Darwin Trip Prepares Tigers for Back-to-Back Campaign

Claremont’s surprise victory in last year’s WAFLW Grand Final has prompted a change of mindset within the squad heading into this season.

The Tigers stunned East Fremantle in the decider, with Co-Captains Rachel Ortlepp and Andie Payne conceding the focus has turned to the reigning premiers.

“It’s the first time in Tigers history that we’ve been on this position, and I think it’ll definitely present some interesting challenges as the season goes on.

We had a lot of supporters in the grand final who were cheering for us as underdogs, but we know that we’ll have teams eager to knock us off this year.

We have some nice rivalries across the competition, and I’m sure we’ll add some more chapters to those,” they said.

Like many clubs, the Tigers will enter 2023 with a new looking senior side, with Payne joining Ortlepp in a leadership position.

“The group is really positive about the upcoming season.

The turnover in the playing group means some adjustments are required this season,” Ortlepp said.

One part of pre-season which was embraced by the players was a trip to Darwin to play a Northern Territory representative side, a match Claremont won.

“It was an unbelievable opportunity for our group.

As well as being an experience we can cherish, it was a great early indication of where we’re at on the field.

Off the field, the group is already really close, but the chance to spend some time away together continued to strengthen our bond,” the pair agreed.

Ortlepp is joined by Payne in a joint leadership role this season, appointments both are enjoying.

“We’ve been helping coach Jack Schwarze with a few bits and pieces so far this pre-season.

Even though my co-captain from last year, Ella Smith, has moved onto West Coast, there has been a heap of support from other leaders in the group.

We like to think we’re the sort of skippers who’ll speak up when we believe it’s necessary but will also trust the team around us.

There are so many natural leaders at Claremont, and I believe it’s important that your captaincy style is adaptable to the people and the team.”

Claremont plays East Fremantle in Round One on March 11 in a re-match of last year’s Grand Final.