SUBIACO topped all-comers in our WAFL Women’s Team of the Week following a fifth straight win, with five representatives making the 24-strong squad. The Lions had one more than fellow winners Claremont and Swan Districts, while East Fremantle had three, the same amount as the most competitive loser West Perth.

It was fitting that after yet another victory, the stacked Lions also held the captaincy position with former Demon and Eagle, Krstel Petrevski. She is right in the box seat for a Dhara Kerr Medal this season such is her form, and she racked up a remarkable 34 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and four inside 50s to earn the armband for Round 5. Her deputy is the reigning two-time league best and fairest winner in Jayme Harken, who was her defensive self against Peel Thunder, laying 11 tackles from 28 touches, two marks and six inside 50s.

Subiaco has no shortage of big names in the side, with AFLW experience galore. West Coast star Dana Hooker unsurprisingly made it for a second straight week since coming into the state league competition, while at half-forward, the likes of Lisa Steane and Maggie MacLachlan slot in due to the strength of the midfield. However the feel-good story has to be the return of defender Olivia Crane who slotted straight back into the lineup from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and caught the eye.

Claremont was not too far behind its biggest flag threat, with Harken joined in the middle by ruck Matilda Husband. Up forward, Rachel Ortlepp booted a round-high three goals, while youngster Juliet Kelly was named at half-back in an all top-age defensive line with Crane and Peel Thunder star Evie Cowcher. The latter had midfielder Chloe Wrigley in the team who for another week just missed out on a starting spot.

Swan Districts was headlined by defender and co-skipper Eliza Gelmi who was named in the back pocket after a strong effort thwarting West Perth. Forward Courtney Zappara earned a place at full-forward despite not hitting the scoreboard, with her work up the ground to set up her teammates noticeable, and she is familiar with the role. Kayley King found her place on a wing, and Carys D’Addario earned a spot on the interchange.

The other winning side for the weekend was East Fremantle who triumphed over East Perth. Jae Flynn and Noa McNaughton were named in the front half of the ground, with skipper Ashleigh Gomes on the bench. For the Royals, defender Layla Firns slotted into a back pocket, as midfielder Jess Verbrugge snagged the coveted centre spot.

West Perth defender Liliana Grassenis really impressed in defence trying to quell the Swans and earned a starting spot at full-back, while teammates Madison Dodd and Mia Russo made their way onto the interchange after being among the best for their side in the loss to Swan Districts.

Rounding out the 24-strong squad is South Fremantle’s sole representative in top-age midfielder Renee Morgan, while the three emergencies selected are Brooke Repacholi (East Fremantle), Elly Sara (East Perth) and Mackenzie Webb (Claremont).

2025 WAFLW TEAM OF THE WEEK: ROUND 5

B: Layla Firns (East Perth) – Liliana Grassenis (West Perth) – Eliza Gelmi (Swan Districts)
HB: Juliet Kelly (Claremont) – Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder) – Olivia Crane (Subiaco)
C: Kayley King (Swan Districts) – Jess Verbrugge (East Perth) – Dana Hooker (Subiaco)
HF: Jae Flynn (East Fremantle) – Maggie MacLachlan (Subiaco) – Lisa Steane (Subiaco)
F: Rachel Ortlepp (Claremont) – Courtney Zappara (Swan Districts) – Noa McNaughton (East Fremantle)
R: Matilda Husband (Claremont) – Jayme Harken (Claremont) (vc) – Krstel Petrevski (Subiaco) (c)
INT: Carys D’Addario (Swan Districts) – Madison Dodd (West Perth) – Ash Gomes (East Fremantle) – Renee Morgan (South Fremantle) – Mia Russo (West Perth) – Chloe Wrigley (Peel Thunder)

EMG: Brooke Repacholi (East Fremantle) – Elly Sara (East Perth) – Mackenzie Webb (Claremont)