FINALS action got underway in the WAFL Women’s competition for 2026 and the nine sides that started the year were cut to just four, and now three remain after the first weekend of post-season action. We took note of how the State Academy representatives fared across each game.

All notes are the opinion of the individual author.

SWAN DISTRICTS:

#3 Grace Hirst (Defender/Midfielder)

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 goal

The neat ball user managed to impact up both ends, primarily coming out of defence with her short, sharp passes, but then getting on the end of a team play and kicking her side’s first goal of the semi-final with a clever snap inside 50 in the 13th minute. While not a high-volume game, she held her own and certainly put her hand up to remain in the side for the grand final in a fortnight.

#13 Shaya Yarran (Forward)

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 behind

Worked in tandem with her sister Summer, Yarran worked up the ground and provided a strong contest both in the air and at ground level. She is smart in the way she gets to the right spots and positions herself, often winning the ball further afield before ducking back inside 50. Her last quarter in particular was what stood up, clunking a few marks and applying great pressure all over the ground. Had a chance on goal that missed but funnily enough it proved to be the winning behind that sent her side through to the decider.

#14 Makaela Grau (Defender)

Stats: 4 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles

Playing a dour role in defence, Grau did her job with her pressure in the contest and follow-up at ground level. She got caught out once or twice pushing up to try and force a turnover in a two-on-one, but overall did well with her spoiling and competing one-on-one. Doesn’t need much of the ball given her role.

#24 Summer Ajduk (Forward/Wing)

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

Looked lively throughout the game, starting forward then going furhter afield by rotating onto the wing. She kicked a nice goal from close range midway through the third term, then won the next inside 50 when the ball came from the clearance and looked as dangerous as anyone else on the field at that point. Can clean up her final execution, but runs all day and gets to the right spots.

CLAREMONT:

#11 Lucy Gilbey (Wing/Defender)

Stats: 9 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 1 inside 50

After a massive game in Round 18, Gilbey was more of a hybrid player between that wing and half-back spot, rotating with a number of experienced teammates. She got involved in transition and provided some burst between the arcs, getting the ball into dangerous positions forward of centre. Still developing areas of her game, but has some fantastic athletic traits and is one to watch for the future.

#15 Hannah Seaborn (Forward)

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 1 inside 50

Provided a marking target inside 50, and while she did not always clunk them, competed in the air, drew free kicks and at least brought the ball to ground. Her brilliant low kick to Rachel Ortlepp after marking just outside her range was a pinpoint goal assist, and Seaborn worked until the final siren, pushing up the ground to impact as well as inside 50. Her five tackles further illustrated her ground level pressure.

#25 India Bonadeo (Defender)

Stats: 8 disposals, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 2 inside 50s

Holding down a key role in the back 50, Bonadeo was like Gilbey in the sense that her volume did not live up to the week before, but she still had her moments. While under pressure Bonadeo can make some mistakes, with time and space she has a lovely left-foot kick and can switch play effectively, opening up angles. Played her role effectively in the defensive half.

EAST FREMANTLE:

#18 Cienna Leslie (Forward)

Stats: 12 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 1 behind

While having the odd moment up the ground, Leslie did spent the time in the forward half rather than a 50/50 split that has been the case in the latter parts of the season. While the top-ager only clunked one mark, she is very good at bringing the ball to ground for her size, and then applying great ground level pressure to lock the ball in. Had a flying shot on goal late that missed to the left and another in the last minute that unfortunately bounce the wrong way. Industrious throughout.

#37 Olivia McCay (Wing)

Stat: 18 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 behind

The hard-running winger never stopped and found her fair share of the ball in transition. She can often unassumingly rack it up with quick disposals to release teammates, or mop up in defence and clear the immediate danger. She did all that, but also had a chance in front of the big sticks with a snap on the half-time siren that missed to the near side. McCay’s biggest moment was saved for last when the bottom-ager safely held an intercept mark in South’s last role of the dice with than 30 seconds remaining.

SOUTH FREMANTLE:

#28 Alexis Edgley (Defender)

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

A rock deep in defence, Edgley has that rare blend of athleticism to go with her size, and while at times the more experienced opponents can edge her out, the bottom-ager competes well and even when hurt in a marking contest, bounced back up and played out the match. She is so good in the air, and her booming kick helps too, while applying fantastic defensive pressure at ground level.

#31 Marie Polimeno (Defender)

Stats: 8 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles

The reliable left-footer did not win much of the ball but stood up when she was needed, trying to repel at all costs. She is clean at ground level and positions herself well to intercept, and while still developing some of that finishing at times, played her role effectively. Will be one to watch at the State Draft Combine this year now her WAFLW season has come to an end.