PENSHURST export, Jess Rentsch, is set for the big time with the 18-year-old making her AFW debut during last night’s round one clash between West Coast Eagles and Richmond in Perth.

The Eagles announced two debutants on Monday, with Rentsch finding out in front of her teammates.

“It feels unreal, I wasn’t expecting to find out Monday,” she told The Spectator.

“We were told the team would be announced Wednesday or Thursday, so I wasn’t prepared, but then I thought it was kind of strange they had the cameras all set up.

“I looked ratty, hadn’t done my hair, but I was just super excited.

“My heart was racing so fast; I was proper frazzled.”

Speaking to The Spectator 24 hours after the announcement, the former Good Shepherd College student has spoken to her family, many of whom will fly to Perth for the game at Mineral Resources Park

“I would say it probably has sunk in now,” she said.

“I got home, got to tell everyone over east, and live in that excitement bubble, then have been setting my focus on my role and what I can do to perform at my best.

“Mum and Dad and my older brother and his wife will be flying over, but not sure about Cooper yet.”

The number two pick in the 2023 AFLW draft set herself to make an immediate impression on the group, with the Eagles bringing in a raft of new players, along with new coach, Daisy Pearce.

Rentsch said she wanted to keep her expectations in check but worked hard with guidance from coaches along the way.

“I am a bit relieved; I went in with a bit of a pessimistic mindset, keeping it realistic, and it was good to have those honest conversations with Daisy,” she said.

“They were really honest with their feedback, and I put my all into each session.”

To share her debut with her family also isn’t on lost on the former Greater Western Victoria Rebel.

“It will be crazy special,” Rentsch said.

“Props to the club for being able to allow for interstate family and making it seamless, but it is good they are so supportive.

“It is probably close to six months since I’ve seen them.”

Rentsch missed the club’s practice game against Fremantle with a hamstring issue, before playing a half against St Kilda, where she spent time in the back line.

“There is still a lot for me to work on, but it did show me I am capable and the things I need to fix are easy,” she said.

“I am just trying to not think ahead, I would hate to go into the game already playing the scenarios in my head, that won’t set me up for a good game.

“I think it is lovely to play football in general, Melbourne is more convenient for the family, but hopefully if I keep putting good performances, I can be selected.”

Rentsch will also be part of Pearce’s AFLW senior coaching debut, with the Eagles mentor drawn to Rentsch’s athletic capabilities and her tough attitude on the field.

“We drafted Jess because we loved her competitiveness and athleticism, the way that she attacks the ball in the game and we thought she would be someone who could come in and have an immediate impact for us,’ Pearce said.

“She has great versatility, she can play midfield, she’s played on ball and on the wing, but we’re going to use her down back predominantly.

“Jess has the ability of being able to play on a range of different opponents, with her attitude of never wanting to give up and never conceding anything, whether that’s on talls or smalls, we know she will always compete.”

Cavendish product, Emma Kearney, will once again captain North Melbourne for the upcoming season, while Georgia Clarke will round out the local trifecta, suiting up for Essendon once again for her second season in the sash.