State Talent and DraftAAMI WA Football State 16s Girls finish carnival on a high
Jordan McArdle
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16 Apr 2026
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The sequel is rarely as good as the original but for South Fremantle there are high hopes of replicating the success of last year in 2026.
Coach Craig White orchestrated a remarkable season with his side losing just one match on the way to the Sullivan Logistics WAFL flag.
“We’re really excited about the season ahead, but we’re also very grounded about it,” White said.
“Last year was a fantastic achievement for the group, but success in this competition resets pretty quickly and we know we have to earn everything again.
“The focus over summer has been about improving, staying hungry and making sure we keep building on the standards that got us there using the motto “there is more to give”.
The Bulldogs are missing decades of experience and quality with 2025 premiership trio Haiden Schloithe, Zac Strom and Jaxon Artemis all departing the club, while former skipper Dylan Main has joined Schloithe in retirement and Toby McQuilkin has gone travelling.
“We have lost a bit of experience which naturally happens, but it’s also created opportunities for some younger players who have had strong pre-seasons,” White explained.
“We feel like we’ve added some depth through the midfield and a bit of versatility across the ground, which is important over a long season.
“It’s also been pleasing to see a number of younger players really push their case over the summer.”
Last year’s colts captain Jacob Donald, emerging defender Lucas Cattalini and AFL Draft prospect Lucas Robinson are among the younger players pushing for an early debut, as is Mitch Geier who booting five goals in a half in South Fremantle’s recent pre-season victory over West Coast.
There’s a couple of new additions as well with Josh Young, a 191cm defender who’s the younger brother of Dockers star Hayden, crossing from country Victoria and Aiden Hall joining from Claremont.
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After such dominant year in 2025, the desire of the Bulldogs to go back-to-back will be critical over the next six months.
The group understands how hard it is to get there and that nothing is guaranteed,” he said.
“If anything, the motivation has been about making sure we don’t take anything for granted and continuing to work hard for each other.
“The hunger and competitiveness over pre-season have been really strong.”
The reigning premiers begin their campaign at Steel Blue Oval on Good Friday.
“It’s a great challenge to start the year,” White said.
“Swan Districts are always tough to beat at their ground and they’re a proud club that plays with a lot of intensity there.
“They had some horrible luck with injuries in 2025, and they have improved their list and will no doubt feel like they are ready for the challenge also.
“For us it’s about starting the season the right way, respecting the opposition and focusing on playing our brand of footy.”
South Fremantle
2025 finish: Premiers
Coach: Craig White (second season)
Captain: Chad Pearson (third season)
Ins: Aiden Hall (Claremont/WAFL), Josh Young (Somerville/Mornington Peninsula)
Outs: Jaxon Artemis (Tasmania/VFL), Dylan Main (retired), Toby McQuilkin (travel), Haiden Schloithe (retired), Zac Strom (retired)
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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