THREE matches complete Round 2 of the WAFL Women’s on Sunday with a Perth Derby and a couple of other fascinating contests. We preview all three games in action.

FORM

Subiaco is coming off a massive win over East Perth in Round 1, while East Fremantle had far stiffer opposition – South Fremantle – and still got the job done, albeit in a come-from-behind nail-biter.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Subiaco fans will get a first look at talented SANFLW ruck Isabelle Starmer who makes her debut for the club and has been named as an onballer. Undersized as a ruck but ultra-athletic, Starmer could play as that taller midfielder if required. Joining her in the side is AFLW-listed tall Beth Schilling, as the pair replace Claudia Langley and Bree Wills.

East Fremantle lose veteran Larissa Versaci but regain athletic defender Taya Chambers for the match.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Chambers joins a host of AFLW Draft prospect for the Sharks, headlined by top prospect, Zippy Fish in midfield. Along with Fish, Natasha Entwistle is one to watch at half-back, while Tiani Teakle is another name to keep in mind inside 50.

Last week bottom-age forward Olivia Wolmarans slotted half a dozen goals, and while the opposition will be tougher here, watch for her to build her confidence throughout the season. Over-ager Madison Dodd had a promising first-up game last week, while Eva Popovsky remains a dangerous talent.

KEY PLAYERS

Subiaco has ruck Tess Lyons who can set up the play for the Lions’ midfield, with Starmer set to play a key role. The AFLW-experienced player in Airlie Runnalls, Amy Mulholland and Maggie MacLachlan in particular were eye-catching in Round 1.

East Fremantle have no shortage of stars, but Leanne Gubbins was fantastic in defence last week and will need to be again, with Fish, Ashleigh Gomes and Amber Kinnane all key players. Swan Districts recruit Sarah Wielstra was a strong target up forward.

PREDICTION

With Subiaco boasting so many AFLW players, it will be closer than later in the season, and the Lions could even pinch a win. In saying that, East Fremantle’s depth is some of the best in teh competition and it should hold up in this one to win by a few goals.

FORM

Both these sides are coming off losses after being competitive in the opening halves of their Round 1 matches. Swan Districts fell to Claremont, while Peel Thunder – after leading West Perth by a point at half-time – faded and went goalless in the second half of the match.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Both these sides made multiple changes for the match, with five Swans and four Thunder changes. Among those in for the home side are Taylah Edwards and Emma Nanut, while losing the likes of former captain, Emily McGuire.

Peel Thunder will welcome in Gracie Fenton and Charlize Thompson return to the lineup, replacing the likes of Riley Fisher and Jordain Thompson among the changes.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Swan Districts midfielder Carys D’Addario is a name to remember for next year and had a brilliant Round 1 match. Top-agers Indiana West and Lily Paterson might not be in the State Academy, but have talent and could be ones to keep in mind for later in the year.

Peel Thunder’s star player is bottom-ager Evie Cowcher who is coming off a Rising Star-winning season last year. Along with Cowcher, Peel’s plethora of youth includes Dakota Sexton, Jorja Haines and Holly Britton.

KEY PLAYERS

Peel’s strength is in its defence with Cowcher and skipper Ebony Dowson able to provide some run off half-back. Ebony Bilcich will provide much needed experience on-ball, with the like of Sexton, Britton and Haines all able to help drive the club forward.

Swan Districts’ forward line is damaging with Edwards joining Courtney Zappara and Tayla Thorn up there, while ex-Thunder ruck Lauren Quaife will meet her former side once again. Co-skipper Eliza Gelmi is a crucial cog in the Black Ducks’ defensive machine.

PREDICTION

The homeground advantage will help Swan Districts and should see a win in the favour of the black and whites. With more experience across the field, expect the Swans to be too good, though both have some developing young players to watch.

FORM

East Perth did not have the start to the season the Royals would have liked, with a 95-point Round 1 shellacking at the hands of Subiaco. West Perth looked a little rusty in the first half against Peel Thunder before kicking away in the second half to win by 37 points in Mandurah.

TEAMS

CHANGES

East Perth has rolled out the changes with six players coming in to replace the same amount going out. While the Royals lose Dana East, West Australians will get a first look at number two pick Jessica Rentsch, with the Eagles draftee stepping up for East Perth in this game. She is in alongside the likes of Hannah Challender and Makayla Pugliese-Thompson.

West Perth has been able to include former Subiaco captain Tarnica Golisano for Round 2, while also bringing in Fremantle-listed forward Megan Kauffman. On this occasion, Bianca Webb and Grace Betti will miss the game.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Top-age winger Megan Norbury has plenty of room for upside in the future and is one to watch for 2024, while bottom-ager Mia Russo was lively on debut and will spend time forward after a promising second half last week.

Lucy Greenwood is an elusive and high-upside forward for the Royals and will be a name to remember for 2025, with the ability to play high half-forward and push up the ground.

KEY PLAYERS

East Perth’s midfield of Rentsch, Jess Verbrugge and tackling machine Jorja Elisseou is its strength, with Greenwood a lively talent in the front half, and Sarah Madden a reliable defender. For the falcons, Brooke Hongell is coming off a four-goal Round 1 game, while the inclusion of Golisano and Kauffman will only make the Falcons stronger.

PREDICTION

West Perth will be too experienced and too strong for East Perth, and if the Falcons are to make finals for the first time, this is a game they should win, and win well to help boost their percentage. Rentsch will be a highlight for the Royals fans.