OFF-SEASONS can often be the catalyst for in-season success, and several state league clubs will hope that is the case in 2026. In a new series on Rookie Me Central, we highlight some of the most exciting recruitment drives from around the country. Next up is WAFL runner-up East Perth.

>> RECRUITMENT DRIVE: Sandringham | St Kilda | South Adelaide | Subiaco

After back-to-back League grand final defeats, the Royals are still hunting for their first top flight flag since 2002. Their pursuit of that elusive premiership has been aided by four outstanding acquisitions, including three who have spent time on AFL lists around the country.

East Perth’s list builds have always prioritised the pathway for home grown talent, but also encapsulate the targeted recruiting of experience, list needs, depth and quality. As much is evident in the Royals’ latest haul, which ticks the box for list needs and quality on every line.

With the squad set to be finalised in February, we profile the recruits set to headline East Perth’s latest title tilt.

2026 ADDITIONS

Darcy Craven (Brisbane Lions/return)
Small Forward | 175cm | 22/07/2004

Craven will be familiar to the Royals faithful having been drafted out of East Perth in the 2024 mid-season intake. He returns from Brisbane with VFL experience under his belt, looking to add to his three WAFL League games back in 2024. Boasting a searing left-foot kick and keen eye for goal, the 21-year-old will be an asset in the forward half with his defensive pressure. He may even be unleashed in roles further afield having showcased his midfield craft while coming through the Royals’ Colts pathway.

Damon Freitag (South Adelaide)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 28/03/2001

The Royals have been on the hunt for a readymade ruck-forward and landed one in Freitag. He’s a seasoned state league footballer at 24-years-old with 65 SANFL League games under his belt after debuting in 2021. Freitag was a junior state representative for South Australia and has been renowned for his aerial ability, whether that be in the ruck or while clunking pack marks around the ground. Above all, he’s a competitor who consistently hits the scoreboard as a dual-position threat.

Luke Foley (Subiaco)
Defender | 189cm | 08/10/1999

Foley is a massive coup among the local ranks. While injury curtailed his 2025 season, the 26-year-old made 14 appearances at home club Subiaco in 2024 and comes with 32 games of AFL experience. He also racked up plenty of League exposure with West Coast’s reserves during his five-year career at the Eagles. Foley makes the switch from last year’s ninth-placed side to a genuine flag contender, all while remaining at Leederville Oval. He adds class and reliability to the Royals’ deep defensive stocks.

Cooper Stephens (Injury)
Midfielder | 188cm | 17/01/2001

Stephens is the Royals’ third fresh face who comes with experience on an AFL list, although is technically a signing from 2025. The inside midfielder suffered an ACL tear during last year’s preseason, so essentially starts anew at East Perth in 2026. After being selected with pick 16 in the 2019 AFL Draft, he battled injury setbacks and played just seven games for Geelong before being traded to Hawthorn. With a clean run at it, he’ll offer invaluable support to gun mids like Tom North and Hamish Brayshaw.