WEST Coast has suffered a dual blow to its defensive stocks, with Ashton Hill announcing her retirement and Evie Gooch moved to the inactive list for AFLW season seven. 

Hill had a tricky start to her career, rupturing her ACL on debut in the Eagles' first AFLW match against Collingwood in 2020. She had to wait almost two years to return, playing the last seven games of the 2022 season in defence with an average of 3.6 intercepts and 2.6 marks. 

She has retired to focus on her work and family. 

"We loved having 'Hilly' at the club, and the girls will definitely miss having her around," AFLW head coach Michael Prior said. 

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Concern as Eagle helped from the field

Ashton Hill appears to awkwardly twist her knee while attempting to lay a tackle

"We wish 'Hilly' the best of luck as she retires to focus on her career and building a family." 

Hill is the 13th Eagle to exit the club this off-season, and one of six retirements. 

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Meanwhile, Gooch will miss next season with a long-term wrist injury. Although unable to take to the field, the rebounding defender will move into a development coaching role for the backline. 

"It's going to be great to have someone of Gooch's calibre taking on a coaching role next season," head of female football Michelle Cowan said. 

"While she'll obviously be missed on field, her experience around the game will be invaluable in a coaching position.”