Burton Believes in Black and White Premiership Push Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - 11:15 AM

First year Swan Districts WAFLW coach Jason Burton has a strong belief that his team can go all the way and win this year’s flag. 

The black and whites kept their premiership dream alive with a pulsating 1-point win over East Fremantle in the First Semi Final. 

Held goalless in the first three quarters, Swans kicked two goals to nothing in the final term to end the Sharks season. 

“There were moments in the game that frustrated us and at three quarter time we could have folded under the pressure, but we always felt we could open up the game and score quickly,” Burton said. 

“There was still a sense of belief and trust in the group that became contagious, so the players rode that wave. 

“Once we hit the front, they were still willing to grind it out and keep the lead, which showed great maturity amongst a very young group. 

“It’s not how we want to win games but it’s something we can bank and draw on if we need. 

Allowing his players to soak up the excitement of victory, Burton quickly turned this side’s attention to this weekend. 

“The initial message straight after the game was to enjoy that win and embrace that feeling with each other and family and friends,” he said. 

“But we turn up again this week to train and plan for a very tough challenge against a very good team who have great experience as well as young stars. 

“We haven’t beaten Subiaco this season so it’s a challenge we want to take head on, and we must believe in what we are capable of. 

“We’ve seen this year that the top six or seven teams are all capable of beating anyone, it’s who can execute it best on the day, so we are all in.” 

Swan Districts finished the home and away season in third position with 12 wins but the foundations for 2025 were set up late last year. 

“Absolutely, when we came together for night one of pre-season in November, we acknowledged that being a top two team was realistic and the players have all bought in to that, lifting standards and driving each other,” Burton said. 

“Swan Districts has a strong history in women’s football, and this group wants to take the opportunity to continue that. 

“For such a young group there’s a lot of maturity and we feel our depth is what will be needed to get it done.” 

Burton’s first year in charge has been built on improving game style but also empowering the players to drive a successful culture.

“I was involved as an assistant with this group in 2024 after spending some time coaching women in the PFL, and I just love their want to be the best they can be,” he said.

“After finishing fourth the last few years the group came to me saying they underachieved and wanted to be fitter, stronger and improve how they play, so for me it’s more about giving them some structure and a platform for them to be better, but ultimately, it’s the players who drive each other.

“Their sense of belonging and a commitment to enjoying it is special, so I love turning up to training with them.

“The biggest thing I’ve learnt this season is that there’s a strong desire to lift the standards and train and play at an elite level.

“That and the power of a dance circle during the half time break!”

Subiaco hosts Swan Districts in the Preliminary Final at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Sunday at 12.30pm.