West Perth Season Review

West Perth endured a season of turmoil on the way to collecting its first wooden spoon since 1992.

With just two wins for the year, the Falcons didn’t move from 10^th position all season as they finished with the wooden spoon for the 12^th time in the club’s history.

The warning signs were clear during the side’s opening match against Claremont when the Falcons were defeated by 74 points.

West Perth lost four games by under three goals, but their average losing margin through 16 defeats was 39 points, the most comprehensive loss coming at home to Peel Thunder by 88 points in Round 12.

West Perth broke through for its first win of the season in Round 8 on WA Day against fierce rivals East Perth.

Following that four-point result, they had to wait until Round 18 to sing the song again, defeating East Fremantle by 45 point at HIF Health Insurance Oval.

Injuries and form issues meant only four players lined up in every match for West Perth, including Joseph Hinder, Jack Demarte, Tyler Keitel and Conal Lynch.

Keitel produced another standout season, winning his fourth consecutive Bernie Naylor Medal and the sixth of his career, kicking 51 goals in a remarkable performance.

Only Keegan Knott (16 goals), Riley Sprigg (12 goals) and Demarte (10 goals) reached double figures in 2026.

As for the team’s midfield, Connor West battled gallantly through 17 matches to average 26 disposals a game and kick nine goals.

Despite being dropped early in the season Shane Nelson played 16 games and averaged 25 disposals in his final season at League level and exciting talent Kane Bevan averaged 23 disposals a game and kicked seven goals as he continues to emerge as one of the WAFL’s elite players.

Captain Luke Meadows played just six games in a major blow to the Falcons and their midfield class, while key recruit Noah Pegoraro missed the season with a knee injury.

The final game of the season produced high emotion for the Falcons as they paid tribute to two club legends and farewelled departing coach Paul Sanzone.

Aaron Black bowed out with 300 games next to his name to end a stellar career.

A two-time premiership player and a Sandover Medallist, Black became just the third West Perth champion to reach a triple century of games behind Mel Whinnen (371 games) and Bill Dempsey (343 games).

Nelson ended his decorated career on 275 matches, which included five Breckler Medals as the club’s fairest and best awards and a two premierships.

Also deciding to hang up their boots at the end of the season were premiership players Zac Guadagnin and Sam Rotham, along with Josh Rotham who joined the Falcons in 2025.

After the toughest season for the club this century, West Perth will be desperate to recruit aggressively during the off-season and return in 2027 with a squad and a game plan to challenge rivals sides.