FROM Penshurst to Perth, Jess Rentsch has embarked on her AFLW journey, flying west on Wednesday to start her life as a West Coast Eagle.
The 18-year-old spoke to The Spectator earlier in the week ahead of her move west, as she packed up her life ahead of the midweek flight.
“I think it will sink in when I get over there,” Rentsch said.
“It doesn’t feel real at all, feels like I am in the clouds a little bit still.”
Rentsch got back from a week away on Sunday, making the most of the time with dad, Alaister, mum, Nicole, and other family members, while also making sure she is as prepared as possible for the demands of being an AFLW player.
“I have just been pretty busy with a family holiday, kicking the footy and run as much as I can,” Rentsch said.
“I haven’t been given a program yet, because I think it is a bit don’t get injured before you come over, but I have tried to keep my fitness up.
“The room is a pig sty, but it is exciting to get over there; I go to Melbourne then fly to Perth on a one-way ticket.”
Rentsch has family in Perth, and will move in with them in the short-term, with the former Good Shepherd College student excited to reunite with her sister as well.
“They’re super pumped for me to go over, it has finally heated up here, so it will be hotter over there,” she said.
“Mum’s dad is over there, mum’s sister, I have two cousins and my sister Jayde is doing uni over there as well.”
Rentsch signed a two-year deal after being drafted with Pick 2 in December’s AFLW Draft, and with the Eagles announcing Daisy Pearce as their new AFLW coach earlier in December, the opportunity to learn from one of the veterans of the competition still excites Rentsch.
“I just can’t wait to get over there and get stuck into it with Daisy,” she said.
“I will try and get into the club as soon as I can, so will head in there Thursday, and I am looking forward to it.”
The local is eyeing a spot on the wing, with fitness set to be a big focus in the coming months, with Rentsch also set to return next month for a family wedding.
