NAMED best on ground in last year’s Rogers Cup Grand Final, Tayah Nicholson is hoping that can propel her into an even bigger 2026 campaign. The top-ager started her West Australian pathway journey at local level, but has become a big feature of the Falcons’ three-peat at Rogers Cup level, and now her sights are set on bigger goals.
We spoke to Nicholson at the West Australian Preseason Combine about her career so far, style of play, and what goals she sets for herself.
Q: Tayah, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
TN: “I think it’s been about five years I’ve been playing. First year I played for Yanchep Districts Redhawks. Then I got called about a state program. It was a bit hard at first because everyone else was in Subi, West Perth, everyone was in a club so I was the only non-club girl. That was good, met so many new people. Then I did 16s, that was also really fun meeting more new people. I came to West Perth, it’s so good here, I love it here. Everyone’s so friendly and coaches do help you lot. Scotty (Kounis) the three-peat Rogers Cup coach, he was really good.”
Q: What is your preferred position?
TN: “Probably inside mid, but for state, I don’t know why I just enjoy playing wing and half-back.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
TN: “Definitely my fearlessness. I’m not scared to go in for the ball, and my tackling.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
TN: “Definitely my endurance. My running is my big thing.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
TN: “Scotty (Kounis), definitely. He’s pushed me to my limits, even though I’ve always complained to him, he’s always pushed me and without him I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Q: Which AFLW club do you support?
TN: “Eagles of course.”
Q: Who do you look up to at the top level?
TN: “I’d say Ella Roberts or Georgie Cleaver. Georgie Cleaver because she’s fierce in the back and Ella Roberts is just hungry for that ball, she wants it so bad, she’s so inspirational.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself?
TN: “To get into the winter program and to hopefully get into the draft and go to Eagles. That would be a dream, but just get as far as I can really.”
