A UNIQUE four-game first round evening fixture takes place in the WAFL Women’s tonight as the 2024 season kicks off. All eight teams are back to square one, with reigning champions East Fremantle taking on their South counterparts in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final, while runners-up Claremont host Swan Districts.

Saturday, March 2
Sullivan Logistics Stadium @ 4:10pm

Last season

East Perth’s inaugural season went the same way as the Royals’ predecessors from the west, failing to win a game but showing competitive signs later in the season. Subiaco also missed out on finals, and ended up finishing in fifth.

Changes

East Perth will hugely benefit from the inclusion of Dana East who will spend the early part of the season with the Royals. The Dockers AFLW-listed talent will play alongside fellow recruit and ex-Dog Jess Verbrugge in this game.

Subiaco has gained plenty of experience with Beatrice Devlyn and Maggie MacLachlan both back for the Lions, while they also have the experience of Airlie Runnalls and Amy Mulholland for the match.

Key Matchup

Olivia Wolmarans (Subiaco) vs. Sarah Madden (East Perth)

Madden was one of East Perth’s shining lights last season in the back half, standing up relentlessly against the opposition. She has a huge task up against young gun Wolmarans who is an athletic as they come, and can do a lot of damage on the scoreboard.

Prediction

Subiaco should be too experienced for East Perth, and while the Royals will have improved cohesion, are still building themselves up to be successful in the long-term.

Saturday, March 2
Revo Fitness Stadium @ 4:10pm

Last season

Claremont stormed through the season undefeated as reigning premiers, but then failed to take home the big one, going down in the grand final. The Tigers will be hungry to avenge that, starting with Swan Districts who also made finals but bowed out in week one.

Changes

Swan District has lost plenty of experience over the off-season, but the recruitment of Emma Humphries and return of former skipper Emily McGuire will be crucial for the Black Ducks. Claremont on the other hand have also added a number of fresh faces including ex-Shark Anjelique Raison and former AFLW midfielder Emily Bonser.

Key Matchup

Juliet Kelly (Subiaco) vs. Carys D’Addario (Swan Districts)

This matchup will be one to watch for the 2025 AFLW Draft, as both players are among the top prospects from that draft class. Kelly has an elite endurance base and starred at the recent testing event, while D’Addario is a powerful athlete herself and showed huge signs prior to injury last season.

Prediction

Claremont is the proven challenger and arguably the team to beat this season. Swan Districts has some talented players, but expect the Tigers to be too strong across the board in the match.

Saturday, March 2
Fremantle Community Bank Oval @ 4:40pm

Last season

Both these sides were premiership contenders throughout the season, with East Fremantle saluting in the main game after losing to Claremont 12 months earlier. The Sharks will be keen to kick off their premiership defence on the right note, while the Bulldogs – who bowed out in straight sets last season – will want to avenge that preliminary final exit to their eastern rivals.

Changes

East Fremantle has been able to secure the services of ex-Swan Districts tall and AFLW-listed Sarah Wielstra as well as former Thunder midfielder and ex-Carlton listed midfielder Chloe Wrigley. Both will add further depth to a very talented list.

South Fremantle has welcomed in former Subiaco player Madizen Wilkins and Tasmanian ruck Charlotte Vandenberg with the latter making the trek across the country. Fellow tall Kate Newson has crossed from Peel to the Bulldogs as well.

Key Matchup

Molly O’Hehir (South Fremantle) vs. Zippy Fish (East Fremantle)

There might be close to 20cm height difference between them, but seeing the two best West Australian prospects going head-to-head would be exciting. Both have been named on-ball and will likely be second possession receivers who use their explosive speed and skills to get their sides on top.

Prediction

In what is expected to be a cracking contest, it could go down to the wire. The reigning premiers might have a slight experience advantage, but the Bulldogs are just as damaging particularly with the youth coming through the program.

Saturday, March 2
Leederville Oval @ 5:10pm

Last season

Both these sides missed finals, but Peel Thunder proved to be most impacted, slipping down to second last after starting the season in solid form. Injuries along with experience departing really hurt the two-time WAFL Women’s premiers. West Perth showed plenty of promise with five wins after going winless in their inaugural season.

Changes

Peel Thunder will bbe a vastly young side in 2024 once again, with Swan Districts’ Riley Fisher the one experienced newcomer for Round 1.

West Perth has made plenty of changes but some are yet to come in, with Imahra Cameron slotting into the midfield for Round 1. Retired international netballer Stacey Francis-Bayman will also make her debut, while AFLW Under 16s MVP Mia Russo makes her League debut.

Key Matchup

Katherine Bennett (West Perth) vs. Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder)

Though not necessarily likely to go head-to-head, Bennett is a crucial part of the Falcons’ attacking movement, while Cowcher is simply Peel’s most important player. The 2023 WAFLW Rising Star creates so much rebound out of defence for the Thunder she is critical for the way they play, while the Falcons will be looking to quell her and pinpoint options inside 50.

Prediction

West Perth has got stronger, while Peel Thunder has headed deeper into the youth rebuild track so therefore the Falcons should come away with the chocolates in this one. The Falcons are good enough to play finals this season, and if they are to do that, these types of games are must-wins.