Former Shark Ready To Steer Swans To Premiership Glory

Star Swan Districts recruit Chloe Reilly is one win away from the rare achievement of claiming an ATCO WAFLW premiership with two clubs.

Reilly looms as a key figure for Swans as they attempt to cap off a dominant season with victory over her former club East Fremantle on Sunday at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

“I’m feeling very excited heading into the weekend,” Reilly said.

“It’s such an honour to play in the Grand Final and represent everyone who is part our program.”

Reilly was part of the 2023 decider when the Sharks defeated Claremont by 12 points at Mineral Resources Park.

She spent eight years at with the Sharks before joining Swans this year, so playing against familiar faces in the most important match of the year has created another layer of anxiety.

“There are lots of emotions and little nerves but mainly excitement,” she said.

“Honestly it is a crazy situation because I have a lot of respect for East Fremantle.

“I grew up playing with them and enjoyed my years in the blue and white.

“In saying that, I wouldn’t trade where I am for anything.

“Swans have been the best and I’m excited to hopefully get the job done on the weekend.”

The former East Fremantle forward, who was a two-time leading goal-kicker at the club, has reinvented herself up the ground for Swan Districts and has been a consistent contributor.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong first year with the black and whites, playing all 17 games, average a career-high 15 disposals a match and kicking 12 goals.

“I’ve been working on being consistent the last couple of years,” she said.

“There has been plenty of reflection and hard work outside of football but this year I’ve honestly just focused on being present and almost reinventing myself at Swans.

“I knew that I had to prove myself and step up coming into a new team, and this is what drove me each week to play well.

“Swans also has a lot of depth in the team, and I knew if I didn’t perform there was someone ready to take my spot.”

Reilly has no doubt her teammates will lean on their 2025 Grand Final experience this weekend.

“Many of the girls played in the 2025 decider, so I think there’s only up to four players who haven’t played in a league Grand Final,” she said.

“We have a very experienced side and something I think will be in our favour.

“The main message from the group is to do everything 100%, work for each other, celebrate everything and do the little things for the team.

Reilly has reflected on a stunning season at Steel Blue Oval, which so far has produced the minor premiership.

“A lot of fun, hard work, determination, composure, understanding, struggles and cohesiveness,” she said.

“I think our win/loss ratio represents the hard work that went into the sessions, but I feel we’ve only peaked as a team and really gained that confidence and cohesiveness in the back half off season.”