AFTER a maiden finals series in 2024, South Fremantle slumped outside the top four in 2025 with some super highs, and frustrating lows which saw the Bulldogs record a sixth place finish overall. Having gained plenty of experience back and new to the club entering the 2026 season, expect South Fremantle to make its way into the postseason again.

LAST SEASON

Finished: 6th
Wins: 8
Losses: 8

South Fremantle’s final win-loss record of 8-8 told a story as it summed up the Bulldogs’ season. They had some incredible highs – including beating the top sides – but also dropped games they shouldn’t have, culminating in missing out on finals by four points and percentage.

OFF-SEASON RECRUITS

South Fremantle brought in a host of Sharks to keep the Fremantle Derby atmosphere well and truly alive. None were bigger than Sharks premiership skipper Ashleigh Gomes, while the experienced midfielder joined young pair Natasha Entwistle and Madison Evans who will provide plenty of intercepting and drive down the field. Evans can take a key post in defence, while Entwistle has the capacity to rotate between midfield and half-back.

After initially playing a return to South Fremantle last season, tenacious small forward Makaela Tuhakaraina took the year off due to pregnancy, but has returned to add spark to the front half. She will be joined by ex-Pie and Docker Mikayla Hyde who has opted to join the premiership contender over pairing up with her twin sister Brianna at East Perth.

TOP-AGE DRAFT CHANCES

Talented defender Marie Polimeno is the key name from the Bulldogs, having impressed last season for the red and white, as well as Western Australia, to the point of receiving an Under 17 Future invite. The smooth-moving back can also play on a wing, and provides nice run and carry across the ground.

The other top-age prospect in the summer hub is former Swan Districts player Shaya Yarran. She has shown promise in the past, and with a fresh environment to change it up, is hoping to go to another level in 2026.

PRESEASON DRAFT HOPES

All eyes will be on exciting tall forward Alira Fotu who focused on basketball in recent months but kept her options open after nominating for last year’s AFLW Draft. Not expecting to be picked up then due to the uncertainty, Fotu is viewed as an obvious choice should she opt for AFLW over college basketball. On top of Fotu, Evans and Entwistle are two players who should be considered around the mark.

OTHERS TO WATCH

South Fremantle has a really well-balanced lineup, particularly out of the back half led by skipper Hunter Cronin. She and past skipper Lauren Vecchio always provide a headache for the opposition, while Liusaidh Gilchrist and Tahleah Mulder provide some important ball-winning in midfield. The key will be the scoring element, with the Bulldogs having a lot of dangerous smalls, but with Poppy Stockwell departing, Shannyn Pomersbach is one such player who will likely take on extra responsibility inside 50.

PREDICTION

South Fremantle ticks a lot of boxes. With midfield depth and experience, great defensive craft and versatility of talls and smalls, it will all be how the front half functions and all the new players gel together. On paper, the Bulldogs should be playing finals and going deep, but it looms as a highly competitive WAFLW season.