ROUND 4 concludes today in the WAFL Women’s with a Perth Derby and a battle between two mid-table teams searching to grab a top four spot. We preview both matches that make for a fascinating day’s play.

FORM

Both these teams sit with one win for the season, as Peel Thunder smashed Perth before gallant losses to East Fremantle and South Fremantle. The Swans went down to Subiaco last weekend after toppling East Perth in the opening round and having a bye in between.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Coming off a successful Under 16s Championships, Peel pair Tiama Collard and Charlie Fletcher both return for the home match, amongst six confirmed chances. Two-goal forward from last week Tess Hall will miss in Round 4, but the biggest out is star defender Evie Cowcher who will represent the National Academy in Melbourne.

Swan Districts has been able to switch some experience around with Demi Liddle and Courtney Zappara coming in for Emma Nanut and Hope Ugle-Hayward at the respective ends of the field.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Without Cowcher, Peel’s top talent comes in the form of Collard and Fletcher who are raw and developing. They are going to be exciting to watch over the coming years, as is Carys D’Addario who has established herself as a key midfielder in the team. Top-age tall Ava Stewart has been named up forward for this match as well.

PREDICTION

On paper Swan Districts just look too experienced across the board. The Black Ducks have a host of past AFLW experienced talents and a nice blend of very good state leaguers. Peel has proven it will not be blown away like in past years, but no Cowcher – who usually saves a few goals a game with her intercepting – will hurt.

FORM

These two sides sit winless in season 2025 with the loser to be temporarily on the bottom of the ladder. East Perth now into its third season and Perth in its first, the sides are relatively new with the Demons losing to Peel Thunder, South Fremantle and West Perth, while East Perth went down to Swan Districts and Subiaco before having a bye last round.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Both teams have made a few changes with Lucy Greenwood representing the All-Stars in Melbourne against the National Academy, and Brianna Hyde missing for the Royals. Ex-Bulldog Kahra Sprylan comes in for her first match with the Royals to sure them up, while Zoe Peters, Kiahn Perry and Taylor Drummond are the other inclusions. For Perth, ex-international netballer Caitlin Bassett is back for her second WAFLW game alongside Chanelle Myburgh and Kailey Secomb, while Skye Elliott, Lauren Davey and Natalie House are the outs.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

There is just one State Academy member in the Perth Derby, being top-ager Addison Opalinski, though several players who received Draft Combine invites last season such as Holly Britton and Sabella Banks are enjoying strong seasons.

PREDICTION

East Perth should have the experience edge and in defence particularly be able to quell most Perth forward attacks. The midfield battle is even across the board, while both sides have some potential up forward but that is the Achilles heel. The Royals in a close one.