Henry Focus On Health Pays Dividends

Swan Districts midfield star Jaime Henry is a leading contender for this year’s Dhara Kerr Medal in the ATCO WAFLW competition as her club sits top of the table with just one loss from seven games.

Henry has been in stunning form for the black and whites, averaging almost 33 disposals per game and kicking three goals.

“I’m really enjoying the season so far,” Henry said.

“The group is in really strong form, and I’ve loved being able to contribute.

“Personally, I’m just focusing on playing my role for the team week in week out which isn’t hard being surrounded by such a talented group.

“The overall standard in the ATCO WAFLW competition has really lifted this year which makes each week super exciting.”

Henry’s output has coincided with a new approach to her off field habits.

“A big focus for me in the off season was fitness and nutrition,” she said.

“I really tried to implement better habits and create a lifestyle that’s going to improve my performance and help take my game to another level.”

Henry recently missed out on selection at the AFLW Pre-Season Draft but still has a strong desire to reach the top level.

She has since received an invitation to train with the West Coast Eagles.

“AFLW is definitely still the dream and something I am continuing to work towards every day, said Henry.

“I’m just focusing on being consistent each week, trying to absorb as much feedback as possible and keep improving both for myself and for my team.

“Ultimately I tell myself if I want to be a professional athlete, I need to act like one so the opportunity to train in an elite high-performance environment like the Eagles is a great opportunity which is only going to benefit me as a person and player.”

The 20-year-old represented the Kia WA side for the first time earlier this month and produced a strong performance with 34 disposals, 12 tackles and six clearances.

“It was an unreal game to be a part of,” she said.

“The connection that the group was able to build in such a small period of time was special and being able to perform as well as we did as a collective really just amplifies where the standard of the WAFLW is at.

“Representing the state alongside such a talented group was really special to me and was definitely a day to remember.”

Henry’s footy journey has been supported by her mum Catrina, who is a timekeeper with the AFL, while her stepfather Dean Margetts umpired 377 AFL matches.

“I’m really lucky to have both mum and my stepdad Dean involved in footy because they both bring different perspectives and support me in different ways,” she said.

“With Dean being an umpire, he obviously has a great understanding of the game and is able to give me feedback from a different angle to help build my footy knowledge.

“Mum has been huge too, never misses a game and doesn’t stop believing in me, even during the times when I probably didn’t believe in myself.”

Highly respected at Swans, Henry is intent on contributing to the club as more than just a player.

“I don’t have an official coaching role, maybe ultimate hype girl but on my night off from training, I go down and have a kick with the All-Abilities team,” she revealed.

“We are one club and I think it’s really positive that Swans are leading the way on this.

“I love being around the group, building relationships and sharing the enjoyment of footy with them.

“It’s something that brings me a lot of joy outside of playing.”

Swan Districts plays Subiaco on Friday night at Sullivan Logistics Stadium, with the black and whites looking to bounce back after being defeated by Claremont in a re-match of the 2025 Grand Final last weekend.