WEST Perth had no shortage of impressive performers during the Falcons’ win over Peel Thunder at Mandurah, recording an equal league-high five representatives alongside reigning premiers Claremont in our Round 11 WAFL Women’s Team of the Week. East Fremantle also had a big win and managed four players in our side, with the Thunder (three) the highest of the losing sides.

The Falcons had some familiar faces in this week’s team, with midfielder Emily Bennett named vice-captain for Round 11, while fellow midfielders Jeevna Heer and Bianca Webb made it in again on the wing and bench respectively. Defender Jess Roper and forward-midfielder Grace Betti also found themselves in the side.

Claremont’s side features a couple of forwards in Jacinta Valentini and Rachel Ortlepp who both kicked two goals in the win over South Fremantle, with full-back Mackenzie Webb again stepping up when it counted. Jayme Harken and Matilda Sergeant performed strongly to earns their places in the side once more.

East Fremantle bounced back from some disappointing results to post a large win over East Perth and had four representatives in the Team of the Week. Experienced Shark Larissa Versaci was named at half-forward and given the captain’s armband for the week after 26 disposals, six marks, nine tackles and six inside 50s in a best on ground performance. She was joined in the side by talented youngsters Zippy Fish and Georgie Cleaver, as well as consistent midfielder Beth Beckett.

In the one-point nail-biter between Swan Districts and Subiaco, there were plenty of even contributors across the board making it difficult to select individuals. Winners Swan Districts had forward Cassie McWilliam and midfielder Tyla Fitzgerald made the team, with Ruby Mahony named as an emergency. Subiaco had forward Hanna Dethlefsen after a league-high three goals this round, as well as winger Grace Hahnel. Tough midfielder/forward Eva Popovsky was another emergency with Claremont’s Claire Ortlepp.

Despite defeat, Peel Thunder’s usual suspects in defenders Evie Cowcher and Ebony Dowson made it in again, while Greta McKinley racked up a league-high 29 touches en route to slotting into the centre. South Fremantle duo Ariana Hetherington and Molly O’Hehir, and East Perth’s Julia Uhe rounded out the 24-player squad.

2023 WAFLW TEAM OF THE WEEK: ROUND 11

B: Jess Roper (West Perth) – Mackenzie Webb (Claremont) – Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder)
HB: Zippy Fish (East Fremantle) – Julia Uhe (East Perth) – Ebony Dowson (Peel Thunder)
C: Jeevna Heer (West Perth) – Greta McKinley (Peel Thunder) – Grace Hahnel (Subiaco)
HF: Larissa Versaci (East Fremantle) (c) – Georgie Cleaver (East Fremantle) – Grace Betti (West Perth)
F: Rachel Ortlepp (Claremont) – Hanna Dethlefsen (Subiaco) – Cassie McWilliam (Swan Districts)
R: Ariana Hetherington (South Fremantle) – Jayme Harken (Claremont) – Emily Bennett (West Perth) (vc)
INT: Beth Beckett (East Fremantle) – Tyla Fitzgerald (Swan Districts) – Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle) – Matilda Sergeant (Claremont) – Jacinta Valentini (Claremont) – Bianca Webb (West Perth)

EMG: Ruby Mahony (Swan Districts) – Claire Ortlepp (Claremont) – Eva Popovsky (Subiaco)