Swans Add A Sharp Edge To Their Game

Swan Districts have stamped themselves as the hottest side of the ATCO WAFLW season through the opening four rounds, unbeaten and sitting on top of the table.

Last year’s Grand Finalists are playing like a side still smarting from a heartbreaking loss to Claremont in the 2025 decider, winning their three matches by combined total of 128 points, including a 6-point victory over West Perth last weekend.

The black and whites boast an extraordinary percentage of 219.

Former AFLW player Ashley Sharp has played a pivotal in her side’s strong start to the year, with the work done over summer paying early dividends.

“It has been a great start to the season for us, “Sharp said.

“After a long four months of pre-season training, it was great to finally get out there and play against quality opposition.

“Four tough opponents to start the season so it was great to walk away with four wins.”

Sharp’s forward craft has been invaluable, kicking nine goals for the year to be the leading goalkicker in the competition alongside Claremont’s Bec Anderson.

“I wouldn’t be able to kick the goals without the backs defending relentlessly, midfielders working down and kicking it into us,” she said.

“It’s definitely a team effort and I’m just lucky enough to get on the end of a few.

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Family life has turned playing footy into a juggling act for Sharp in recent seasons.

“I came back this year as I felt like I needed and wanted to,” Sharp explained.

“I did the whole pre-season last year and played in Round 1 before announcing my pregnancy, so I felt like I owed it to my team mates to come back and finish what I started.

“My brother Daniel is also an assistant coach at WAFLW level so a few nudges from him along the way also helped.”

Sharp is a mother to three young children, four-year-old Spencer, two-year-old Shayden and six-month-old Ashanti.

“It is definitely not easy being a mum and trying to play footy at the same time, but lucky enough for me I have the best partner and support system around me to help,” Sharp said.

“My boys love footy training nights as they get to be around the girls and playing on the sidelines while I train.

“My mum comes down and watches them for me and they love it.

“Whether it’s at home on the TV or watching from the grass, seeing how excited they get to see mum running around on the field is why I do what I do.”

Being the only mother at Swan Districts, Sharp has encouraged others who have had children to consider pursuing their sporting dream.

“There are a few parents playing for other WAFLW clubs currently, but I do wish there were more,” she said.

“Sport isn’t over once you have children, so I definitely encourage more parents to come back and get involved again after pregnancy.”

Taken by the Fremantle Dockers with their third selection in the 2016 AFLW Draft, Sharp played 34 games for the club, and has fond memories of being a female pioneer.

“My AFLW career is something I am very proud of,” she said.

‘Being a loyal, one club player is something I stand by and I’m glad I got to play for the club I supported growing up.

“Also, playing in the inaugural team is something that I’ll look back on in the years to come and tell my kids about in the future.

“It makes me proud that the AFLW has come so far and is only getting bigger and better as each year passes.”

Swan Districts face Perth this Friday night at Mineral Resources Park.