karratha local Abbygail Bushby in the AFLW draft. The explosive Swan Districts midfielder/forward was chosen at pick 24 by the West Coast at the AFLW draft on June 29. She began playing football five years ago when she a 12-year-old before moving to Perth and playing with High Wycombe. The 17-year-old stands at 169cm, debuted for the Swan Districts last year, and has played a total of 21 games for the club. Known for her speed, agility, and ability to read the game well, she has kicked six goals and averages 16.4 disposals per game this season in the WALFW. She was one of nine WA players to participate in this year’s AFLW combine, along with fellow Eagle draftee Ella Roberts. 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.” Bushby finished third last year in the Swan Districts Chelsea Randall Medal count with 51 votes. Bushby is the latest football talent to emerge from the Pilbara and be signed by the Eagles. Dampier’s Zac Langdon is currently playing for West Coast while former premiership player Dean Cox played with the club from 2001-2014.