First finals appearance front of mind for Eagles star Ella
Roberts was instrumental in the Eagles' season-opening win over Gold Coast at Mineral Resources Park on Thursday night, kicking the first two goals of the game and notching a game-high 24 disposals.
While she made an early case to add an AFLW best and fairest to her impressive resume following her first club champion award and All-Australian blazer last season, Roberts said team success was her only motivation in 2025.
'I'm not after personal goals at all this year, I just want to play more football and more football means finals,' she told The West Australian.
'So, I'm fully committed to team success and getting into finals is my goal.'
The Eagles got Daisy Pearce's second season as coach off to a perfect start, defeating the Suns by 15 points in their first of 12 games this AFLW home and away campaign.
And Roberts hopes that form, as well as her own, continues to build.
'To come out and start the season like that is really impressive and hopefully we can carry that form into the season,' she said.
'Starting the game really well was important to me to try and get myself on for a good game and I felt like I was able to do that, so pretty happy with how I went.'
After a club record four wins last year, Roberts believes the group has taken big steps forward in their development, with 18 months under Pearce ahead of 2025.
'We have seen a massive amount of improvement,' she said.
'We have been able to really go after our game plan and our team defence this preseason and I think that was on show (against Gold Coast).' Roberts starred against the Suns. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
Roberts also praised the club's first round draft pick Lucia Painter for her stellar performance on debut, kicking three goals in a quarter.
'I couldn't believe what I was seeing. She is an absolute star,' Roberts said.
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