Great Southern duo Sophie McDonald and Belinda Smith re-sign with West Coast Eagles for new AFLW season

Great Southern duo Sophie McDonald and Belinda Smith have re-signed with the West Coast Eagles ahead of the new AFLW season that begins in August.

On Tuesday the Eagles announced Albany young gun McDonald and Pingrup’s Smith had committed to the club for season seven of the competition.

The defensive pair are coming off impressive seasons for the Eagles despite the club winning only one match and finishing at the bottom of the ladder.

McDonald is an exciting key position talent who featured in six matches last season, including an impressive performance against Adelaide star Erin Phillips in round three.

The 21-year-old has played 16 games across three seasons since being signed via the Eagles academy.

Smith, known for her rebound off half back, will remain with the Eagles after a career-best season.

She finished in the AFLW top 10 for intercept marks and was a vital part of the Eagles’ defensive mix.

The 27-year-old is one of the Eagles’ most experienced members, having played 40 games across six seasons after stints with Fremantle and Western Bulldogs before signing up with the Eagles.

Smith was fifth in the Eagles’ club champion award after a stellar season.

The pair will make up the Great Southern contingent at the Eagles after star ruck Parris Laurie recently retired from AFLW.

Laurie is part of a major overhaul of the Eagles team, with at least 14 changes to their list from the horror campaign earlier this year.

The new AFLW season will run until the end of November or first week of December.