The West Coast Eagles' remarkable AFLW finals campaign was built on more than just skill and strategy - it was forged through an unbreakable team bond that saw players ride every emotional wave together, according to co-captain Charlie Thomas.
In an exclusive revelation, Thomas has pulled back the curtain on how the playing group navigated the high-stakes environment of finals football, highlighting the collective resilience that became their greatest asset during the pressure-packed matches.
The Power of Shared Experience
"What made our finals journey so special was how we genuinely experienced every moment together," Thomas explained. "From the nerve-wracking build-up to the exhilarating highs and challenging moments, we never let anyone face the emotions alone."
The Eagles' leadership group, including Thomas as co-captain, worked tirelessly to create an environment where players felt safe to express their vulnerabilities while maintaining the competitive edge required at the elite level.
Building Resilience Through Connection
Thomas emphasised that the team's approach to finals wasn't about suppressing nerves or pretending the pressure didn't exist. Instead, they embraced the emotional rollercoaster as a group, using their strong connections to transform anxiety into focused energy.
"We had open conversations about what we were feeling, both the excitement and the nerves," she revealed. "That honesty allowed us to channel those emotions into our performance rather than being overwhelmed by them."
A Blueprint for Future Success
The experience has provided valuable lessons for the developing Eagles squad, demonstrating that team culture can be just as important as physical preparation when it comes to finals football.
Thomas believes the bonds formed during their finals campaign will serve as a foundation for future success, creating a template for how to handle big moments that the entire club can build upon in coming seasons.
As the AFLW continues to grow in popularity and intensity, the West Coast Eagles have shown that emotional intelligence and team unity might just be the secret weapons that separate good teams from great ones when the finals pressure arrives.
