{"id":183456,"date":"2025-03-24T13:37:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T03:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=183456"},"modified":"2025-03-24T14:31:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T04:31:57","slug":"2025-wafl-w-club-preview-claremont","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2025\/03\/24\/2025-wafl-w-club-preview-claremont\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 WAFLW club preview: Claremont"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AFTER going down in heartbreaking fashion a year earlier, Claremont<\/a> successfully won its second flag in three seasons, toppling rival East Fremantle in the decider. Once again it was the case of the underdog – or side that had not gone undefeated throughout the season that got the job done, and now the team looks ahead to another big year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LAST SEASON: <\/strong>Premiers
2025 PREDICTION: <\/strong>Top 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claremont will boast a strong list yet again, with a handful of changes from retirements to draftees in the case of Claudia Wright<\/a>, but the Tigers are simply too good not to be around the mark. East Fremantle and West Perth will provide the biggest challenges, though the competition gap is closing with the introduction of salary caps and player payments, so it will be tougher for the Tigers again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STATE ACADEMY MEMBERS (TOP-AGE)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Comments by West Australian Female Talent Manager Trent Cooper<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ella Gilbey<\/a>
Wing\/Forward | 169cm | 12\/02\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Ella’s a really good athlete, really powerful sprinter whose been developing at Claremont in the Rogers and the League sides. She’s coming along well, working on her skills and a player who can give good outside run to whoever she plays for.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juliet Kelly<\/a>
Midfielder\/Defender | 173cm | 28\/07\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Obviously a real workhorse, did a great job in the grand final for Claremont last year when she played on Zippy [Fish] and was close to Claremont’s best player. She’s our best endurance athlete. Also an elite rower and missed the national champs last year because she was competing in the world rowing championships so she’s still balancing both, but expecting her to have a really good year in the midfield for Claremont and for us this year.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OTHERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mia Jackson<\/a> (Over-age)
India Bonadeo<\/a> (Bottom-age)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KEY PLAYERS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jayme Harken<\/a>
Midfielder | 173cm | 04\/01\/1996<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winning back-to-back Dhara Kerr Medals as best and fairest in the league, it is no surprise the hard-running midfielder got a crack at AFLW level with the Eagles. Returning back to the Tigers for hte 2025 season, she is coming off a year where she not only was names league best and fairest, but won her club’s best and fairest, represented her state against South Australia, and was best on in Claremont’s premiership win over East Fremantle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claire Ortlepp<\/a>
Defender | 167cm | 08\/10\/1997<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important and valuable players to any side in the competition, Ortlepp steadies the ship from defence and can play an equally offensive or defensive role. She rarely has a bad game and there was a stage last season where Claremont seemed less composed without here in the back five. Crucial in linking up the defence to the midfield, Ortlepp is a rock and alongside sister Rachel<\/a> are key cogs at either end for the Tigers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kate Orme<\/a>
Wing | 167cm | 14\/04\/1989<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Orme might be six years older than the next oldest player on Claremont’s list, she is consistently one of the best and arguably the most damaging wing in the competition. Her two-way running alongside her general football awareness allows her to control the tempo between the arcs and guide younger players with their positioning and setting up transition from defence to offence. Bringing AFLW experience with her, Orme will remain a vital part of the Tigers’ side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRESEASON<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Claremont defeated Perth by 18 points @ Mineral Resources Park
Swan Districts defeated Claremont by 1 point @ Steel Blue Oval<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ROUND 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

vs. West Perth
Friday April 4, 7:35pm
Joondalup Arena<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Bye in Round 1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mentions<\/span><\/span><\/div>