Why the Thunder Fear the Chasing Pack

SEASON PREVIEW Wednesday, March 15, 2017

AFTER THE STORM WHY THE THUNDER FEAR THE CHASING PACK

INSIDE HOW YOUR CLUB IS SHAPING UP Hungry for success: Subiaco coach Jarrad Schofi eld PLUS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WOMEN’S AND JUNIOR RANKSand talented trio Lachlan Delahunty, left, captain Kyal Horsley and Leigh Kitchin. Picture: Ian Munro

Ready for action are captains Clint Jones (Perth), left, Jay van Berlo (West Perth), Patrick McGinnity (East Perth), Ryan Cook (South Fremantle), Gerald Ugle (Peel Thunder), Kyal Horsley (Subiaco), Jamie McNamara (East Fremantle), Jake Murphy (Claremont) and Tallan Ames (Swan Districts). Picture: Michael Bain 2 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 3

2017 SEASON PREVIEW For all of your WAFL news see thewest.com.au Rivals line up to steal the Thunder’s crown ᔡ John Townsend Like most WAFL coaches and officials, Ditchburn does “It was a perfect storm.” not expect any one club to John Ditchburn provided dominate the competition an apt description of Peel’s this season. grand final triumph last If anything, the gap season and while the between first and last will Thunder chief executive can diminish even further and rightfully bask in the more clubs will have the premiership glory that he opportunity to replicate helped deliver, he has little Peel’s dash for glory late in expectation that the feat will the season. be repeated this year. No fewer than 21 former Armed with a host of AFL players have joined the hardened and ambitious AFL league in a stark message to players who were on the the rest of the country that outer at Fremantle — Matt de the WAFL is a prized Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Alex destination for footballers Silvagni and Clancee Pearce who have spent time on the were in the Peel vanguard for national stage. much of the season — the The incoming stars include Thunder ended two decades mercurial St Kilda big man of despair with a stunning Tom Lee, who will look to add performance throughout last to his two Claremont flags, September. Hawthorn defender Angus Driven by the contribution Litherland, who will try his of 17 Dockers, Peel’s four luck at perennial consecutive finals wins — a powerhouses Subiaco, and WAFL record in the league’s Jonathon Marsh, who has 132nd season — caused returned to East Fremantle considerable angst among after a stint at Collingwood. Tom Lee, right, will strengthen Claremont’s push for a finals berth in 2017. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Media Peel Thunder players celebrate the club’s breakthrough premiership. Going back-to-back this season will be a tough proposition. Picture: Ben Crabtree rival clubs and their And Leroy Jetta (Peel) and supporters. Cory Dell’Olio (South they won just two matches, Watch out for Swans to West Coast and Carlton, months after Peel thwarted But Ditchburn is adamant Fremantle) will be welcomed but gave valuable game time make a dramatic charge up Harris’ clear requirements his club’s bid for a hat-trick of those fears are unwarranted back after completing to a host of promising the ladder in the early part of and simple game plan should flags last year. despite virtually no changes suspensions from their time homegrown juniors. the season. resonate with his ambitious After playing finals for the to the WAFL qualification at Essendon, but former East That group has been topped Claremont should also Tigers. first time in five years last rules this year. Perth captain Brendan Lee, up with several returning improve on their Rob Wiley (East Fremantle) season, South Fremantle “It is highly unlikely that also caught up in the alumni in Corey Gault and seventh-placed finish after and Earl Spalding (Perth) will be one of the main sort of thing will happen supplements scandal, has David Ellard and senior AFL landing the recruit of the have now had sufficient time contenders for this year’s again,” Ditchburn said. decided against a return to figures Ryan Crowley and season in new coach Darren at the helm of their clubs to flag given they boast the “You are just not going to the WAFL. Xavier Ellis, who see the Harris. ascertain the best way to have senior players like de Swan Districts have landed black and whites providing A premiership captain and challenge for finals, while Boer and Mzungu and the biggest coups as they opportunities for their coach at West Perth before Subiaco’s influential mentor Silvagni playing that much attempt to regain lost ground coaching and playing spending seven years in the Jarrad Schofield has been WAFL footy.” after a tough season in which aspirations. AFL as a senior assistant at plotting his revenge for

TIPSTERS DENNIS JOHN DALE RUSSELL NICK BRIDGET JORDAN MARK PAUL COMETTI TOWNSEND MILLER REID RYNNE LACY McARDLE READINGS HASLEBY

1st Subiaco South Fremantle South Fremantle Subiaco South Fremantle South Fremantle South Fremantle Subiaco South Fremantle 2nd South Fremantle Subiaco Subiaco South Fremantle Claremont Claremont Claremont Claremont Subiaco 3rd Claremont East Perth Claremont Claremont Subiaco Subiaco Subiaco South Fremantle Claremont 4th East Perth Claremont Peel West Perth West Perth Peel West Perth Peel West Perth 5th Peel West Perth West Perth Peel Peel East Perth Swan Districts West Perth East Perth 6th West Perth Swan Districts Swan Districts East Perth Swan Districts Perth East Perth East Perth Peel 7th Swan Districts Peel East Perth Swan Districts East Fremantle West Perth East Fremantle Perth Swan Districts 8th East Fremantle East Fremantle East Fremantle East Fremantle East Perth East Fremantle Peel Swan Districts East Fremantle Wooden spoon Perth Perth Perth Perth Perth Swan Districts Perth East Fremantle Perth Premiers Subiaco South Fremantle South Fremantle Subiaco South Fremantle South Fremantle South Fremantle Subiaco South Fremantle Sandover Shane Jye Ashton Ashton Shane Clint Corey Jye Liam Medal Nelson (WP) Bolton (C) Hams (SF) Hams (SF) Nelson (WP) Jones (P) Adamson (S) Bolton (C) Anthony (EF) Bernie Ben Ben Liam Ben Liam Liam Ben Ben Mason Naylor Medal Saunders (SF) Saunders (SF) Ryan (S) Saunders (SF) Ryan (S) Ryan (S) Saunders (SF) Saunders (SF) Shaw (SF) Big year Liam Ryan (S)/ Michael Leroy Darren Jonathon Corey Matt Dennis Cometti Scott Tom Lee (C) Broadbridge (WA) Jetta (PT) Harris (C) Marsh (EF) Adamson (S) Guelfi (C) (Channel 7) Simpson (WP)

WAFL 2017 SEASON PREVIEW Editorial: Newspaper House, 50 Hasler Road, Osborne Park, WA, 6017 Telephone: (08) 9482 3111 Editorial fax: (08) 9482 3157 2 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 3

2017 SEASON PREVIEW For all of your WAFL news see thewest.com.au Rivals line up to steal the Thunder’s crown

Darren Harris Picture: Daniel Wilkins

Tom Lee, right, will strengthen Claremont’s push for a finals berth in 2017. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Media Peel Thunder players celebrate the club’s breakthrough premiership. Going back-to-back this season will be a tough proposition. Picture: Ben Crabtree Xavier Ellis Picture: AFL Media

West Coast and Carlton, months after Peel thwarted WAFL’s best goal-to-goal line ducking their head in a player who is the third man victories, and the Harris’ clear requirements his club’s bid for a hat-trick of in Josh Pullman, Blayne tackle. up in a ruck contest. appointment of former and simple game plan should flags last year. Wilson, Shane Hockey, Mason Duckers will no longer One of the biggest issues in Claremont mentor Michael resonate with his ambitious After playing finals for the Shaw and spearhead Ben receive a free kick if they the first half of the season Broadbridge as an Tigers. first time in five years last Saunders. contribute to the high will be WA’s bid to beat independent coach tasked Rob Wiley (East Fremantle) season, South Fremantle But the Bulldogs may be contact, while umpires will Victoria in Melbourne in with the responsibility of and Earl Spalding (Perth) will be one of the main affected more than any other also apply a stricter May. No WA team has being the drought-breaker, have now had sufficient time contenders for this year’s club by the rule change interpretation of deliberate achieved that feat, but after the Black Swans are ready for at the helm of their clubs to flag given they boast the designed to stop players behinds and also penalise any four consecutive interstate the challenge. ascertain the best way to challenge for finals, while Subiaco’s influential mentor Jarrad Schofield has been plotting his revenge for

TIPSTERS DENNIS JOHN DALE RUSSELL NICK BRIDGET JORDAN MARK PAUL COMETTI TOWNSEND MILLER REID RYNNE LACY McARDLE READINGS HASLEBY

WAFL 2017 SEASON PREVIEW Editorial: Newspaper House, 50 Hasler Road, Osborne Park, WA, 6017 Telephone: (08) 9482 3111 Editorial fax: (08) 9482 3157 4 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

LAST YEAR 1ST PEEL THUNDER FC WINS 15 Coach Cam Shepherd Captain Gerald Ugle Flags 1 Last one 2016 LOSSES 9 Major sponsors Mandurah Holden, Bendigo Bank, City of Mandurah, Anytime Adventures, David Grays, FPA Ground Bendigo Bank Stadium Inquiries 9537 5400 Tricky formula tests Shepherd ᔡ John Townsend “The formula for us is splintered,” he said. “We were pretty simple. not splintered. We had strong Another season, another “We need to get continued leadership.” chance to delve into the development from the 27 or so Whether that leadership chemistry set. players of our own that came can be replicated this season Cam Shepherd probably through last year. is the biggest question. feels more like a science “Then the Fremantle list Matt de Boer, Tendai teacher than a premiership has to remain relatively Mzungu, Alex Silvagni and coach as he tries to keep Peel healthy. Then we need the Michael Barlow have at the top of the ladder. two groups to gel. departed for greener AFL Getting his two vastly “If you get all those things pastures, Clancee Pearce and different groups of players to right then you can be really Anthony Morabito have gel provides the most competitive, but even then shifted to other WAFL clubs, challenging experiment in there is no guarantee of creative defender Josh Shepherd’s laboratory and success.” Bootsma has moved to while he is confident of the It was probably the greatest Katanning and Shane Yarran rapport between a new cohort coaching achievement of last is no longer in football. of Fremantle Dockers and season that Shepherd They provided the core of the homegrown Thunder extracted such commitment Peel’s premiership assault, players, he knows that it will from his two distinct groups but will have to be replaced take a special kind of to achieve the shared by aspiring teenagers not chemistry to repeat last ambition of a Peel flag. used to the demands of senior year’s success. The first premiership by an football. But Shepherd is not even expansion club since Swan Much is also expected of contemplating a premiership Districts in 1961, Peel’s Leroy Jetta, the former defence as he enters his fifth success required an Essendon player who missed season at the Thunder on the unprecedented four last season through back of last year’s historic consecutive finals victories suspension but used the year achievement. which Shepherd used as to have ankle surgery and “I am not looking any evidence of the joint buy-in. build up his upper body further than the top five,” “You can’t beat good sides strength in a bid to play as a Brayden Lawler, left, and Gerald Ugle are all smiles after Peel Thunder’s Shepherd said. like Subiaco if you are power forward. maiden premiership last September. Picture: Daniel Wilkins PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES* NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES UGLE, Gerald 1 31/01/93 Perth/GWS 46 McLAUGHLIN, Garrick 37 06/04/91 High Wycombe – O’BRIEN, Rory 3 28/06/86 Pinjarra 116 WRIGLEY, Chris 41 22/06/95 North Fremantle – WALSH, Brad 4 03/09/96 Rockingham/Carlton 20 QUARTERMAINE, Hayden 42 18/01/94 Gosnells – JETTA, Leroy 5 06/07/88 Essendon/South Fremantle 27 HUMPHREYS, Lucas 46 16/03/95 Rockingham – MORRIS, Corey 6 30/05/94 Waroona 12 NAUGHTON, Travis 47 27/06/97 Rockingham – LAWLER, Brayden 7 24/07/94 Carey Park 39 TASSONE, Michael 48 19/06/98 Bunbury – THORNE, Calvin 9 16/02/98 Rockingham 17 PERRY, Jacob 49 15/04/98 South Mandurah – BENNELL, Traye 10 08/02/95 Maddington 14 BUMANN, Kane 50 11/08/95 Bunbury – MATHERS, Josh 11 27/04/93 Warnbro 49 DEAN, Matthew 51 02/05/98 Halls Head – HANCOCK, Ben 12 23/04/96 Warnbro 39 KIRBY, James 52 17/11/96 South Bunbury – BRAY, Alex 13 13/10/97 Rockingham 8 LEWIS, Mitch 53 04/08/97 Warnbro – CHARTRES, Danny 16 17/01/86 East Fremantle 56 BURKETT, Jackson 54 03/05/98 Peel – MERRITT, Nicholas 17 08/10/97 Pinjarra 2 JANZEKOVIC, Jake 55 12/07/97 Rockingham – McGOWAN, Bradley 20 25/07/95 Warnbro 8 BECKMAN, Zac 56 05/11/98 Halls Head – BELL, Blair 21 10/09/93 South Mandurah 20 ZILKO, William 57 23/05/98 Rockingham – McMAHON, Josh 23 06/06/97 Rockingham 7 BENNELL, Mervyn 58 30/11/95 South Mandurah – WIGHT, Dixon 25 15/01/97 North Mandurah 3 LOFFLEY, Denim 59 08/03/96 Ellenbrook – HURA, Noah 26 31/01/98 Rockingham 1 TIEDE, Brock 60 27/07/95 Brentwood Booragoon – EDDY, Callum 27 13/02/92 Pinjarra – COLBUNG, Mick 03/05/93 Bassendean – DOWDING, Jake 29 14/04/96 Mandurah 3 COLLARD, Karl 03/10/96 Eaton Boomers 5 MILWARD, Brett 30 30/11/97 Pinjarra 3 EADES, Ashley 28/12/96 Bunbury – MATTHEWS, Haydn 31 07/05/97 Rockingham – MADIH, Henrico 14/06/98 Mandurah – HUMBLE, Michael 32 05/02/98 South Mandurah 2 UGLE, Corey 26/04/97 Warnbro – CURNOW, Mitchell 33 23/04/97 Rockingham – WILKINSON, Dale 15/06/96 South Bunbury – PIGGOTT, Matt 34 30/08/95 Halls Head – YEATES, Matthew 11/02/98 Rockingham – Cam Shepherd’s job is a fine balancing act. Picture: Bill Hatto Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 5

LAST YEAR 2ND SUBIACO FC WINS 17 Coach Jarrad Schofield Captain Kyal Horsley Flags 12 Last one 2015 LOSSES 5 Major sponsors QBE, Phoenix Motors, KC Sports Ground Leederville Oval Inquiries 9208 9999 Lions keep on regenerating

ᔡ Russell Reid Hawthorn back man Angus their latest changing of the Litherland. guard, Schofield stopped It’s been a mantra of soldier Bailey Matera (South short of forecasting a fourth in, soldier out at Subiaco in Fremantle) and Reid Polak consecutive grand final recent seasons and that policy (Perth) have also entered the appearance. is set to continue in 2017 Lions’ den. “We are into the fourth under dual premiership Schofield said an injection year of a very strong and coach Jarrad Schofield. of youth and speed could only competitive block of Last year the Lions lost help Subiaco in 2017. successful football,” he said. premiership players Darren “We have got some new “We understand that it’s Rumble (five flags), Sam faces that have come into the very hard to stay at the top all Menegola, Matt Boland, side, but we feel like we have the time. I truly believe that if Shane Yarran and Scott brought some youth into the the players step up and take Worthington, replacing them squad,” he said. their opportunities and the with Greg Broughton, “Guys with leg speed we senior guys stay fit, hopefully Hamish Shepheard, Adam believe in Reid Polak and we can be there come finals Cockie and Liam Ryan. Bailey Matera. Corey time.” The Lions, winners of the Adamson and Rohan Powell Wingman Scott Hancock is 2014 and 2015 grand finals, are good runners also with set to return early in the were denied a hat-trick of good leg speed, so we feel like season after rupturing an flags in the season decider we have brought in that anterior cruciate ligament in after being overpowered by a added dimension to our game. round one last year. Peel outfit stacked with 17 “Litherland is obviously a The popular 24-year-old Fremantle squad members as quick player as well and he is will help bolster one of the well as ex-AFL pair Josh the most experienced out of best midfields in the league. Bootsma and Gerald Ugle. all of them.” Clever forward Kyle Shepheard is now lining up Tall defender Litherland Halligan, who was restricted with Gold Coast club was unlucky to be restricted to three games by a knee Southport, while Broughton, to six AFL games last year. injury last year, is fit again. Brett Mahoney, Brett The 24-year-old is expected Halligan’s goal-kicking Robinson and Simon Moore to slot seamlessly into a exploits will complement are pursuing other goals. miserly Lions back line, Ryan, who was unlucky not to Subiaco’s recruiters have featuring Jordan Lockyer, be drafted by an AFL club been busy, bringing former Declan Jackson, Aaron Heal, after his debut season. The West Coast squad members Wayde Twomey, Joel Latham 20-year-old, recruited from Corey Adamson and Rohan and Chris Bryant. Geraldton club Rovers, kicked Powell to the Lions as well Confident Subiaco can 40 goals and took a string of Jordan Lockyer is ready to be part of another stingy Subiaco back line as one-time rebounding reach the finals again after spectacular marks. this season. Picture: Danella Bevis PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES HORSLEY, Kyal 1 2/09/87 Kalgoorlie City/Gold Coast 143 VERMEERSCH, Ryan 26 12/09/95 Gibson – RYAN, Liam 51 2/10/96 Rovers JFC 16 JOYCE, Justin 2 30/12/92 Carine JFC 27 MADUT, David 27 1/10/93 Kingsway AFC 18 UNDERWOOD, Josh 52 6/09/96 Kingsway JFC – KENNEDY, Hayden 3 27/04/95 Mines Rovers 30 SOKOL, Ben 28 28/10/95 South Fremantle 12 MENEGOLA, Nick 53 2/01/94 East Fremantle – WATERS, Rhys 4 14/10/93 Sorrento Duncraig JFC 67 PARRY, Simon 29 29/05/90 Swan Districts/Donnybrook – LEACH, Daniel 54 24/03/94 Brigades – KITCHIN, Leigh 5 8/09/90 Frankston 43 POWELL, Rowen 30 19/09/95 Claremont/WCE – CHAPMAN, Josh 55 5/10/97 Carine JFC – BRYAN, Chris 6 6/10/95 North Beach JFC 19 WADE, Ryan 31 5/07/91 Kingsley JFC 13 MILLER, Jacob 56 28/01/98 Railways – COCKIE, Adam 7 18/04/89 Sorrento Duncraig JFC 83 FIMMANO, Braden 32 28/10/95 South Fremantle 8 THURKLE, Alex 57 25/06/95 Brigades – LITHERLAND, Angus 8 12/10/92 Claremont/Hawthorn – MATERA, Bailey 33 22/08/96 South Fremantle – CARY, Jack 58 6/10/95 Esperance – TWOMEY, Wayde 9 21/01/86 Swan Districts 53 WOODLEY, Jeremy 34 15/05/96 Kingsley JFC 1 COOPER, Sheldon 59 23/07/97 Kalgoorlie – HALLIGAN, Kyle 10 11/05/94 Warwick Greenwood JFC 32 SCAFIDI, Joe 35 7/03/95 Mines Rovers 3 WILLIAMSON, Ashton 60 24/07/97 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – BOGENSPERGER, Matthew 11 29/01/93 Kalgoorlie City 6 HEAL, Aaron 36 12/07/92 Baldivis JFC 46 ECCLES, James 61 18/03/97 Warwick Greenwood JFC – BRAMLEY, Callum 62 12/11/97 Mines Rovers – CLARK, Greg 12 12/05/97 Sorrento Duncraig JFC 15 PERKINS, Daniel 37 21/11/93 East Perth – WATERS, Brad 63 13/04/96 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – DANIELS, Raymond 13 5/05/92 Swan Districts 21 HOOPER, Tom 38 16/09/96 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – REID, Ben 64 16/10/97 Kingsway JFC – WALTERS, Max 14 9/08/96 Whitfords JFC 2 LATHAM, Joel 39 3/04/92 West Perth 60 FOLEY, Fraser 65 3/11/97 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – PHELAN, Chris 15 25/07/88 Kingsley JFC 140 NELSON, Dylan 40 24/08/96 Swan Districts – AINSWORTH, Brayden 66 21/11/98 Ports – HANCOCK, Scott 16 11/05/92 East Fremantle 23 CLARKE, Dylan 41 21/03/94 Kalgoorlie City 12 AMOROSO, Tony 67 7/09/95 South Fremantle – DELAHUNTY, Lachlan 17 26/10/90 Frankston 42 CREEPER, Adam 42 19/10/96 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – BREEZE, Thomas 68 8/08/97 Boulder – ADAMSON, Corey 18 23/02/92 East Perth/WCE – BORCHET, Ryan 43 15/05/97 Railways – BREMAN, Aaron 69 7/09/98 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – STEVENSON, Brad 19 27/06/88 West Coast Cowan 65 BARNS, Chad 44 21/01/97 North Beach JFC – CATALFAMO, Liam 70 9/04/98 North Beach JFC – WHEELER, Clancy 20 28/03/88 Newtown Condingup/Esperance 117 DOYLE, Andrew 45 15/04/97 North Beach JFC – DOWRICK, Brandon 71 30/10/97 Mines Rovers – LOCKYER, Jordan 21 15/06/93 West Perth 38 NELSON, Shannon 46 7/04/96 Esperance – FOLEY, Sean 72 15/04/98 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – GARCIA, James 22 29/12/93 Sorrento/Duncraig JFC 15 BEVERLEY, Jack 47 8/07/98 Sorrento Duncraig JFC – HALLIGAN, Luke 73 30/01/98 Warwick Greenwood JFC – JACKSON, Declan 23 27/08/94 Collie 31 LAWRENCE, McKenzie 48 26/03/98 Kingsley JFC – PANIZZA, Matthew 74 27/06/94 Southern Cross JFC – HOSKINS, Craig 24 17/10/92 Sorrento Duncraig JFC 31 BRAUT, Michael 49 27/06/97 Mt Hawthorn JFC – POLAK, Reid 76 21/01/97 Perth – BESTRY, Jordan 25 5/03/95 Kingsway JFC 6 GUINNESS, Damon 50 20/11/93 Corrigin – RYAN, Daniel 77 13/08/97 Sorrento Duncraig JFC 6 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

LAST YEAR 3RD SOUTH FREMANTLE FC WINS 16 Coach Todd Curley Captain Ryan Cook Flags 13 Last one 2009 LOSSES 7 Major sponsors Fremantle Community Bank, Metwest Steel, WA Hino, Primero Ground Fremantle Community Bank Oval Inquiries 9335 1555 Bulldogs up to speed

ᔡ Bridget Lacy the best players. We’re confident the boys will have South Fremantle have added an impact, but they are under more speed and talent to a no more pressure than side that was top two for most anyone else.” of last season. The pair are certain to add But coach Todd Curley speed to an already quick insists it’s back to the team, but Curley said rapid drawing board in 2017. ball movement would remain The Bulldogs were clearly most important. one of the best sides in the “Quick decision making home-and-away season on and moving the ball quick has their return to the finals for always been our key when the first time since 2011. we’ve got the footy. I don’t But they were spectators on think that’ll change too grand final day after eventual much,” he said. premiers Peel Thunder and Curley wants a fast start runners-up Subiaco proved again after going 5-0 to open too good for them in the the season last year. post-season. “I think it will be a really “We took some really good even comp,” he said. “At this strides last year,” Curley said. level, a couple of good players “Now we are back to the coming into your group, or if drawing board exactly the you have the unfortunate same as everyone else. Brothers Tyson, left, and Marlion Pickett helped South Fremantle into the finals last year. Picture: Bill Hatto situation where you lose a “Hopefully if we do the couple of your really good work and get the opportunity “Especially with the with Jarrod Garlett (Gold Shaw, Dylan Main and Blaine players it can really affect the we should be a more leaders, they realise that it’s Coast) and Jermaine Johnson, who all had solid fortunes of your team. experienced group and know no given that you get back Miller-Lewis (Hawthorn) seasons last year after “We know every game is what to expect. We’ve made and get another chance and returning from the AFL. returning from AFL clubs. going to be super competitive. some subtle adjustments to you’ve got to work hard Dell’Olio will be at the feet “It’s really important they “If you can jump out of the how we want to play.” again.” of twin targets Ben Saunders understand we don’t expect box and get early wins and Curley said the finals losses Souths haven’t lost much and Mason Shaw, while them to come back in and stay in front of the game it had stayed with the players from last year’s well-balanced Curley expects Garlett and dominate games,” Curley certainly helps. We want to over summer. group, but they get back Miller-Lewis to play a variety said. “A lot of guys coming qualify to play finals. Until we “They came back in pretty goalsneak Cory Dell’Olio of roles. Curley hopes they back put that internal do that, it will remain our good shape,” he said. from a 12-month -doping ban, can have a similar impact to pressure that they’ve got to be No.1 aim.” PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES SCHLOITHE, Haiden 1 16/06/93 Katanning 86 PICKETT, Marlion 25 06/01/92 Manjimup 55 MARMO, Tristan 48 12/01/88 North Fremantle AFC – DRAGOVICH, Jacob 2 12/03/96 Winnacott Kats JFC 31 VANDELEUR, Tom 26 20/03/95 Carnarvon 6 ROBINSON, Alex 50 24/06/98 South Coogee JFC – DELL’OLIO, Cory 3 08/12/89 South Coogee JFC 74 MILLER-LEWIS, Jermaine 27 23/02/96 Armadale JFC/Hawthorn – FIAMENGO, David 51 24/01/95 North Fremantle AFC – GUNDRY, Matt 4 16/06/95 Winnacott Kats JFC 26 STROM, Noah 28 02/05/96 Exmouth – NODARI, Anthony 52 11/08/96 Jandakot Jets JFC – PARRY, Jarrod 5 25/05/91 Bibra Lake JFC 34 SOLOMON, Jake 29 09/03/95 Bullcreek-Leeming JFC – COUTINHO, Andre 53 06/04/98 Kwinana JFC – BEWICK, Shaun 6 10/10/89 West Perth 66 WILSON, Blayne 30 26/01/92 Peel/Halls Head 38 POBJOY, Riley 54 21/06/97 Willetton AFC – McINTOSH, Adam 7 12/01/90 Bibra Lake JFC 78 FLORENCA, Jake 31 15/05/97 South Coogee JFC 2 DATSON, Caleb 55 04/03/98 Jandakot Jets JFC – KELLY, Tim 8 26/07/94 Palmyra JFC 70 COOK, Ryan 32 16/02/88 Collingwood 115 ARMSTRONG, Cameron 56 08/03/93 East Fremantle/Mandurah – HOCKEY, Shane 9 21/07/98 Frankston 22 MASKOS, Jason 33 03/03/93 South Coogee JFC 43 GRUBELEICH, Matthew 57 12/03/97 South Coogee JFC – BRANCHI, Josh 10 15/04/94 Peel/Eaton Boomers 15 DEPANE, James 34 07/08/88 Bibra Lake JFC – CABASSI, Daniel 58 02/12/97 Forrestdale JFC – VERRIER, Steve 11 24/06/93 Kwinana JFC 56 COLLARD, Josh 35 21/07/97 Jandakot Jets JFC – THOMPSON, Seaton 59 22/01/98 Forrestdale JFC – GARLETT, Jarrod 12 03/05/96 Bibra Lake JFC/Gold Coast 2 BURKE, Daniel 36 19/09/98 Jandakot Jets JFC – DZELEBDZIC, Mitchell 60 12/06/98 Forrestdale JFC – STROM, Zac 14 12/02/94 Exmouth 56 HAMS, Ashton 37 06/09/86 Katanning 171 GOODALL, Dylan 61 28/04/98 Kwinana JFC – VERRIER, Brendan 15 09/08/94 Kwinana JFC 55 RUSSELL, Kyle 38 12/01/98 Secret Harbour JFC – OAKLEY, Jalen 62 06/05/96 Kwinana JFC – DONALDSON, Brandon 16 26/08/97 Kwinana JFC 5 AH SIU, Chris 39 05/07/98 Winnacott JFC – DE SAN MIGUEL, Zac 63 05/05/98 Forrestdale JFC – EDWARDS, Steven 17 06/07/95 Claremont 17 LUFF, Chris 40 07/01/91 Peel/Halls Head 15 SPITHOVEN, Lucas 64 03/06/96 CBC Fremantle AFC – HIGGINS, Brock 18 11/11/89 East Perth 53 WILSON, Cruze 41 26/08/97 Peel/North Mandurah JFC – MUSIKA, Jesse 65 29/04/97 East Fremantle Power JFC – PICKETT, Tyson 19 20/12/97 York 10 CORNER, Bodhi 42 18/08/97 South Coogee JFC – CLEAVER, Aaron 66 06/03/92 Trinity Aquinas – JOHNSON, Blaine 20 28/07/95 Kwinana JFC 22 PEARSON, Chad 43 14/02/98 Bullcreek-Leeming JFC – NICKELS, Tom 68 05/01/98 Perth – MAIN, Dylan 21 02/09/95 South Coogee JFC 15 BROWN, Abel 44 12/05/98 Melville JFC – INGRAM, Harry 69 04/03/98 Willetton AFC – SHAW, Mason 22 15/01/94 Winnacott Kats JFC 23 ROY-McGREGOR, Daniel 45 22/02/95 Canning Vale AFC – WEBSDALE, Max 70 22/09/97 Carey Park FC – PULLMAN, Josh 23 10/06/89 Redlands, QLD 50 ABBOTT, Travis 46 19/03/98 Kojonup – SAUNDERS, Ben 24 25/12/91 Claremont 77 BOUGHTON, Steve 47 26/03/91 Narembeen – Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 7

LAST YEAR 4TH WEST PERTH FC WINS 13 Coach Bill Monaghan Captain Jay van Berlo Flags 19 Last one 2013 LOSSES 9 Major sponsors Channel 9, City of Joondalup, Metalwork WA Ground HBF Arena, Joondalup Inquiries 9300 3611 Falcons hope to fly like Hawks ᔡ Dale Miller complement Aaron Black and Rohan Kerr, Laine Shane Nelson. Rasmussen, Luke Tedesco West Perth intend to be more “If you look across the and Matt Fowler departing. unpredictable this season in a country at a variety of levels, Former Fremantle forward bid to gain ground on their flexibility and keeping sides Max Duffy has been released premiership rivals. guessing, and being able to from his contract to pursue Stung at being dumped adapt is a really strong an NFL career, while Drew from the finals last year quality,” Monaghan said. Rohde is another loss. following successive losses to “Hopefully with our talls But Monaghan has faith in South Fremantle and we’ve got that. We’re also his reinforcements, having eventual premiers Peel trying to use a Luke added former Adelaide utility Thunder, Falcons coach Bill Meadows, Andrew Strijk or player Jarrhan Jacky, East Monaghan has looked at AFL Kody Manning more through Perth product Riley trends in a bid to take his the middle. Hutchinson, Kalgoorlie line-up to the next level. “We are trying to have a lot midfielder Cale Delbridge and In a move out of more options rather than to Mitch van Berlo. Hawthorn’s premiership keep going to the same guys. A 197cm key-position player copybook, West Perth have “The flip side is we don’t get who spent two seasons on tried players in multiple the time the AFL clubs do to Geelong’s list, Simpson is the positions over the pre-season train them up. We’ve got to trump card. to increase their versatility. rely on a fair bit of natural “He is probably something Tall quartet Tyler Keitel, ability and understanding for that we haven’t always had a Nic Rodda, Mark Hamilton that to happen. lot of in our recruiting — a and recruit Scott Simpson are “All coaches will tell you bigger bodied, mature-age likely to be used at both ends that you’re always learning type performer who at his of the ground this season. and finding new ways to be best is in the top end of Ruckman Chris Keunen has competitive. talent,” Monaghan said. spent time training on a wing “We just got caught a little After a first-up bye, the in a left-field move. bit short last year against the Falcons’ first four matches Monaghan also wants to real top end.” are against last year’s fellow Up-and-coming back man Tyler Keitel is among the West Perth players introduce more players into West Perth have lost some finalists, giving them an idea who could play at both ends of the ground this year. Picture: Sharon Smith his midfield mix to premiership experience, with of where they sit. PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES BLACK, Aaron 1 25/12/92 Kingsley 134 NELSON, Scott 24 15/12/97 Edgewater Woodvale – TURNER, Jacob 46 05/01/97 Quinns – ANTONIO, Brayden 2 09/08/94 Quinns 24 PEIRCE, Mitch 25 04/10/96 Whitfords 2 MANNING, Kody 47 28/09/91 Ocean Ridge 83 STRIJK, Andrew 3 18/10/87 Carine 192 MORROW, Joseph 26 27/11/89 Wanneroo 52 COLEMAN, Kael 48 24/01/97 North Beach – MEADOWS, Luke 4 16/11/94 Kingsley 49 POTENTE, Steven 27 10/10/90 High Wycombe/Swan Districts 63 DELBRIDGE, Cale 49 05/10/92 Karrinyup – ALEXANDER, Max 5 07/11/91 Stirling 16 JACKY, Jarrhan 28 05/04/89 Glenelg – COE, Alex 50 06/12/96 Subiaco – CHALMERS, Corey 6 24/11/94 Quinns 23 BATTERHAM, James 29 05/04/93 Carine 7 BONNEY, Shane 51 31/03/91 Brigades – BROWNE, Steven 7 01/02/89 Whitfords 140 MOZHAEV, Seva 30 01/01/91 Subiaco 27 ASHFIELD, Michael 52 23/05/96 Kingsley – LOUREY, Michael 8 06/10/89 Frankston 46 WALTON, Broderick 31 24/04/94 Kingsley – SAUNDERS, Zachary 53 16/01/96 Joondalup Kinross – MANZONE, Trent 9 27/09/91 Aspley 61 BAKER, Liam 32 27/01/98 Lake Grace – CAMPBELL, Dylan 54 09/01/97 North Beach – GUADAGNIN, Matt 10 17/10/83 Southern Cross 191 KNOTT, Keegan 33 20/07/92 Claremont 8 ALLEN, Angus 55 05/08/97 Whitfords – ANTONIO, Mitchell 11 18/03/97 Quinns – MOULTON, Tyson 34 23/01/96 Wanneroo 1 LARMETT, Ewan 57 04/11/97 Ocean Ridge – VAN BERLO, Mitch 12 01/10/93 Whitfords 16 MILLS, Jordan 35 13/12/90 Kingsley – MARINOVICH, Nicholas 59 17/06/98 Whitfords – MUNNS, Dean 13 28/09/95 Beacon 15 HAMILTON, Mark 36 23/10/91 Palmerston 19 ONN, Hunter 60 25/04/98 Beacon – NELSON, Shane 14 11/05/93 Edgewater Woodvale 97 KEITEL, Tyler 37 07/02/96 East Perth 35 GUADAGNIN, Zachary 62 17/05/98 Southern Cross – ROTHAM, Sam 15 09/04/96 Whitfords 7 GERAGHTY, Martin 38 15/02/94 Whitfords – BENNETT, Joel 63 07/03/98 Quinns – SIMPSON, Scott 16 19/10/89 Sommerville – McGILLIVRAY, Ben 39 28/04/92 Moora – WOODS, Gregson 64 10/07/84 Ellenbrook – WILHELM, Blake 17 11/09/92 Wanneroo 28 LYNCH, Aidan 40 27/09/94 Edgewater Woodvale 43 COLBUNG, Dennis 65 25/07/88 Nollamara – VAN BERLO, Jay 18 18/09/88 Whitfords 145 ALEXANDRE, Nathan 41 01/06/97 Quinns – HORGAN, Joel 66 01/09/97 Whitfords – KEUNEN, Chris 19 07/10/83 St Bridgets 183 HUTCHINSON, Riley 42 21/01/94 Carey Park – ROMANELLI, Josh 67 18/06/98 Quinns – RODDA, Nic 20 06/07/94 Whitfords 76 MITCHELL, William 43 16/02/96 Quinns – GARLETT, Allan 68 19/05/89 Nollamara – SHANNON, Kris 22 09/08/92 Quinns 46 O’BRIEN, Tom 44 09/03/97 Kulin Kondinin – MORGAN, Beau 69 14/03/95 Augusta-Margaret River – LYNCH, Conal 23 10/09/97 Edgewater Woodvale – KING, Ben 45 23/10/92 Gingin 15 8 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

LAST YEAR 5TH EAST PERTH FC WINS 10 Coach Luke Webster Captains Kyle Anderson-Patrick McGinnity Flags 17 Last one 2002 LOSSES 11 Major sponsors Tint-a-Car, Allianz, AHG, Covs Ground Leederville Oval Inquiries 9443 2259 Royal blood is in coach’s veins ᔡ John Townsend experience of losing them to who won our best and fairest push forward.” last year, Tom Hodgson who Luke Webster has family, But East Perth must find won the reserves B and F, experience and tradition on replacements for stalwarts Callum Hart and Stan his side. Paul Johnson, Craig Wulff Wright.” Now he must use those and Garry Moss to improve Webster also predicted big assets to create the next on their fifth place last things for Tom Gorter, who chapter of his club’s history. season. Some will come from was rookie-listed by West The first East Perth the reserves players who Coast after a breakout WAFL premiership player to be reached the grand final last season. “He is a quality kid appointed club coach since year, with Webster who shows great leadership 1959 winner Ray Giblett took identifying lanky ruckman on the field, helps set up the reins in 1974, Webster Scott Jones as one to watch. structures and uses the ball needs to help West Coast’s And former West Coast really well,” Webster said. young players learn the game hard nut Patrick McGinnity, Three generations of while steering the Royals whose passion for East Perth Websters have played for the towards finals success. matches that of his coach, club and Luke Webster’s East Perth have played will be a key playmaker and mother runs the front office. finals for the past five seasons standard setter. Webster’s grandfather Ray without winning a flag. “The three retiring players won a flag in 1956, his father As Webster revealed during will be hard to replace, but we Ron was a brilliant a stirring address at the have gone a long way in administrator after a robust club’s annual general getting Pat to stay at the playing career and his meeting, that experience has club,” Webster said. brother Ryan was in the provided strong internal “He had the opportunity to squad that won a premiership motivation to do much better. go back to Claremont, or go hat-trick from 2000 to 2002. “We have to improve on last elsewhere, but he is Webster was coaching year,” Webster said. passionate about playing at Carlton’s VFL affiliates “We have been around the East Perth and it is great to Northern Blues when he got a mark in recent years and had have a guy like him involved. development job at West opportunities to win grand “We expect plenty from Coast last year, but jumped at Luke Webster addresses his East Perth players during their pre-season finals, but we can use the players like Mitch Fraser, the chance to lead the Royals. clash with South Fremantle. Picture: John Townsend PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES YOUNG, Will 1 28/07/96 Augusta-Margaret River – DOBSON, Mitchell 36 16/03/98 Ballajura – DUGAN, Jake 64 7/02/98 Busselton – PAYNE, Stephen 2 7/10/90 Augusta-Margaret River 104 BURGESS, Dylan 37 14/06/94 Toodyay – KINGI, Steven 66 27/12/96 Noranda – FRASER, Mitch 3 17/05/94 Busselton 78 JONES, Jake 40 15/02/96 Wembley – ABBOTT, Campbell 67 21/11/96 Mt Lawley – HILLE, Shayne 4 11/05/96 Morley 22 MURPHY, Stephen 42 13/06/97 Coolbinia – TUCKER, Ben 68 29/08/94 Thornlie – McGINNITY, Patrick 5 18/02/89 WCE/Claremont 29 CAPORN, Kristian 43 17/04/95 Ballajura – VADER, Mark 69 21/07/95 Noranda – ANDERSON, Kyle 6 1/01/90 Augusta-Margaret River 87 DIPLACIDO, Alex 44 8/11/94 Noranda – RUSSO, Daniel 70 10/12/96 Coolbinia – WRIGHT, Stan 7 18/03/98 Augusta-Margaret River – LONGBOTTOM, Mark 45 28/05/94 Kukerin-Dumbleyung – MAGINNESS, Will 8 13/01/95 Oakleigh Chargers/WCE 18 WAITE, Nelson 46 7/10/97 Mt Lawley – AMEDURI, Julian 9 12/03/94 Noranda 17 BLANCH, Harry 47 19/11/97 Noranda – BLEE, Nathan 10 7/09/90 Ballajura/Pt Adelaide 85 AMOS, Thomas 48 7/06/97 Mazenod – MILLER, Benjamin 11 6/12/97 Dunsborough – NORTH, Taylor 49 31/07/97 Boyup Brook – HART, Callum 12 3/02/94 Noranda 41 RYAN, Oliver 50 7/12/94 Busselton – MacSHANE, Jobe 13 7/12/94 Busselton – BALESTRA, Jake 51 8/12/98 Mt Lawley – WILSON, Lewis 15 19/10/93 Ballajura 3 CHRISP, Kobe 52 15/08/97 Ellenbrook – OAKLEY-NICHOLLS, Jarrad 16 9/02/88 East Perth/WCE/Richmond 122 AMOS, Jack 53 7/06/97 Mazenod – SAMELKO, Asher 18 3/05/94 Augusta-Margaret River – MICHELON, Alex 54 18/07/97 Mt Lawley – HODGSON, Thomas 24 17/05/95 Ballajura 1 LOO, Joshua 55 13/02/96 Belmont – RILEY, Blake 26 13/03/95 Busselton – BOLTON, Dwayne 56 3/05/95 Maddington – EATON, Nathan 27 26/05/97 Mt Lawley – HEWETT, Joshua 57 20/05/97 Busselton – JONES, Scott 28 20/05/95 Busselton – AJANG, Ajang 58 1/01/97 Ellenbrook – HICK, Jack 30 12/01/96 Augusta-Margaret River – BROWNE, Jordan 59 22/12/96 Quinns District – ALLSOP, Ciaran 31 6/01/97 Coolbinia – HADDEN, Kane 60 9/10/97 Augusta-Margaret River – BLACKLEY, Matthew 32 1/02/95 Towns (Broome) – SEYMOUR, Matthew 61 18/10/96 Imperials – LAGUE, Mitchell 33 23/07/93 Busselton 12 CHRISTOFIS, Ethan 62 21/03/98 Deanmill – BEST, Jarrod 35 12/09/94 Cervantes – JONES, Jayk 63 30/01/96 High Wycombe – Patrick McGinnity, right, is a co-captain. Picture: Danella Bevis Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 9

LAST YEAR 6TH EAST FREMANTLE FC WINS 9 Coach Rob Wiley Captain Jamie McNamara Flags 29 Last one 1998 LOSSES 11 Major sponsors Titan Ford, New Choice Homes Ground East Fremantle Oval Address Moss St, East Fremantle Inquiries 9339 5533 Sharks to maintain the rage ᔡ Bridget Lacy track with the style of footy that we want to play,” he said. Rob Wiley is quietly confident “We did well last year until East Fremantle can build on the middle of the year when a his first season in charge and number of factors made us return to the finals. lose games. But the highly regarded “We definitely want to coach knows every team will improve from what happened go up a gear this season and last season. The whole group the Sharks need to do the realised that they can play same to finish in the top five. good football, they can match There was plenty of it against the best. Jonathon Marsh brings AFL experience to East Fremantle after deciding to leave Collingwood. The versatile tall promise last season — wins “Unfortunately we weren’t is expected to play a variety of roles in 2017. Picture: East Fremantle Football Club against Subiaco and South consistent enough in the back Fremantle were highlights — half of the year. We needed to Wiley said the quick and Mirco (South Fremantle) and ready for round one because but they couldn’t maintain get probably a little bit fitter. powerful Marsh could play Nathan Fahey (Peel Thunder) of a hamstring injury. the rage, dropping seven of “We’ve been able to tick the several positions. also added. Wiley said the Sharks their last nine games to boxes. I’m quietly confident Forward Alex Howson is Big man James Bristow is would be ready for the battle. tumble out of the finals race. that we can build on what we back after illness, while big missing after deciding to go “It’ll be very tough to make Wiley says he’s been able to created last year.” ruckman Cameron Symonds travelling, while Brock finals,” he said. drill into his game plan more The Sharks have brought in returns. O’Brien is battling serious “It’s hard to win games. We in his second pre-season. a host of players. Jonathon Prendergast medallist Tom hamstring and knee injuries. are under no illusions that we “We are certainly far more Marsh leads the ins after Omodei has been poached Prime mover George are a walk-up start after a advanced 12 months down the leaving Collingwood. from East Perth, with Jesse Hampson is fighting to be promising year last year.” PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES EARDLEY, Cameron 1 24/06/93 East Frem JFC 56 SCHLEICHER, Jake 24 8/01/94 Willetton 14 FLETCHER, Jack 48 8/02/95 Bull Creek 6 McNAMARA, Jamie 2 6/03/88 Booragoon JFC 127 MIRCO, Jesse 25 28/01/97 South Fremantle — WILLIAMSON, Jordan 49 7/02/96 Railways (Geraldton) — ANTHONY, Liam 3 9/09/87 Railways (Geraldton) 76 SYMONDS, Cameron 27 23/09/92 Bull Creek Leeming JFC 20 MORTON-SMITH, Nathan 50 3/05/96 Rossmoyne — CRICHTON, Jesse 4 18/06/91 Werribee 20 FAHEY, Nathan 28 3/04/96 Peel Thunder — DELANEY, Peter 57 4/10/97 Bullcreek-Leeming JFC — HENSON, Sean 5 3/03/92 Rossmoyne 96 ADAMINI, Jesse 29 21/07/96 Railways (Geraldton) 7 PARISH, Ollie 52 24/03/97 East Fremantle JFC — DOROTICH, Jordan 6 31/10/93 Melville 32 STOKES, Andrew 30 14/12/93 Railways (Geraldton) 11 QUAIFE, Tom 53 5/10/93 Busselton — PEAKE, Brett 7 5/07/83 Willetton 120 MARSHALL, Tom 31 19/12/97 East Fremantle JFC 1 JUPP, Matthew 8 28/09/93 South Perth JFC 62 KALAJZIC, Joel 32 2/12/93 Federals — BASKERVILLE, Kyle 54 19/07/98 Winnacott JFC — PERHAM, Jack 9 12/06/90 Brigades (Geraldton) 87 HOWSON, Alex 33 25/05/94 Booragoon JFC 2 HARDING, Ben 55 20/02/98 Attadale JFC — MARSH, Jonathon 10 17/10/95 Margaret River/Collingwood — ELLIS, Brandon 34 30/12/93 Rossmoyne 22 NEVILL, Dwayne 56 7/08/98 Rovers (Geraldton) — HAMPSON, George 11 8/02/90 Subiaco 21 TINGEY, Brendan 35 22/04/96 Rockingham JFC — NEWTON, Alex 57 13/05/97 Bullcreek-Leeming JFC — STEPHEN, Andrew 12 9/08/88 Melville 145 CRONAN, Michael 36 19/02/97 East Fremantle JFC — AMBROSE, Ryan 58 22/11/98 Winnacott JFC — SCHOFIELD, Jayden 13 14/05/92 Railways (Geraldton) 85 BENNETT, Tom 37 30/04/97 Willetton JFC — CREASEY, Harry 59 28/01/98 Bunbury — HARROLD, James 14 6/02/97 Bull Creek Leeming JFC 15 McCARREY, Zac 38 10/08/93 Applecross JFC — DALY, Fraser 60 5/03/96 Brigades (Geraldton) — O’BRIEN, Brock 15 30/05/88 Peel Thunder/Pinjarra 99 REGAN, Conor 39 8/08/95 Winnacott JFC 3 MONTAUBAN, Alex 61 3/03/98 Rossmoyne — OMODEI, Tom 16 5/09/93 East Perth — KRAKOUER, Lewis 40 20/03/91 Halls Head 4 SORRELL, Tyler 62 17/02/98 Melville — BRISTOW, Tim 17 3/05/87 Launceston 28 GREEN, Carl 41 6/06/96 Towns (Geraldton) 1 PEARTON, Leon 63 7/03/98 East Fremantle JFC — LESTER-SMITH, Ryan 18 19/06/92 Willetton 76 CUNEO, Joshua 42 3/01/95 Winnacott JFC 22 FRANKLIN, Miles 19 6/04/95 Palmyra JFC 16 BAILEY, Lachlan 43 9/02/98 Attadale JFC — EGAN, Stuart 64 14/07/94 Towns (Geraldton) — ANTHONY, Dion 20 26/04/94 Railways (Geraldton) 20 MORENO, Alex 44 21/07/94 Federals — BONOMELLI, Nicholas 65 12/06/98 Melville — WATSON, Matthew 21 16/07/92 Carlton 20 BURTON, Matthew 45 11/06/98 Bullcreek Leeming JFC — CLEMENT, Jye 14/07/97 Gosnells AFC — WINTON, Dylan 22 27/07/96 Peel Thunder 13 HEBITON, Josef 46 26/11/96 Applecross 2 PARADELLA, Jaidyn 31/12/97 Towns (Geraldton) — READ, Samuel 23 23/10/91 Willetton 67 HOLMES, Corey 47 19/08/97 Canning Vale JFC — MINERVINI, Matthew 8/01/96 East Fremantle JFC — 10 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

LAST YEAR 7TH CLAREMONT FC WINS 7 Coach Darren Harris Captain Jake Murphy Flags 12 Last one 2012 LOSSES 13 Major sponsors TFS, Hertz, Emco, Liquor Barons Ground Claremont Oval Inquiries 9384 9200 Harris hails ingredients

ᔡ John Townsend “My coaching philosophy is that every minute of every After Claremont lost a WAFL game adds up to you winning record eight matches by or losing,” he said. “It is not single-figure margins last the last 10 minutes, or the last season, new coach Darren three minutes that count, it is Harris identified a clear and the whole game. We have to overwhelmingly positive value everything we do. aspect in their plight. “If we value winning every “If you lose eight games by stoppage, every single close margins, you must be moment, that will be the big doing a lot right,” Harris said. step up for us. “Turn four of those games “If we value that and are into wins and you play good at that defensively, finals.” offensively we can put some One of the best recruits in real pressure on teams.” the competition with a Recruiting has been coaching resume that low-key, though there are includes a flag at West Perth, high expectations of dual two State wins and a long premiership player Tom Lee, period as a senior AFL who has returned after four assistant, Harris has been years with St Kilda, while the chosen to build Claremont’s mercurial Anthony Morabito next golden era. will try to reignite his It coincides with the Tigers injury-hit career. building the best State league The leading goal kicker in facility in the country, though Claremont’s 2012 premiership it will be mid-season before season, Lee may be required they are at their new in defence and is almost Tom Lee, left, coach Darren Harris and reigning Sandover medallist Jye Bolton. Picture: Daniel Wilkins $16 million home. certain to pinch-hit in the Their on-field success may ruck for a team that is not ruck, a bit back and a bit Bolton to set the benchmark true players like Richo, also take some time to arrive, endowed with big men. forward.” for his young playing group. Maister, Matty Davies and but Harris has plenty to work “Lee will have to play a bit Harris wants premiership “We have 35 players aged 18 Mitch Andrews but the with. And he has already of everything,” Harris said. veterans Jake Murphy, Ian to 20 so the focus has to be on growth of the next crew, the identified stronger defensive “We are not overly blessed Richardson and Beau the development of players,” Bailey Banfields and Matt pressure as a non-negotiable with height and ruckmen, so Maister, plus reigning Harris said. “We know what Guelfis, is what will enable us element of his game plan. he will potentially play in the Sandover medallist Jye we will get with tried and to be successful.” PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NEATES, Ryan 1 26/06/91 Carine JFC/WCE 94 HAMP, Anton 26 21/07/92 Hale/West Coast 89 EHLERS, Matthew 51 6/12/96 Marist JFC/Aquinas – YU, Keifer 2 6/04/91 Broome/Hale/Marist JFC 64 MANUEL, Alex 27 19/08/95 Collegians 7 OAKLEY, CJ 52 1/09/97 Cable Beach 1 LEE, Tom 3 2/01/91 Scotch/Adelaide/St Kilda 52 PALFREY, Matt 28 1/12/95 Railways 14 MUSITANO, Ben 53 14/11/96 West Coast – RICHARDSON, Ian 4 14/10/87 West Coast JFC 170 BENTLEY, Max 29 23/05/95 Subiaco JFC/Scotch 9 SINCLAIR, Harry 54 9/08/97 Scotch – MURPHY, Jake 5 18/01/90 Cottesloe JFC/Scotch 123 BEECK, Jack 30 26/07/95 Swanbourne JFC 31 SIDERIS, Jacob 55 29/01/98 Wembley JFC – LIM, Ryan 6 20/03/96 West Coast JFC/Hale 38 DAVIES, Morgan 31 8/12/96 Nth Albany/CCGS 5 BENNETT, Bailey 57 20/02/98 Railways, Albany – BRADSHAW, Jack 7 3/09/92 West Coast JFC/Hale 93 GUELFI, Matt 32 14/08/97 Wembley Downs JFC 5 BENNETT, Josh 58 2/10/97 Cottesloe JFC/Scotch – HOLT, Aaron 8 19/02/91 West Coast JFC/Scotch 63 HIGGS, Ben 33 28/08/95 Railways, Albany 3 LAWRENCE, Tom 59 12/02/98 Wembley JFC – DAVIES, Matthew 9 12/10/91 Scarborough JFC 81 BANFIELD, Bailey 34 26/02/98 Broome/Scotch 2 SMALLWOOD, Dylan 60 19/05/98 Albany Sharks – RICHARDSON, Jack 10 15/02/93 Scotch 25 SPEED, Justin 35 28/09/94 Wanneroo 8 STERGIOU, Jake 61 11/01/98 Claremont JFC/CCGS – BOLTON, Jye 11 3/03/92 Werribee 20 WILLIAMS, John 36 8/10/88 Essendon FC/Swan Districts 45 TWEEDIE, Lachie 62 2/12/97 Wembley JFC – MORABITO, Anthony 12 29/10/91 Peel/Fremantle – McCRACKEN, Harry 37 7/07/95 Marist JFC/Hale 16 HOLT, Dylan 63 6/03/97 Railways, Albany – HARDISTY, Jared 13 7/03/96 Marist JFC /Hawthorn 20 GRIFFITHS, Jack 38 27/10/94 Neerim South – MURPHY, Ryan 64 20/05/97 West Coast JFC/Scotch – LEDGER, Tom 14 17/03/92 West Coast JFC/Scotch/St Kilda 56 MADDOCK, Luke 39 22/01/96 Werribee – EASTLAND, Oliver 65 26/03/98 Scotch – BUSHER, Haydn 15 21/08/91 Vic Park JFC/Perth 33 SIMPSON, Eddie 40 10/02/97 Swanbourne JFC – RUSHFORTH, Ben 66 30/07/97 West Coast JFC – LE FANU, Charles 16 21/12/93 Subiaco FC – BEVAN, Sam 41 12/06/96 Wembley Downs JFC/Hale – MORTON, Shaq 67 11/07/98 Warringarri/Clontarf – ROSS, Dylan 17 26/06/90 Marist JFC/South Fremantle 19 MAISTER, Beau 42 20/03/86 Railways, Albany/WCE/St Kilda 129 ENGLAND, Tyson 68 29/07/97 Wembley Downs JFC/Hale – ROGERS, Bailey 18 22/03/97 Marist JFC 23 MARTINIS, Lachie 43 6/07/96 Wembley – MITCHELL, Corey 69 23/05/98 Scarborough JFC – WINMAR, Nick 19 27/04/91 Scarborough JFC/St Kilda/Subiaco 22 WEEDON, Gerrick 44 25/05/91 Derby/West Coast 50 QUENBY, Cam 70 14/04/98 Mt Barker – PLANT, Toby 20 4/08/93 Port Melbourne 2 GILBERT, Fraser 45 6/02/97 Scotch – DELAPORTE, Jacob 71 23/10/95 Marist JFC – LANGDON, Zac 21 13/11/95 Dampier Sharks 11 WILSON, Brett 46 11/12/96 Bridgetown – DELAPORTE, Ben 72 26/06/97 Marist JFC – SHANAHAN, Tom 22 28/04/95 Marist JFC/East Perth 14 WILKINS, Aden 47 10/05/97 West Coast JFC/Hale – GILBERT, Kaiden 73 3/04/95 Scotch – McADAM, Shane 23 28/05/95 Halls Creek/Hale 11 EHLERS, David 48 6/12/96 Marist JFC/Aquinas – SPEED, Adam 74 6/12/92 Wanneroo – ANDREWS, Mitch 24 5/12/86 Broadbeach/West Perth 96 WHITEHEAD, Mason 49 16/04/95 Scarborough – LAURIE, Jess 25 21/09/90 Denmark/Port Adelaide 68 GODDARD, Jeremy 50 27/03/98 Marist JFC – Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 11

LAST YEAR 8TH PERTH FC WINS 7 Coach Earl Spalding Captain Clint Jones Flags 7 Last one 1977 LOSSES 13 Major sponsors Provident Capital Partners, Southside Mitsubishi/Volkswagen, Lucky Shag Ground Lathlain Park Address Goddard St, Lathlain Inquiries 9362 4499 Demons rely on potent midfield ᔡ Russell Reid run of injuries restricted him hoped for more from key to 11 games last season. forward Spencer White in A quality midfield brigade Coach Earl Spalding said 2017, and also predicted will be the key to Perth’s bid Jones was an obvious teenage forwards Zareth Roe, for a first finals appearance successor to White, whose Gordon Narrier and Anton in two decades. leadership skills would be Scotney would be players to The addition of former missed at the club. watch. South Fremantle and St Kilda “Clint just works so hard to Recruited from St Kilda player Clint Jones to a find the ball,” Spalding said. before the start of last season, midfield unit already “We’ve certainly made a White finished with 17 goals boasting Sandover medallist point of mentioning it to the from 10 games in an Aidan Tropiano and Liam rest of the group, especially injury-interrupted campaign. McKenna was critical in the the younger guys coming up Spalding said a good start Demons notching seven wins from the colts who you see a was a priority, with away in 2016. bit of potential in, that unless matches against Swan That was a vast you are prepared to work that Districts and Subiaco before improvement from just two hard, you will never reach their first home game against wins the previous year and a your full potential.” Claremont. similar improvement should Spalding said a strong “I think we are better see them reach the finals for midfield was critical to balanced at both ends this the first time since 1997. success. “That’s where the year,” Spalding said. Jones led the league in game is won and lost I believe “Our best six forwards are disposals in 2017, averaging 34 or where the momentum going to be really challenging possessions and five marks as starts,” he said. to play on and our best six one of the competition’s “If you are playing South backs are going to be really better performers. Fremantle and your mids are competitive and make it hard The 33-year-old was getting beaten, you are in all for other forward lines. rewarded when announced as sorts of trouble because they “Confidence is a massive captain for the upcoming have got those key forwards things and if you can get off season, replacing retiring like (Ben) Saunders and to a reasonable start in terms New Perth skipper Clint Jones was a standout for the Demons in their skipper Dene White, who (Mason) Shaw.” of your output then guys can seven-win season last year. Picture: Sharon Smith bowed out after a frustrating Spalding said the club grow a leg from there.” PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES McKENNA, Liam 1 18/04/92 Peel Thunder 39 EYRES, Christian 21 10/10/90 Trinity Aquinas 50 KICKETT, Cody 41 15/01/98 Railways — IRONS, Jarrod 2 20/09/92 Port Adelaide/South Perth 18 SCOTNEY, Anton 22 12/03/98 Dandaragan — PIGGOTT, Guy 42 14/04/91 South Bunbury — ROE, Zareth 3 18/09/98 South Perth JFC — THOMPSON, Matthew 23 23/11/94 Boyup Brook 4 GARSTONE, Samuel 43 01/06/95 Upper Swan JFC 22 TROPIANO, Aidan 4 21/10/92 Brigades 45 McPHAIL, Brad 24 22/02/96 South Fremantle — MARLIN, Lennon 44 21/12/95 Victoria Park JFC 16 JONES, Clint 5 02/02/84 St Kilda/South Fremantle 20 NARRIER, Gordon 25 27/11/98 Hale — LEONARD, Chris 45 25/10/97 Chapman Valley — WALLEY, Callum 6 06/04/90 Scarborough 22 BOYES, Ashley 26 25/09/92 East Perth 12 LEVIEN, John 46 15/05/98 Kenwick JFC — SINCLAIR, Michael 7 14/03/94 South Perth JFC 67 MORISEY, Kristian 27 25/01/98 Willetton JFC — PATTISON, Bradley 47 28/11/97 South Perth JFC — JACOBS, Julian 8 02/01/89 Subiaco/Esperance 67 GIBLETT, Clayton 28 31/01/96 East Perth — SMITH, Shaun 48 23/03/95 Federals — WHITE, Spencer 9 22/09/94 St Kilda 10 JONES, Marshall 29 26/08/97 York 12 PUNCH, Arnold 49 11/10/97 Maddington — LATCH, Brent 10 09/04/92 Swan Districts 34 JOHNSON, Blake 30 21/02/98 Thornlie JFC — HILL, Zachary 50 07/04/97 Federals — STACK, Brennan 11 26/05/88 Western Bulldogs/Belmont 63 BELL, Jared 31 27/05/96 South Perth JFC 32 HORAN, Daniel 51 04/07/96 South Perth JFC — COLLEDGE, Brant 12 25/10/94 Attadale JFC/Aquinas College 2 BURKE, Joshua 32 07/07/97 Kenwick JFC — NICHOLAS, Kasey 52 01/05/96 South Perth JFC/Curtin Wesley — BROWNE, Mitchell 13 15/01/96 Wongan-Ballidu 9 EDMONDS, Brent 33 27/07/94 Federals 36 SIEGERT, Josh 53 18/09/97 Goomalling — BYRNE, Corey 14 19/05/97 Thornlie JFC — HENDERSON, Mitchell 34 20/02/96 York — PAPERTALK, Callum 54 12/08/92 Chapman Valley — WILKINS, Laine 15 20/03/94 Peel/Halls Head 17 JOHNSTONE, Jayden 35 05/01/98 Huntingdale JFC — PIGGOTT, Braden 55 15/07/95 South Bunbury — CARY, Kristian 16 22/03/95 North Albury 14 LEGGETT, Cody 36 10/06/96 Attadale JFC 32 ANDERSON, Cedric 57 19/04/98 Maddington — CHESTER, Kurtis 17 08/03/95 Goomalling 10 PERKUSICH, Sam 37 24/03/98 Dongara — MARSHALL, Callum 58 06/10/94 Mundijong — ETTO, Taran 18 06/07/95 Western Sydney 14 CHIVERS, Clint 38 03/04/97 Mingenew/South Perth JFC — BILITY, Abdule 61 23/03/98 High Wycombe — NINYETTE, Cody 19 30/12/97 Kelmscott 3 DUKE, Jarlath 39 18/08/94 Swan View/Perth — MERCER, Andre 62 12/06/95 Curtin Wesley — McFARLANE, Devin 20 04/09/92 Peel Thunder — DENNIS, Lachlan 40 03/09/93 Curtin Wesley 21 VAUGHAN, Jake 64 24/12/97 Thornlie JFC — 12 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017

LAST YEAR 9TH SWAN DISTRICTS FC WINS 2 Coach Greg Harding Captain Tallan Ames Flags 8 Last one 2010 LOSSES 18 Major sponsors BHP Billiton, Chevron, Midway Ford, Steel Blue, Swan Towing, PMG Ground Steel Blue Oval, Bassendean Inquiries 9279 8700 Swans lean on seniors’ input ᔡ Dale Miller Pearce to miss the season has that can play across all three been an unexpected blow. lines.” Coach Greg Harding’s goal of But Harding is confident Swans gave league debuts a finals berth for Swan his team still has the right to 18 players last year. Districts this year will rely blend of experience and The wooden-spoon season heavily on smart player youth to vault into finals took an added toll on their management. contention. list. Experienced defenders Swans identified the need Careful management of his Justin Simpson and Graham for more experience after a squad will be the key. Jetta have retired, while horror 2016 season that Crowley is rising 33 and indigenous trio Nelson Ansey, produced just two wins and full-back Tallan Ames is a Albert Dean and Rudy some of the lowest scores in year older, while Ellis had Riddoch have left. the club’s history. three injury-plagued seasons Ruckman Nathan Blakely is The response has been an at West Coast. unlikely to play this year as aggressive recruiting drive, “The biggest query for us is he juggles training as a with retired West Coast and going to be the management doctor with his recovery from Hawthorn defender Xavier of the player group,” Harding a serious knee injury. Ellis one of six former AFL said. “Our success this season This season looms as an players to arrive. really depends on our ability important one for Harding Doig medallist Ryan to keep our best players on after being re-signed midway Crowley has re-signed after the ground for long periods. through 2016 despite the lack one season as an Essendon “Even last year, you saw the of wins. top-up player. impact of our really He acknowledged the Swans have also been important players like Tim expectation created by the strengthened by the return of Geappen, Ryan Davis and club’s recruiting efforts and homegrown products David Nathan Broad going out of said it was important to Ellard, Corey Gault and the side in a short space of reward loyal supporters. Jamie Bennell. time and then us copping a “We’re definitely targeting A pre-season knee injury few injuries. finals,” Harding said. “How that will force former “We were lucky with high we can finish on the Ricky Cary was Swan Districts’ leading goal kicker in their difficult 2016 Fremantle defender Clancee getting a number of recruits ladder remains to be seen.” season with 21 majors. Picture: Duncan Watkinson PLAYER LIST NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES NAME NO D.O.B RECRUITED GAMES MANTON, Rodrick 1 23/10/89 Bassendean 12 CARY, Ricky 23 12/10/91 Attadale 53 HACKETT, Brayden 45 01/02/97 South Hedland Swans 5 BLIGHT, Jarred 2 24/01/91 Midvale 58 WATSON, Jack 24 23/07/97 Gidgegannup 9 DANIELS, Chad 46 13/08/97 Bassendean 1 CONIGLIO, Jacob 3 25/07/95 La Salle 19 HOWARD, Alex 25 20/06/93 Swan View 91 WILSON, Warwick 47 29/01/96 Clontarf 17 BENNELL, Jamie 4 06/07/90 Carey Park/WCE 12 WHITSED, Benjamin 26 07/08/85 Mazenod 13 IPSEN, Tyler 48 18/04/96 Deanmill – ELLARD, David 5 13/03/89 Midvale 1 CLUTTERBUCK, Freddie 27 22/09/90 Noranda JFC 18 MONOCO, Daniel 49 05/06/94 Mt Lawley AFC/Swan Ath AFC – UGLE, Kirk 6 06/05/92 Carey Park 66 NOTTE, Tony 28 15/04/90 Upper Swan 178 RAYNOR, Tristen 50 14/07/97 High Wycombe JFC – FAULKNER, Adam 7 03/05/92 Swan View 90 TURNER, Jessie 29 10/08/96 Bassendean 21 BARR, Sachin 51 04/06/98 Newman National – ROGERS, Matthew 8 10/09/90 Perth/Cunderdin 85 YUKICH, Troy 30 10/12/94 Upper Swan 17 WATSON, Tobe 52 12/03/97 Donnybrook – BANFIELD, Todd 9 28/06/90 Swan View 31 RIDLEY, Levi 31 17/02/97 Bassendean JFC – O’KANE, Brendan 53 30/08/97 La Salle – ELLIS, Xavier 10 28/02/88 WCE – MAGUIRE, Ethan 32 04/06/96 Bunbury – DENT, Giles 54 10/01/97 Mazenod – AMES, Tallan 11 18/10/83 Trinity 245 ELLIS, Harry 33 27/11/95 Waroona – WALKER, Meava 55 01/08/98 Karratha Kats – GAULT, Corey 12 28/10/92 Brookton Pingelly 1 SUTTON, Brody 34 28/08/96 Bassendean JFC 3 McKENZIE, Mitchell 56 10/07/95 Kalamunda – STEWART, Taryce 13 21/12/19 Midvale JFC 2 ERCEG, Brandon 35 13/02/93 Bassendean 10 SPACKMAN, Braydon 57 04/01/98 Upper Swan/GGS – NUICH, Jake 14 07/05/93 La Salle 22 NOBLE, Brayden 36 31/07/92 Trinity Aquinas AFC – ARMSTRONG, Jonathon 58 14/04/97 Kalamunda JFC – CROWLEY, Ryan 15 03/05/84 Essendon – HUGHES, Logan 37 09/04/92 Harvey 2 PRICE, Mitchell 59 10/08/97 Kalamunda JFC/GGS – GRESCOS, Laurence 16 08/04/95 Upper Swan 33 HOLMAN, Ben 38 04/05/94 Guildford Grammar 3 JONES, Dillan 60 09/06/92 Newman Saints – CIPRO, Josh 17 10/05/98 Upper Swan/GGS 1 WITYK, Steven 39 02/02/92 Bayswater-Morley JFC/East Perth 6 MORGAN, James 61 19/04/96 High Wycombe JFC – RIGGIO, Matt 18 14/03/88 Waroona 140 CRANENBURGH, Callan 40 01/06/96 Darlington Parkerville – ANDERSON, Jake 62 04/03/96 Wesley Curtin – DANIELS, Jason 19 12/01/96 Bassendean 12 POWER, Josh 41 28/02/97 Wesley – FULLGRABE, Brad 64 01/04/98 Upper Swan – SMIRK, Tom 20 16/02/89 Collegians 26 NESS, Jacob 42 02/06/96 University 1 BILL, Jordan 66 25/09/97 Swan Valley – SHAND, Justin 21 06/01/96 Upper Swan – MURRAY, Lindsay 43 20/02/96 High Wycombe JFC 9 SLATER, Jackson 22 12/02/93 East Perth 9 MANTON, Jesse 44 10/08/93 Kalamunda JFC 16 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 13

Western Australia’s talented under-16 side celebrates its win over Vic Metro at Southport on the Gold Coast in last July’s national titles. Picture: WA Football Commission Growing love for the game

ᔡ Russell Reid the WAFC, WAFL clubs, WA football, influence of other environment where players between junior clubs, schools Amateur Football League, sports and coaches’ impact. continue to have fun, enjoy and senior clubs. New strategies to engage and WA Country Football League Recommendations were the game, learn new skills Executive manager of retain more teenage and District Football developed for inclusion in a and are challenged. football operations Jon participants at clubs around Development Council. WAFC youth football ᔡ Leadership — develop and Haines said increasing and the State will be implemented West Coast premiership participation plan for the support quality coaches to enhancing youth by the WA Football player Craig Turley, who next four years. help retain players. participation in football was a Commission in 2017. specialises in community and The plan aims to grow ᔡ Format — consider new crucial focus for the WAFC. The strategies are aimed at social impact research, was youth community club timeslots and alternative “Growing participation in 13 to 17-year-olds and based an independent consultant. football in WA, improve game formats such as Friday the youth segment is really on findings of a youth football More than 600 players, player retention and increase night games and 15-a-side important for the future of working group that looked at coaches, parents and club the interaction of school football to address competing our game,” he said. reasons why young people committee members were football with community time demands with school, “We want to ensure that drop out of sport. asked about influences on competitions. study and/or work. once participants are engaged The football working group playing, reasons for drop-out, Key focus areas included: ᔡ Partnerships — build they remain involved as included representatives from engagement in school ᔡ Environment — create an stronger partnerships lifelong participants.” 14 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 15 Biggest year yet looms for women’s footy

ᔡ Russell Reid

WAWFL 2017 The success of the AFL Women’s competition and the SWAN DISTRICTS sharp rise in females playing COACH: Nicole Graves the game in WA adds up to a and Rob Kennedy big season ahead for the LAST YEAR: 1st Mundella West Australian FLAGS: 3 Women’s Football League. GROUND: Steel Blue Oval Three new teams will AFLW PLAYERS: Fremantle: contest the competition when Kara Donnellan, Ebony Antonio, it begins on April 2, with Kirby Bentley, Stephanie Cain, Perth Angels, East Perth and Ashley Sharp, Emily Bonser, last year’s reserves premiers Stacey Barr, Taryn Priestly, Akec West Perth fielding sides in Chuot, Taylah Angel, Gemma the top division for the first Houghton. Adelaide: Chelsea time. Randall, Kellie Gibson. GWS: The success of the AFLW in Jacinda Barclay. its inaugural season has been key. Crowd numbers have EAST FREMANTLE exceeded the AFL’s COACH: Steph Walding expectations, including a LAST YEAR: 2nd lockout when 24,500 turned FLAGS: 6 up to see the first game GROUND: East Fremantle Oval between Carlton and AFLW PLAYERS: Fremantle: Collingwood at Ikon Park. Brianna Green, Melissa Caulfi eld, Fremantle’s first home game against Brisbane Cassie Davidson, Belinda Smith, attracted a bumper crowd of Gabby O’Sullivan. Brisbane: more than 10,000, confirming Jessica Wuetschner. Collingwood: national interest in the new Caitlyn Edwards, Ruby Schleicher. women’s competition. GWS: Emma Swanson, Alex Williams. WA Football Commission Ready for season 2017 are Peel’s Sabreena Duffy (2016 youth girls best and fairest), Jen Homes, of Perth Kara Donnellan grasps the WAWFL premiership cup as she and her Swan Districts teammates revel in their grand final victory over East Fremantle at chief executive Gavin Taylor Angels, (2016 reserves best) and Coastal Titans’ Kiara Bowers (2016 league best). Picture: Michael Bain Medibank Stadium. Donnellan is currently captain of Fremantle in the AFL Women’s inaugural season. Picture: Phil Barnes COASTAL TITANS said the code was heading for COACH: Andrew Di Loreto a significant and exciting total number of club-based Reigning WAWFL premiers inaugural list. Further proof clubs also missing players LAST YEAR: 3rd year in 2017. teams almost doubled from 84 Swan Districts are among the of their strength came when recruited by interstate AFLW FLAGS: 7 “The growth of female to 157. favourites this season. Adelaide selected Swan clubs as marquee players. GROUND: Grenville Reserve, football over the past few “It’s really important that The black and whites’ Districts squad member Donnellan said though the Tuart Hill years has been remarkable we can continue to support grand final win over East Chelsea Randall and Kellie loss of Randall and Gibson AFLW PLAYERS: Fremantle: and we only expect this to the growth in female Fremantle last year was their Gibson as their marquee wasn’t ideal, it created Kiara Bowers, Hayley Miller, Lara continue with the arrival of participation and that WA third flag in the past four players in 2017, while Greater opportunities for other Filocama, Tiah Haynes, Amy the AFL Women’s football offers positive, seasons. Captain Kara Western Sydney claimed players at Swan Districts. Lavell, Kelly Clinch, Dana Hooker, competition,” Taylor said. welcoming environments Donnellan and round three Jacinda Barclay. “It’s unfortunate Chelsea Tarnica Golisano, Brooke Whyte. Last year, there was a 61.3 while also providing AFLW Rising Star nominee Randall and Gibson won’t and Kellie won’t be able to Collingwood: Emma King. GWS: per cent increase in the opportunities for players to Ashley Sharp were among 11 be back in 2017 as they are come back as they will be Renee Forth, Aimee Schmidt. number of females playing aspire to the elite level,” Swans squad members contracted to play in playing in South Australia,” club football in WA and the Taylor said. named on Fremantle’s Adelaide, with other WAWFL she said. 14 WAFL 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 WAFL 2017 15

SOUTH FREMANTLE COACH: Brendon Logan LAST YEAR: 4th Biggest year yet looms for women’s footy FLAGS: 0 GROUND: Anning Park, South Lake AFLW PLAYERS: Fremantle: Beatrice Devlyn. Brisbane: Sabrina Frederick-Traub. Collingwood: Tara Morgan PEEL COACH: Mark Fenton LAST YEAR: 5th FLAGS: 0 GROUND: Bendigo Bank Stadium AFLW PLAYERS: Fremantle: Taylor Bresland, Demi Okely, Kira Phillips CLAREMONT COACH: Patrick Litherland LAST YEAR: 6th FLAGS: 5 GROUND: Claremont Oval AFLW PLAYERS: None EAST PERTH COACH: Justin Hocking LAST YEAR: - FLAGS: 0 GROUND: Altone Park, Beechboro AFLW PLAYERS: None Ready for season 2017 are Peel’s Sabreena Duffy (2016 youth girls best and fairest), Jen Homes, of Perth Kara Donnellan grasps the WAWFL premiership cup as she and her Swan Districts teammates revel in their grand final victory over East Fremantle at Angels, (2016 reserves best) and Coastal Titans’ Kiara Bowers (2016 league best). Picture: Michael Bain Medibank Stadium. Donnellan is currently captain of Fremantle in the AFL Women’s inaugural season. Picture: Phil Barnes PERTH ANGELS COACH: Gerry O’Dea inaugural list. Further proof clubs also missing players “But it gives opportunities none and to be able to give and belief in each other when LAST YEAR: - of their strength came when recruited by interstate AFLW for younger girls coming back and play in the black you pull on the Fremantle FLAGS: 0 Adelaide selected Swan clubs as marquee players. through. Their development and white is something I am jumper,” she said. Districts squad member Donnellan said though the will shine through and they looking forward to after the Coastal Titans, who had 12 GROUND: Lathlain Park Chelsea Randall and Kellie loss of Randall and Gibson will no doubt be able to step season,” Donnellan said. players drafted into the AFLW PLAYERS: None Gibson as their marquee wasn’t ideal, it created up and fill the void.” She said having so many AFLW, are expected to mount players in 2017, while Greater opportunities for other The 25-year-old said she familiar faces at Fremantle another strong challenge in WEST PERTH Western Sydney claimed players at Swan Districts. remembered the role Swans made for a smooth transition 2017 after finishing as minor COACH: Paul Beaver Jacinda Barclay. “It’s unfortunate Chelsea had played in helping her into the AFLW. premiers last year. LAST YEAR: — Randall and Gibson won’t and Kellie won’t be able to reach the elite level. “We know how each other Eight of 10 East Fremantle FLAGS: 0 be back in 2017 as they are come back as they will be “The development and the tick on and off the field and it players drafted into the GROUND: HBF Arena contracted to play in playing in South Australia,” culture they set down there at made it easier in terms of AFLW will play WAWFL on AFLW PLAYERS: None Adelaide, with other WAWFL she said. Swan Districts is second to gelling and building that trust the club’s 30th anniversary.