WESTERN Jets had one draftee in 2025 with the late bloomer in Charlie O’Connor Moreira making the jump to the AFLW. In 2026, the Jets have a handful of prospects talents who will stake their claim in what looks like the deepest side since winning the flag a number of years ago.

LAST SEASON

Played: 14
Wins: 4
Losses: 10

The Jets started off the season a little rocky, losing seven of the first eight, before winning three of the last five – and both those defeats were single digits – to cap off the season on a high. Expect that win column number to increase in 2026 with a large portion of that 2025 team set to go again.

FIXTURE

Round 2: vs. Northern Knights | April 11 @ Preston City Oval
Round 3: vs. Tasmania Devils | April 18 @ Kennedy Community Centre
Round 5: vs. Calder Cannons | May 2 @ DSV Stadium
Round 6: vs. Murray Bushrangers | May 10 @ Avalon Airport Oval
Round 7: vs. Oakleigh Chargers | May 16 @ Warrawee Park
Round 9: vs. Geelong Falcons | May 30 @ DSV Stadium
Round 10: vs. GWV Rebels | June 7 @ Mars Stadium
Round 13: vs. Northern Knights | June 28 @ Preston City Oval
Round 15: vs. Sandringham Dragons | July 12 @ Avalon Airport Oval
Round 17: vs. Dandenong Stingrays | July 25 @ Shepley Oval
Round 18: vs. Geelong Falcons | August 1 @ Central Reserve (Colac)
Round 19: vs. Eastern Ranges | August 8 @ Avalon Airport Oval
Round 20: vs. Bendigo Pioneers | August 16 @ Queen Elizabeth Oval
Round 21: vs. GWV Rebels | August 22 @ Mars Stadium

The Western Jets certainly cover the state with nine different venues from their 14 games, only playing at home in Williamstown on two occasions, the same amount as they are in Werribee, Preston or Ballarat. It will get the players on the road a fair bit, but also galvanise them for what is a big season.

TOP-AGE PLAYERS TO WATCH

A highly-touted player for a number of years has been the versatile Kiara Boyd. Since booting three goals in a match-winning performance on debut, Boyd has played up forward, down back and on-ball, showcasing her versatility. A Vic Metro Under 18s representative as a bottom-ager, she has a lot of eye-catching traits that will stand out in 2026.

Tenacious midfielder/forward Tayla Olivieri is one of those players who teammates love to run out alongside because of her attack on the contest and opposition. She thrives around the stoppages, and though not tall, will always have a crack and showed in 2025 that she can find the ball and impact games both directly and indirectly on the scoreboard.

Furthermore, the well-rounded Addison West has plenty more to show with the niece of Western Bulldogs great Scott and daughter of Troy having played both midfield and the wing. She knows her way around a stoppage and covers the ground to find the ball. Expect her to go to another level in 2026 given the improvements she made last season.

Hailing from the same junior club as West, Williamstown youngster Jacinta Eteuati is a name to track throughout the season. She looked good running out of the back half and with her athletic ability can impact further afield as well. Watch for her to be a key player and provide plenty of drive in transition.

While the above are players in the Vic Metro summer hub, Western Jets’ depth is quite impressive this season. Dynamic forward Piper Dixon had a mammoth 35-disposal game in Round 14 last season and could progress more into the midfield, while Paige McHutchison also showed plenty of promising signs in attack. Ruby Jones is another name to note down after nine games last season.

FUTURE NAMES TO REMEMBER

Charli Parsons-Jones was a sensation for Vic Metro last year and though she only got the two games for Western, will look to become a key piece in the front half for the Jets. She can also play through the middle, but has the flexibility to impact across multiple thirds.

Bottom-ager Alana D’Ambrosio is a smart small forward with a damaging left foot who can be impactful around the goals. The younger sister of Hawthorn’s Massimo is not a high volume ball-winner but has the potential to hit the scoreboard consistently and knows how to use the footy.

Others who got a taste for it in one game last season include Armani Mauirohooho and Tannah Pawlowski, but as previously mentioned the list is quite deep over the next couple of seasons.

SUMMARY

Western Jets have a promising list over the next couple of seasons with a host of potential draft prospects and plenty to get excited about. They should improve in the win-loss column and honestly could play finals this season, with improvement to come throughout the year setting them up for the future too.