WEST PERTH has plenty of promising AFLW Draft prospects in this year’s draft cop, and among them is Rikisha Nannup who enters 2026 with WAFLW experience and having trained with the West Australian summer squad. Now the Falcons’ top-ager is gunning to lock in her place across both squad in what is set to be her biggest year yet.
We spoke to Nannup at the West Australian Preseason Testing event about her football journey, rise through the ranks, game and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Rikisha, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
RN: “I started Auskick so probably at the age of five or six. Just worked my way through juniors, played mix till Year 7 and then I went into the girls comps. Then started doing the West Perth Development squad and then got into the inaugural Team of the Year for the Metro Junior Football Club. Did a few Freo programs, the Under 16s programs. Played Under 16s and then last year I played Under 18s in the summer program. I didn’t get a game though unfortunately but hopefully this year. I debuted in League last year and I’m here now. Played the Indigenous Academy over in Melbourne and Brisbane too, that was fun.”
Q: How’s you preseason been so far?
RN: “A little bit rocky. I’ve got a little foot injury so I’m just building back volume so just trying to get back to as good as I can.”
Q: How long ago did you do the injury?
RN: “About four months ago. I had to have about three weeks off completely, no running, nothing. that was pretty hard, I just had to just sit back and watch the girls and support. But I’ve been coming back, just building back volume and everything. It’s made me more excited every day for training.”
Q: Where do you expect to play on the field?
RN: “I’m a bit of a utility so last year in League I was more wing and centre half-back so probably around there. I wouldn’t mind experimenting around centre half-forward, small forward. That’s my original position from junior years, wouldn’t mind coming back there and just maybe across the midfield as well. Honestly anywhere, I’m pretty much good to go anywhere, happy with it.”
Q: Can you talk me through some of the strengths in your game and some things you’re still working on?
RN: “My marking, I feel like its a strong suit, getting in the air and marking, spoiling. Probably endurance, just being able to run out the whole game and just feeling really strong throughout it. Obviously I’m still building back so probably wouldn’t be my strong suit right now, but when I get back to it, definitely where my strong suit is at. What I want to work on more is getting in and under the ball, groundballs and really taking the game on because when I do get in and I take the game on I love that feeling so I just want to get comfortable doing that a lot more.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of football? What team do you support?
RN: “Yeah I do. If you asked my family, probably Eagles. But if the Dockers are on, I know a couple of the girls through the programs and what not so it’s good to support them and the men of course.”
Q: Do you have any mentors or anyone you look up and play like?
RN: “Definitely for mentors and just guidance, Aine (Tighe). I love Aine, she’s such a good rolemodel for us girls. Really good. For idol and who I base my game off or I like how she plays is Gabby O’Sullivan. She really takes the game on, she’s really powerful, speedy and she gets in and does the work.”
Q: What goals have you set up for yourself?
RN: “Just putting myself in the best position for draft time this year and playing League consistently and getting into the winter program. Just everything to set me up for a good year for draft time.”
