WEST COAST has made a change to its 2021 NAB AFLW squad, replacing the injured Ashton Hill with Peel Thunder defender Demi Liddle. 

Hill ruptured her ACL in round one of the 2020 season and needs more time to fully recover from the injury, so she has been moved to the inactive player list alongside teammate McKenzie Dowrick (personal), whose spot was replaced in the draft.

"Although we are bitterly disappointed that Ashton will not available to play in the upcoming AFLW season, she is a highly valued member of our football program and a player we must protect for long-term interests," Eagles head of women's footy Adam Selwood said.

"It is our hope that West Coast fans will get to see a fully fit Ashton running around for the Eagles in 2022."

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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

Liddle, 21, is a former state-level basketballer who played in Western Australia's NAB AFLW All-Stars match, held before October's NAB AFLW Draft.

Originally from Busselton Football Club, West Coast has described Liddle as "a natural athlete who is not afraid to put her head over the ball" and can play tall or small.

"It is terrific that we are able to provide a wonderful opportunity to Demi, who has shown real promise throughout the 2020 WAFLW season," Selwood said.

"Demi has been a steady and consistent performer over the past six months, and we feel she has adapted to the game quite well since crossing codes from basketball four years ago.

"We expect Demi to support the program to the best of her ability and make the most of the development opportunities she will have by training at an increased intensity."