A PROMISING junior with plenty of upside, East Perth’s Charli Bassett had a breakout bottom-age campaign to show signs of what she could become in 2026. Deployed in a number of roles from forward to the wing and even on-ball at times, the West Australian representative earned her place in the summer squad and looms as the Royals’ top prospect for the season.
We spoke to Bassett at the WAFL Women’s Preseason Testing Day on Saturday to find out about her football journey, how she goes about her game, and her goals for the future.
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Q: Charli, tell us a bit about your football journey?
CB: “I started in 2020 playing some games with the boys. Just all my friends were doing it so I just jumped on the train and I really enjoyed it. Then 2021 I joined a girls team and I loved it, and now I’m here.”
Q: Last year getting into the state side and getting involved there. What was that experience like for you?
CB: “It was really good. To be in a professional environment and know what it likes to be playing the high standards and what its like to train intently and I could bring that back to my club now that I go back. I learnt high performance behaviours and I think I really grew as a football player. I learnt so much about myself and what I need to do to play footy. It’s not just all on the field, it’s also off the field and the support staff was really amazing, I loved it.
Q: Played a few different positions, what’s your favourite do you think?
CB: “Forward. I like being a small forward, it’s my favourite. But it’s always good to have a run in the midfield, especially if it’s not going down there. I love going into the midfield, but I think deep down I’m a small forward.”
Q: How’s the summer squad been over this break?
CB: “It’s been really good. The girls have really connected really well. We’re all starting to get the hang of training and what it’s like to be in a high-performance group and we’ve been teaching the younger girls how to behave better because some of them are really young and its their first time being a program like this so it’s like really being a role model and setting the standards. I’ve been injured a bit, but I’m just getting stuck back into it now.”
Q: With your own game, what are some of your strengths?
CB: “I think my attack on the footy is one of my key strengths, and my hunt. When the ball is in the D50, right there I want to get it back. Then also my agility.”
Q: What do you see as some of the improvements to make?
CB: “Definitely my technique. I want to improve my kicking a lot, and being like more versatile with my kicking so I can kick on both legs so I won’t ever be stuck on one leg.”
Q: What AFLW club do you support?
CB: “Eagles.”
Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?
CB: “Ella Roberts definitely. She’s a standout and I’d love to play like her, or Mon Conti.”
Q: In terms of a person whose had the most individual influence on your career?
CB: “Probably my step dad. When I first started, every opportunity we’d go out for a kick, improving my kicking because I didn’t know how to kick. He’s a big role model and has really pushed me to where I am today.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?
CB: “I really want to get drafted, that’s the end goal I guess. But footy wise I want to hit the scoreboard more, and play my own game, and don’t get stuck in my head.”
