WEST Australian Lexi Strachan had a “really hard” start to the season with plenty of juggling for her football commitments, as well as trying to find form for the state side, but with plenty of people in her corner, the West Perth top-ager emerged stronger from it.

Strachan came into 2026 as a prestigious talent, and one of two National Academy members hailing from West Perth alongside best mate, Cara Dziegielewski. On top of her club and national representation, Strachan was named co-captain of the Sandgropers, further indicating her natural leadership abilities. Though all those achievements point to plenty of positives, Strachan admitted it was tough at the beginning.

“It was a really hard at the start, but having heaps of support around me really helps, especially (West Australian coach) Kate Orme and my parents,” Strachan told Rookie Me Central at the National Draft Combine. “They were really helpful in supporting me going through the three teams, and West Perth were very understanding when we came back. “It was time to have fun and just chill because obviously having the responsibility of being captain of WA made it hard as well, but having the support around me really helped.”

Overall, Strachan rated her season a “seven” out of 10 because she was disappointed with her first two matches at the national carnival, before finishing strongly amongst the top couple on the field against Vic Country and the Allies.

“It was a good season, definitely back half of mine I would rate it a seven because the first two games of my champs probably weren’t my best games I played, but the last two were really good,” Strachan said.

Orme’s impact on Strachan’s development throughout 2026 stretches beyond just support and understanding, with the top-ager naming her contested marking as her biggest improvement, and Orme being a key catalyst for the rise in that area.

“I’ve worked behind the scenes heaps with Kate Orme,” she said. “We did sessions on marking using pool noodles just to improve my overhead marking.”

Still looking to build her endurance further in order to “step up to the next level”, Strachan understands the challenges only rise as she looks destined for the AFL Women’s. For the West Perth prospect, she is just keen to adapt to the group and fight towards a common goal.

“Just show them (new teammates) who I really am, just my genuine self,” she said. “My open, honest, kind self, but also just to show my competitiveness and that I’m here to work and willing to do anything for the team.”

While midfield might be her natural position, Strachan conceded she would expect to play elsewhere to start with, though she was happy to do anything to get on a list and in a team.

“I’d like to see myself playing inside mid, but I’m open to going off the half-back or half-forward,” Strachan said. “I would like to say that my main goal (if I get drafted) is to get as many AFLW games as I can.”