Maddy Collier enjoys being with her new Australian Football League Women team-mates and is confident they will do well.
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The Nowra product headed across the country during the off-season to join the West Coast Eagles on a two-year deal.
Staying with the Greater Western Sydney Giants' team was an option but Collier decided the time was right for a change.
"I was looking for a challenge and wanted to take my footy to the next level," she said.
"I have no regrets about the move - I am 100 per cent about that."
The Eagles, in turn, as they prepare for their inaugural season in the AFLW competition, wanted a player of Collier's talent and experience and she has been welcomed into the Eagles' 'nest' with welcome arms.
Her selection in the Eagles' leadership group shows how well things are going.
"I was selected in the leadership group by my peers and it's both humbling and endearing," she said.
"The girls have been fantastic to me - they are all just bloody awesome."
Collier describes the Eagles' squad as being a "mixed bag '' when it comes to their footy origins but says they are combining together well.
She said the coaching staff headed up by head coach Luke Dywer and the likes of Adam Sellwood deserve credit for the way the Eagles are progressing.
Collier said Dwyer's support, self-reflection and his genuine interest in the welfare of his players make him a great coach.
The 24-year-old former Nowra High School student has been working hard during the pre-season and said she was happy with her fitness level.
"I feel I am running a bit better," she said.
Collier for the last few seasons has been playing half-forward after previously being in the halfback/midfield area.
The season starts on February 9 and the Eagles are away to powerhouse club Collingwood in Melbourne.
"It's going to be a tough game in front of their fanatical fans. However, it's going to be the same for them when they play here because we have fanatical fans as well," she said.
All this is building up to round three when the Eagles play the Giants at Blacktown.
"I am expecting to cop some flak," she said.
Collier has the utmost respect for the Giants and has many good friends in the Western Sydney based squad.
"I did not leave the club on bad terms," she said.
Who knows - a flag is not out of the question.
"You never say never," was Collier's response when she was asked if the Eagles would win the grand final.
She added, it was hard to gauge each team's form, given that a footy has not been kicked in anger yet.
Collier, when she is not training or playing, studies nutrition and holds down two jobs.
