18 of the WAFLW's most interesting players
The 2026 ATCO WAFLW kicks off this weekend, here's who to watch.
G’day punchers!
Quick Friday afternoon drop for you here ahead of the ATCO WAFLW kick-off this weekend. Look, the weather isn’t ideal… but get out to a game if you can.
In case you missed it earlier in the week, ATCO have come on board this season as the competition’s first-ever naming right sponsor. We’re particularly pumped for this one given the business behind this newsletter - Playbookx - helped broker the deal.
If you’ve got a business that is interested in sport partnerships, reach out for a chat, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.
Right, onto the footy.
We’ve recently had South Fremantle Rogers Cup player and SEDA Student Macey McDougall helping us out in the office, so we enlisted her to survey the coaches and footy managers to help pull together this list.
And a quick note if you’re looking to watch the games from home this weekend - they’re all going to live on the WAFL YouTube page going forward.
Let’s get stuck in.
CLAREMONT
Jess Freame
A strong, powerful runner through half-back and midfield with an excellent kick. She hits her targets and makes good decisions. Cemented her spot in the senior team last season an will continue to grow as a player.
Ella Gilbey
Known for her high-end speed, she was top five in the country for her 20m sprint, making her one of the standouts in Claremont’s 2025 season. Ella was invited to the State draft combine, where she recorded a record 60cm vertical jump, the best of any player across the country.
EAST FREMANTLE
Avuya Nomlatyu
A state player for WA U18s and a standout player in the Fremantle NGA Women’s team. Avuya has graduated from the Rogers Cup and will make her league debut for East Fremantle this weekend, using her height and pressure through the ruck and forward line.
Mackenzie Webb
A Claremont premiership player who will bring plenty to the Sharks. Webb plays in defence but can impact up the ground. Her ability to lock down her opponents is five-star, along with her closing speed and footy smarts.
PEEL THUNDER
Kate Bartlett
The dangerous goal-kicker is back after a stint in the Peel Football Netball League. Has plenty of experience, including in the AFLW, and is a two-time leading goal kicker for the Thunder and an overall gun in their forward line.
Ebony Bilcich
A highly accomplished Thunder legend who has played in multiple premierships and claimed the 2024 Fenton Medal as fairest & best. A leader through the midfield, she’ll be a big part of the club’s attempt to return to the pointy end of the ladder.
SUBIACO
Krstel Petrevski
The league’s standout player last season, known for her elite consistency and impact around the contest. The reigning Dhara Kerr medallist has also been recognised as Subiaco’s best and fairest in both 2024 and 2025, highlighting her dominance. Krstel racks up huge disposal numbers each game, combining her strong tackling pressure with her exceptional work rate, making her one of the competition’s most influential and reliable players.
Marley Kelman
Made her debut last season commuting from Kalgoorlie, where she led Railways to a GFL flag as best on ground in the decider, after being named the competition’s B&F the previous year as a 15-year-old. Has moved to Perth and made in impression in the WA U18 summer program.
EAST PERTH
Stella Bardon
Has the potential to make a league debut this year as a 16-year-old. Has great tackling pressure, with great work around contests and stoppages. Bardon is still developing as inside mid and is proving this position is made for her. She shows good natural footy instincts and can rotate into any role. She plays with composure, gets to good positions, and plays team-first footy. Plays above her age.
Sabella Banks
A tough and defensive-minded player who plays half-back and inside mid. Stella is a regular among East Perth’s best players by doing the “dirty, and unrewarded work” in games. Her defensive impact makes her one to watch, having made the State team last year.
PERTH
Caitlyn Edwards
Caitlyn’s journey in sport varies from playing in the AFLW for Collingwood to taking on rugby professionally in America for the Lindenwood Lions. After six years, Caitlyn has returned to footy and will have a major season this year, with her improved intensity, tackling, and high-pressure skills.
Sienna Timmermans
This is Sienna Timmermans’ second year of footy and second year in the WAFLW. She went straight to the AFLW draft contention after transitioning from elite netball. She catches the eye due to her high performance in time trials and unmatched endurance.
SWAN DISTRICTS
Jamie Henry
A dominant midfielder, known for her elite ball-winning ability and consistency around the contest. Averaging around 24 disposals per game, she is a key driver through the midfield, helping generate forward momentum for her team. Winner of the McSherry Medal as Swan Districts’ best and fairest, Jamie combines strong inside work with leadership and composure, making her one of the most influential players in the competition.
Summer Ajduk
The latest member of the Armstrong football family - niece of West Coast premiership player Steven and great-granddaughter of WA Hall of Famer Ken Armstrong - Ajduk was huge for the Black Ducks last season and should get more looks at the midfield this time around. A strong draft contender.
SOUTH FREMANTLE
Mikayla Hyde
Joins the Bulldogs with 40 games of AFLW experience under her belt. Back in the WAFLW for the first time since 2021 and primed to make an impact. The Bulldogs have loaded up and are looking to add a WAFLW flag to last year’s WAFL one.
Ash Gomes
Story has been well told by this point. East Fremantle legend, now playing for Souths. Go and read everything Eliza Reilly has written about it at CODE Sports.
WEST PERTH
Cara Dziegielewski
WA’s leading draft contender after dominating the ruck for the U18s as a bottom-ager. Can hold down the ruck at senior level and will get plenty of looks forward as well after kicking a couple of goals in her pre-season appearance for the Falcons.
Bella Nelson
Will make her league debut in round one after very strong Rogers Cup form. Played State U15s the past three seasons and was All-Australian in every one of them - and player of the tournament last year (while playing WA U16s as well).