Royals WAFLW skipper Verbrugge makes history with Essendon AFLW chanceSaturday, June 14, 2025 - 9:24 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Jess Verbrugge has made history as the first player drafted out of East Perth’s WAFLW side after signing with Essendon.

The Royals WAFLW captain and State representative will join the Bombers as an injury-replacement player ahead of the 2025 AFLW season.

The 21-year-old has been a consistent performer for the second-year WAFLW club, averaging 21.4 disposals and 5.5 tackles this season.

She earned Kia WAFLW State Team selection against the SANFLW earlier this year, following on from featuring in the WA under-18s and New Holland WA Women’s State Country teams a few years ago.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by East Perth Football Club (@eastperthfc)

The talented midfielder started her WAFLW career at South Fremantle back in 2022 before a couple of years with Donnybrook in the South West, where she became the first player to win two Nola Marino Medals as the best-and-fairest player in the competition.

Verbrugge then joined the Royals for their inaugural season in the WAFLW last year and has since played 21 games for the game before earning her chance at the top level.

“We are very excited to add Jess to our AFLW list. Her work rate and ability to cover the ground is outstanding,” Essendon’s AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Josh Moore said.

“She’s been working hard on her contest work, and it has been a feature of her game this season. Her high footy IQ and athleticism allows her to be a very versatile player.

“After meeting Jess a few times now, we feel like she will thrive in our program. She is a selfless leader who has genuine care for her teammates. 

“We are thrilled to have a great person like Jess, and her family, join us at the Bombers.”

East Perth congratulated their skipper in a heartfelt social media post.

“Congratulations Jess on joining Essendon and becoming a part of Royals history,” the post read.

“The Royal Army is so proud and we wish you all the best as you go from the black and blue to the black and red.”