THOUGH similar to the SANFL Women’s in the fact the WAFL Women’s have played eight rounds of actual matches, 10 rounds have officially passed which includes two league-wide byes. That means the eight sides enter Round 11 this weekend, the start of the final six rounds for the 2024 season,.

HISTORY

The last two seasons, the minor premiers have finished unbeaten with 14 wins, or 13 wins and a draw, only to go on and lose the grand final the same year. Both East Fremantle and then Claremont suffered that face to the other, and with the Tigers losing in Round 9, it means that the streak will be broken with each team suffering at least one loss.

For WAFLW fans, there are essentially five teams who are in the major hunt for four spots, though mathematically Subiaco could get in with its impressive percentage. A miraculous recovery from East Perth with virtually no blemishes could do it, but realistically the top five sides have the jump on the bottom three teams.

TOP SIDE

Claremont

Last year’s minor premier and runner-up is looking hungrier than ever this year, beating each of the sides already this season. In a shock result last time out, the Tigers fell apart against Swan Districts in a match that they will no doubt take plenty of learnings from. At their best, they are ruthless and move the ball exceptionally well, with few sides that can go with them for four quarters.

MAIN CHALLENGER

East Fremantle

The main side to challenge the Tigers this season, the reigning premiers are always a threat. Having only lost to Claremont thus far, the Sharks have shown they are a class above the rest at this point, and should be there when the whips are cracking. Like the Tigers, East Fremantle is a side with finals seen as a mere formality, and at full strength, is difficult to contain.

DANGERS

West Perth

The new kids on the block in terms of title contenders, making finals would have been West Perth’s goal at the start of the season, and barring a second half collapse, the Falcons look to have done that. They sit two wins clear inside the top three, and boast the highest percentage of anyone with 207.7. They have not been able to match it with the top two for long enough though, so are a rung below them.

South Fremantle

The Bulldogs have been struck with plenty of injuries this season, and will rue a shock loss to East Perth last round that would have kept them within striking distance of a double chance. Now three wins behind the top two, a spot up there looks incredibly unlikely. They should still get through to finals, though Swan Districts’ upset of Claremont would have made a few in the red and white incredibly nervous.

ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE

Swan Districts

A couple of weeks ago it did not look like Swan Districts was going to be a threat against the top three this season when suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of West Perth. A week is a long time in football though, and the Black Ducks’ upset of Claremont was jaw-dropping. If they play like that each week, anything is possible and no doubt other sides have stood up and taken notice.

NEED TO BE FLAWLESS

Subiaco

Percentage is what is keeping Subiaco in the conversation, having kicked themselves out of some wins, but having other huge ones has meant the Lions are not completely done with finals calculations. If, as expected they need six wins though, essentially the Lions need to win the final six matches. A tough ask, but mathematically possible.

ALREADY A TICK

East Perth

Regardless of what happens from here, East Perth fans should be happy with what the Royals have been able to accomplish from year one to year two. No doubt after their Round 1 smashing at the hands of Subiaco, the doubt would have crept in, but with two wins in the past three rounds, the belief is high and the Royals are starting to believe in the light at the end of the tunnel. They won’t make finals this year given their percentage, but 2024 has been a memorable one.

FULL REBUILD MODE

Peel Thunder

It has been a tough, but not completely shock season for a rebuilding Peel Thunder side. Under a new coach and focusing on youth, the Thunder sit winless from eight games. They have been able to blood a stack of new players who will form the future core of the club, but will obviously suffer some short-term pain for what they hope will be long-term gain.