The West Coast Eagles have secured a promising midfield talent for their AFLW campaign, with top draft selection Mia Russo immediately setting her sights on earning a spot in the club's engine room for the 2025 season.
Home State Dream Realised at Pick 20
Selected with pick 20 in Monday's AFLW draft, the 18-year-old from Western Australia expressed sheer relief at joining the club she supported. Russo revealed she desperately wanted to stay in her home state and would have been deeply disappointed not to land at the Eagles.
"I was really praying. I was clutching my necklace and my heart was racing," Russo said, describing the moment her name was called. "I just dove into my hands and started crying immediately. It was utter relief."
Contested Strength to Bolster Eagles' Engine Room
Russo acknowledges the challenge ahead, with the Eagles' midfield already boasting considerable talent like Ella Roberts, Emma Swanson, Bella Lewis, and Jaide Britton. However, she brings a specific and highly-valued skillset to the contest.
Her football resume is impressive for a young player, featuring two Rogers Cup fairest-and-best awards with West Perth, an under-18s All-Australian selection in 2025, and co-captaincy of the Western Australian under-18s side. She also earned the same All-Australian honour at the under-16s level in 2023.
"I've been told my clearance work is probably my strength, my ability to get in and get out, make decisions coming out of the contest and driving my legs through it," Russo explained. This powerful inside game and stoppage craft are seen as key assets that will allow her to exit congestion effectively.
From Junior Pathways to AFLW Academy
Russo's football journey began at junior clubs Stirling Saints and Wanneroo. Identified by West Perth at just 14 years old, she progressed through two years of Rogers Cup before spending the past two seasons in the Falcons' WAFLW league team.
As a member of the AFL national academy, she excelled at state level, averaging 19 disposals per game during the national championships. In a standout performance in July, she kicked two goals in difficult conditions to help WA secure its first win over Vic Metro in five years.
Her transition to the elite level was marked by a memorable FaceTime call from Eagles coach Daisy Pearce on draft night. "I was bawling my eyes out. I've looked up to her as a footballer ever since AFLW started, so it's surreal," Russo admitted.
Inspirations and Ready for the Challenge
Russo, a former Carlton fan, cited former Blues star Maddy Prespakis, her sister Georgie Prespakis from Geelong, and new teammate Ella Roberts as players she has long admired for their contested work and elite ball use.
Now officially part of the squad, her focus is singular. "The goal is to be in that first-round team," she stated firmly. With pre-season on the horizon, Russo's enthusiasm is palpable. "I feel like I'm ready to go if it was today. I just can't wait to get stuck into it."
