Upsets aplenty as ATCO WAFLW season kicks off

We take a look at the biggest moments in the opening round of the ATCO WAFLW season.

Stunning boilover in grand final re-match

Swan Districts caused a stunning boilover in Saturday’s grand final re-match against two-time reigning champs Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium.

The Black Ducks prevailed in sensational fashion, winning by 41 points – 7.9 (51) to 1.4 (10) – to claim the Dhara Kerr Memorial Cup.

Former Dockers forward Ash Sharp was brilliant in her WAFLW return after a stint in the AFLW and taking time out of the game to become a mum, booting a game-high three goals and setting up another for first-gamer Chloe Reilly who crossed from East Fremantle over the off-season.

Ball magnet Jaime Henry showed why she’s been tipped by many to win the Dhara Kerr Medal, racking up 32 disposals, eight inside 50s, laying 12 tackles and kicking a goal in a dominant performance.

Henry had 11 more touches than any other player on the ground, while also laying more tackles than anyone else.

Alana Barba, one of three first-gamers for Swan Districts, was also among the team’s best.

Swan Districts debutantes Chloe Reilly and Ashley Sharp celebrate a goal in their side’s win over Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium.
Photo: Jason Clark

Falcons cause another upset

There was another major surprise in the opening round of the season with West Perth knocking off preliminary finallists Subiaco at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

The Falcons kept Subi goalless in the second half to win by 11 points – 4.6 (30) to 2.7 (19).

Young gun Rikisha Nannup impressed for the victors, while Jessica Roper found plenty of it with a team-high 25 disposals.

Arybella Nelson made her WAFLW debut at just 16 years old and looked right at home, with the AAMI WA Football State 16s squad member gathering 14 disposals and three inside 50s.

Star midfielders Lisa Steane (30 disposals), Paige Sheppard (28) and Krstel Petrevski (27) battled hard on a tough day for the Lions.

Gomes has last laugh against former team

Three-time East Fremantle premiership hero and former captain Ash Gomes had the last laugh against her old team as South Fremantle claimed Fremantle Derby honours at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

In a one-sided affair, Souths kicked 7.11 while holding their rivals to just 0.4 in the 49-point victory.

Gomes was prominent for her new team, racking up an equal game-high 20 possessions and five tackles.

Fellow debutantes Mikayla Hyde, Madi Evans and Tash Entwistle were also among the best for the victors, as was ruck Charlotte Vandenberg and Annalie Polimeno who kicked two goals from 18 touches.

Amber Kinnane, young gun Noa McNaughton and skipper Tiani Teakle were among the Sharks’ best.

Royals the comeback queens

East Perth recovered from a goalless opening term to snatch a thrilling two-point victory over Peel Thunder at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

The Royals kept the Thunder goalless after half-time to start their 2026 campaign on a high.

Elissa Price kicked two of East Perth’s goals to go with 15 disposals, while Layla Firns (27) and Ella Sara (23) combined for 40 disposals and Lucy Greenwood (19, eight marks and seven tackles).

Reigning Thunder fairest-and-best winner Chloe Wrigley (15 disposals and two goals) had some good moments, while 16-year-old Tiama Collard (22 and eight tackles) showed that she’s a real talent and fellow teen Charlie Fletcher (19 disposals) was another youngster to shine.