AVOIDING a second successive wooden spoon in just its second year, East Perth showed marked improvement in 2024. The previously newest WAFL Women’s club – which will now be replaced by Perth in those stakes – produced some great competitive efforts throughout the year despite still being quite young.

LAST SEASON: 7th
2025 PREDICTION: 6th-8th

East Perth looms as a side that has enough quality to see off the likes of Peel Thunder and potentially have the experience edge on Perth to remain just outside the top group. There are a few sides ahead of the Royals in terms of finals calculations, but a consistent, competitive year where East Perth is still fighting for four quarters in games even late in the season will be a big tick for the side.

STATE ACADEMY MEMBERS (TOP-AGE)

Comments by West Australian Female Talent Manager Trent Cooper

Lucy Greenwood
Forward/Wing | 163cm | 23/03/2007

“Lucy had an injury interrupted year last year and really didn’t get going in the National Championships until the last quarter where she kicked three goals against South Australia. Really skilful, smart player and she still had a bit of hangover with the injury from the ankle but she’s now back in full training and expecting her to have a really good season.”

OTHERS:

Charli Bassett (Bottom-age)

KEY PLAYERS

Hayley O’Donnell
Defender | 173cm | 15/01/2001

East Perth really lacked experience over its first two seasons, particularly players with premiership experience. Enter former Sharks defender O’Donnell who immediately provides composure and relief to the back half of the ground. With so many young talents in defence, she will add a steady head and a reliability to the Royals’ game.

Emily Boothman
Midfielder | 176cm | 28/05/2004

Boothman trained on at the Eagles over the off-season indicating she is still being watched by the local AFLW clubs. The former South Fremantle talent is a tall midfielder who can compete strongly both in the air and at ground level. While never being a massive ball-winner, Boothman increased her numbers significantly in her second season at the Royals and will be looking to go to another level in 2025.

Jess Verbrugge
Midfielder | 172cm | 04/02/2004

The 21-year-old was a talented junior coming throough the pathways a few years back and remains an important player at WAFLW level. She has some really eye-catching traits and with East Perth’s inside midfield growing deeper, it allows the likes of Verbrugge to be second-possession winners and flourish with athleticism and smarts going forward. A key player on-ball.

ROUND 1

vs. Swan Districts
Saturday March 29, 5:05pm
Sullivan Logistics Stadium