WEST Perth broke through for a maiden finals series last season and reached a preliminary final, pushing the top two teams at different points. Some critical losses late in the year meant a brief stint inside the top two was wiped away, but the Falcons still lived up to the hype making it past all bar the two best teams of the past three seasons.

LAST SEASON: 3rd
2025 PREDICTION: 3rd-6th

The 2025 season looms as one where ideally West Perth would love to remain in finals, though a few teams that missed are coming for their spot. It is anticipated the Falcons will be one of those teams fighting for a postseason series place, with wins against the sides around them musts, as are facing the bottom three teams.

STATE ACADEMY MEMBERS (TOP-AGE)

Comments by West Australian Female Talent Manager Trent Cooper

Sophie Fisher
Tall Utility | 181cm | 03/10/2007

“Sophie’s a player that played 16s a couple of years ago. Can play as a full-forward or as an intercept defender and is still working on her craft and her endurance at this stage.”

Mia Russo
Midfielder/Forward | 165cm | 06/08/2007

“Mia has trained really well through the summer. Inside mid, explosive out of the stoppage and is really working on her weaknesses. She’s got so many strengths but she’s really focused on being an all-round player. She’s going to be a valuable addition for whoever she plays for.”

>> WAFLW 15 to Watch in 2025: #3 Mia Russo

Samara Sallie
Defender | 169cm | 07/03/2007

“Samara’s an elite sprinting athlete and is just working on her endurance and a few of her skill areas to give herself the best chance of being a good elite player for West Perth and making our squad going forward.”

OTHERS:

Cara Dziegielewski (Bottom-ager)
Rikisha Nannup (Bottom-ager)
Tayah Nicholson (Bottom-ager)
Lexi Strachan (Bottom-ager)

KEY PLAYERS

Emily Bennett
Midfielder | 164cm | 26/12/2002

The West Perth co-captain has become an incredibly consistent performer at WAFLW level since having AFLW experience with the Eagles. Though a natural midfielder with her toughness at the contest, Bennett’s power and penetrating kick also allow her to play outside roles, and she is accustomed to half-back where she spent a fair bit of her junior career. Brings 100 per cent every single game.

Taylor Ferguson
Wing | 166cm | 16/09/1996

Ferguson has enjoyed a couple of really strong seasons on the wing for West Perth, playing all of the side’s 30 games in the past two seasons. She averaged 19.7 disposals, 4.6 marks and 3.4 inside 50s with her ability to hold her line and get into space impressive. She adds a point of difference on the outside to a side featuring strong inside midfielders.

Madison Dodd
Utility | 167cm | 11/03/2005

A boom recruit from Subiaco, Dodd is another 100 per cent effort player who will bring a hungry, competitive attitude to every contest. The former Lion has played across all three lines, and she can impact both offensively and defensively. That versatility will help depending on the opponent and availability of teammates, with Dodd having only just turned 20 so is still young.

ROUND 1

vs. Subiaco
Saturday March 29, 6:30pm
Joondalup Arena