DESPITE at times being injury depleted, West Perth fought through a competitive season, ultimately falling short of fourth spot on percentage. Ultimately it meant after an impressive preliminary final appearance the year before that the Falcons missed out on the post-season, something they will look to change in 2026.

LAST SEASON

Finished: 5th
Wins: 9
Losses: 7

Despite missing finals, West Perth finished the year with a positive record, and at its best, the Falcons showed they could match it with the top sides. However losing depth to injuries or the state squad hurt, and the Falcons heartbreakingly fell short of a finals spot despite some impressive performances late in the season.

OFF-SEASON RECRUITS

West Perth added some firepower in the front half of the ground over the off-season with South Fremantle tall Zoe Huggett a crucial inclusion to the side. She can take a contested mark – something the Falcons needed to add at times to their front half – and has a reliable set shot. Fitting a crucial need, she is also joined by former Peel Thunder talent and ex-Docker and Demon at AFLW level, Sabreena McKinnon (nee Duffy).

Like Huggett, McKinnon should add some X-factor up forward and will complement some seriously talented players between the mid-forward rotation. While the back half of the ground is a touch undersized, the medium-small depth is very good, and they added another in former Swan districts talent Jorgina Kean. She joins another defensive player in Sienna Pollard to have played at the black and whites, while athletically gifted Irish prospect Ellee McEvoy is one to watch as a real unknown, but with great foundational traits.

TOP-AGE DRAFT CHANCES

Boasting the largest contingent of top-age draft prospects, West Perth will likely hold the top two West Australian talents in the 2026 AFLW Draft. Athletic ruck Cara Dziegielewski and powerful midfielder Lexi Strachan will combine well, with the close friends also able to rotate forward and hit the scoreboard. Both in the top 10 mix this season, plenty of eyes will be on the Falcons pair to see what they can do at WAFLW level.

On top of that duo, Rikisha Nannup was close to squeezing into the West Australian side late in last year’s national carnival and could be in for a big year, while Lunay Van Den Heever won best afield in the recent Multicultural and Indigenous match over in Victoria. Tayah Nicholson won best on ground in last year’s Rogers Cup flag win and is the fifth top-age member of the WA summer squad.

PRESEASON DRAFT HOPES

Winger Megan Norbury had a huge overage season after a down top-age season and remains a player with draftable qualities and is one of a few Falcons eligible to be drafted in the preseason. Others include versatile utility Madison Dodd and Huggett, both of whom nominated for last year’s AFLW Draft.

OTHERS TO WATCH

West Perth regain a number of players this year including both Brooke Hongell and Kaitlyn Roper. Both are flexible enough to play multiple positions, while Katherine Bennett also returns after also missing all of last year. The Falcons are set to have a host of 50-gamers this season from the inaugural 2021 team, with defenders Liliana Grassenis and Jessica Roper, utilities Kayla Van Den Heever and Ebony Jackson sll potentially bringing up their 50th games this season. Add in one of the best WA prospects from such a young age in Bella Nelson, and the depth at the club is quite strong.

Sara Riou and Jamarah Walley were enormous last season and will look to build on that in 2026, while the most consistent players in the side are Emily Bennett and Taylor Ferguson who can win the ball inside and outside respectively. Matilda Bennett and Stacey Francis-Bayman will provide the height, while Jekylah Garlett is another exciting talent.

PREDICTION

West Perth has brought back some experience from injury as well as extra sparks up forward. If the Falcons can keep the list healthy and consistent, there’s no reason why they can’t push for finals. A great win over Swan Districts in the preseason will give the Falcons plenty of confidence, as they are among what looks likely to be a competitive top six group.