West Coast star Ella Roberts has been crowned Eagles club champion once again after another incredible season, which saw the three-time All-Australian reach new heights.
It was also a reminder of just how big a loss she will be for the Eagles next season following her devastating injury, as she claimed a third straight Club Champion award at Crown on Thursday night in a dominant count for the star midfielder.
Roberts finished the count with 93 votes ahead of co-captain Charlie Thomas (82), who finished as runner-up for the third straight season, with midfielder Jaide Britton (77) rounding out the top three.
The award will at least bring some comfort to Roberts, whose season came to an unfortunate end after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in the first quarter of their final game of the season against Hawthorn.
The typical nine-to-12 month recovery timeline for a torn ACL and the short nature of the AFLW season means Roberts will face an uphill battle just to play next season, leaving a massive hole for the Eagles to try and cover.
Her win sees Roberts become the first woman to win three club champion awards, with Emma Swanson (2) the only other AFLW player to take home multiple medals.
She joins West Coast legends Ben Cousins (2001-2003) and Glen Jakovich (1993-1995) as the only Eagles to win three straight club champion awards, with Darren Glass the only other Eagle also with three or more wins.
It won’t be the last time Roberts will be on an awards stage over the coming month, having claimed a third straight All-Australian blazer and is all but a certainty to be named in her fifth straight AFLPA 22under22 squad once it’s confirmed later this month, having been captain last year.
Having taken the competition by storm since making her debut in 2022, Roberts continues to go from strength to strength as she put together another career-best season.
In a year where she notched her 50th AFLW game, Roberts averaged 21.7 touches, 5.8 tackles and a career-high five clearances in 2026.
No other Eagle averaged more than 20 disposals per game this year, while she also led the team for tackles, clearances, inside 50s and ground ball gets despite being heavily tagged at times throughout the season.
She also claimed a second Derby Medal in the Eagles’ historic victory over Fremantle, while she reached a new peak against Brisbane, when she notched an incredible 34 touches and 11 clearances, both career highs, to breathe life into their season with the upset win.
Roberts was also awarded the Eagles’ Fan MVP for a second straight season and received the Players Trademark Award.
Despite the sour end to her year, Roberts remained upbeat about what lay ahead, thanking West Coast fans for their support.
“Never thought I’d be someone to write one of these posts but here we are,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“Thanks for all the lovely messages and support; it truly means so much. As for me, as painful as this is, I’m excited for the hard work, and I can promise you I’ll come out of this a better player/person.
“See yas when I’m back.”
Thomas finished in second once again after her own standout season where she led the team for rebound 50s on the back of career highs for marks and spoils.
It was part of another strong season for the Eagles’ leadership group with co-captain Bella Lewis and former captain Emma Swanson tying for fourth while record-breaking forward Amy Franklin took sixth place after finishing with the most ever goals for an Eagle in a single season with 13.
Charlotte Riggs was also rewarded for a breakout season where she emerged as the clear No.1 ruck option to take out the Emerging Talent Award while also claiming a top 10 finish for the first time.
Retiring ruck Liz McGrath was honoured with the Best Club Person Award, with outgoing inaugural Eagles Belinda Smith and Sophie McDonald honoured for their contributions.
