The West Coast Eagles have signed Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Sanne Bakker as an injury replacement player ahead of the 2024 AFLW campaign.

Bakker, 18, joined the Eagles’ squad on Wednesday at Mineral Resources Park after replacing Matilda Sergeant, who has undergone surgery to repair a ruptured ACL and been moved to the inactive list.

“Sanne was a late inclusion to the Oakleigh Chargers program last year and her development over the past six months has been immense,” AFLW List Manager Jordan Loxley said.

“A former national 800m and 1500m runner, her ultra-competitive nature shines on the footy field.

“She has the versatility to play inside mid or utilise her running ability on the outside. We are incredibly excited to witness her thrive in an elite environment.”

Bakker and her parents were welcomed to the group on Wednesday before the players hit the training track for an optional session.

“It’s amazing so far. It’s been great. Everyone at the team has been so welcoming and so happy to be here,” Bakker said.

“Jordy announced it this morning in the team meeting and all the girls were pretty excited, and they showed some footage of my couple of games at Oakleigh this year, so it was pretty cool.

“Moving all the way from Melbourne, never been to Perth, is kind of a weird experience but for the girls to get around me like that has been so good.”

Bakker was looking forward to beginning her journey under West Coast’s head coach and AFLW champion Daisy Pearce as the emerging group enters a new era.

“Daisy Pearce is an icon, so super excited and can’t wait to be coached by her,” Bakker said.

“It’s going to be an exciting couple of months coming up.”