ANOTHER season of WAFLW Women’s action is just around the corner, with the season kicking off on March 28. As we did with the SANFL Women’s competition, Rookie Me Central will count down 15 players to watch in the upcoming year, focusing on either top-age or bottom-age prospects to keep in mind.

We continue our top 15 players to watch countdown – which will run over the three weeks to finish on the eve of the WAFL Women’s season – with the naturally talented Rikisha Nannup – who is one of five top-age Falcons in the State Academy.

West Perth, Western Australia GirlsMedium Forward

Rikisha Nannup

Height: 165cm

Weight: -

DOB: 23-04-2008

Positional Analysis

Nannup is capable of playing across all three lines which makes her a versatile and important player. Starting her junior career up forward, she also spent time in recent years off a wing and down back, with her running capacity coming to the fore, and ability to impact around the ground. She expects she will likely play a wing/defence role in 2026 as she looks to build into her top-age season coming off a delayed preseason due to a footy injury.

2025 Stats

WAFLW | 10.6 disposals | 2.7 marks | 1.9 tackles | 1.9 inside 50s (7 games)

AFLW U18s | DNP

Key Strengths

Nannup made the jump up from Rogers Cup to League last season and was a member of the State Academy squad, coming close to cracking in for a game or two late in the national championships. While that did not eventuate, she finished the year showing off a number of her skills which will only get better with more experience at senior level.

The West Perth prospect is more than capable in the air, both from an offensive and defensive standpoint, which is evident in her numbers. She averaged almost three marks per game, which is quite strong for a non-tall, and her ability to find open space and run stands out as well. She backs her endurance and is one to keep an eye on as the rest of her game rounds out this season.

2026

Eyeing off a spot in Western Australia’s winter squad this season, Nannup has some classy outside traits, and will be looking to build on more inside work against bigger bodies. She can do plenty when having grass in front of her and a knack to take the game on, but has the areas to build upon from a contested work and groundballs perspective.

She should get opportunities through the West Perth squad despite a delayed preseason, with Nannup so versatile that her magnet can be moved just about anywhere on the whiteboard. A big goal will be making the final West Australian squad again, and this time starting in game one and producing a really solid national carnival.

Summary

Nannup is a player who has shown promising signs in recent times about what she is capable of becoming in the future. Her ability to play any number of roles for her side is a big tick, and with some nice outside traits alongside a strong running capacity, she could be a big improver in 2026, hence making out list of ones to watch.