LADDER leaders East Fremantle have recorded a league-high six players in the Rookie Me Central West Australian Football League (WAFL) Women’s Team of the Week for Round 8. The Sharks circled Peel Thunder on the weekend, with the Thunder having the most of the losing sides with four, whilst the other two winners Claremont and South Fremantle had five and four representatives respectively. Rounding out the 24-player squad are Subiaco (three) and Swan Districts (two).

East Fremantle’s half a dozen players are spread out over the entire field, with AFLW-experienced full-back Alex Williams lining up just there. The midfield is an area where the Sharks usually feast, and it is true again, with Beth Beckett named vice-captain in the team after an outstanding performance, alongside Sharon Wong and Ashleigh Gomes. Larissa Versaci has been named on a half-forward flank, whilst Julia Teakle is at full-forward. Additionally, defender Hayley O’Donnell has been named as an emergency after a strong performance.

Claremont ruck Matilda Dyke played her best game yet since stepping up to the role due to injuries, named in the starting spot there, whilst teammate Tessa Doumanis made it into the team following a four-goal haul. Also in the side in defence in Madeleine Scanlon, who due to the strength in midfield has been pushed deeper than her usual position, whilst Eva Campo is at centre half-forward and Sarah Garstone is on the bench.

Out captain this week is none other than 100-gamer Lauren Vecchio who was inspirational during the Bulldogs’ win over Subiaco. She is joined in the side by Kiara Templeman and Poppy Stockwell on half-back and half-forward flanks. Also in the side is tackling machine Rosie Anderson, whilst fellow youngster Molly O’Hehir is one of the three emergencies.

Peel Thunder still had some impressive performers despite the loss, with Ebony Dowson making it into the side again, and like Scanlon, was pushed back to deep in defence based on the strength in midfield. In her 150th game, Greta McKinley secured a place on the half-back flank, with Bailey Molloy on the wing again, and Chloe Wrigley securing a bench place.

Subiaco’s trio of players was lead by Team of the Week regular and club captain Tarnica Golisano, whilst fellow midfielder Madizen Wilkins and ruck Tess Lyons also secured their spots in the side. Jayme Harken was named as an emergency after a consistent effort. Meanwhile Swan Districts duo Isabella Edgley (centre half-back) and Sophie Proudfoot (interchange) completed the side for Round 8.

ROOKIE ME CENTRAL WAFL WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE WEEK: ROUND 8

B: Ebony Dowson (Peel Thunder) – Alex Williams (East Fremantle) – Madeleine Scanlon (Claremont)
HB: Kiara Templeman (South Fremantle) – Isabella Edgley (Swan Districts) – Greta McKinley (Peel Thunder)
C: Madizen Wilkins (Subiaco) – Beth Beckett (East Fremantle) (vc) – Bailey Molloy (Peel Thunder)
HF: Poppy Stockwell (South Fremantle) – Eva Campo (Claremont) – Larissa Versaci (East Fremantle)
F: Tessa Doumanis (Claremont) – Julia Teakle (East Fremantle) – Rosie Anderson (South Fremantle)
R: Matilda Dyke (Claremont) – Lauren Vecchio (South Fremantle) (c) – Sharon Wong (East Fremantle)
INT: Sarah Garstone (Claremont) – Tarnica Golisano (Subiaco) – Ashleigh Gomes (East Fremantle) – Tess Lyons (Subiaco) – Sophie Proudfoot (Swan Districts) – Chloe Wrigley (Peel Thunder)

EMG: Hayley O’Donnell (East Fremantle) – Jayme Harken (Subiaco) – Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle)