EAST Fremantle tall Avuya Nomlatyu is searching for her WAFL Women’s League debut in 2026, having played through the Rogers Cup last season, and then secured her place in the State Under 18s side. There she teamed up with West Perth ruck Cara Dziegielewski through the ruck, and the duo look set to combine once more for the Black Ducks.
We spoke to Nomlatyu at the weekend’s WAFL Women’s Preseason Testing event about her football journey, game and who has helped influence her career.
Q: Avuya, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
AN: “I started as a little kid in Year 3 and then I just got into more programs and just loved footy more. Got into states a few times along the way.”
Q: What was it like playing for WA last year and coming through the pathway into the summer squad?
AN: “It’s definitely a jump up from 16s to 18s and this year the girls are a lot faster and the levels and skills has increased a lot.”
Q: You’ve got yourself and Cara (Dziegielewski) as main rucks. Do you see yourself playing mostly ruck or another position?
AN: “I reckon part forward, part ruck.”
Q: Looking to your game, what do you see as some of your strengths?
AN: “My strength is my key strength and using my body. I’ve got a good kick and a good distance on it too, and reading the ball well.”
Q: What about the improvements to make?
AN: “Definitely endurance. My high-speed running I have to do better.”
Q: Preferred position?
AN: “Probably forward, centre half-forward.”
Q: Where do you reckon you’ll play for Sharks this season?
AN: “Sharks I reckon forward and a bit of ruck time.”
Q: Whose had the most individual influence on your career?
AN: “Probably Jye Amiss has had a big influence on me. He got me routines when I go for goals, and Cara has also been a big influence on me. Her jumping’s just amazing, and her ruck craft is great. She’s pushing me every time.”
Q: Freo fan?
AN: “Yep.”
Q: Whose a player you look up to or mould your game on?
AN: “I look up to Freddy (Michael Frederick) in the forwardline and probably Luke Jackson as he moves forward and ruck.”
Q: What goals are you setting for yourself this year?
AN: “I’d like to improve my 2km and get a lot faster, and hopefully make the 18s again.”
