Game Changers With Energy: Kate Orme’s Coaching Credentials On Display

Celebrating women leading the way.

Over the next few weeks, ATCO, alongside WA Football, are powering up a series celebrating some of the many outstanding female figures throughout our great game.

Kate Orme enjoyed a decorated playing career but now her sole focus is success as a coach.

Orme is leading the AAMI WA Football State side in the AFLW National Under-18s Championships.

“Everyone in our program is ecstatic and we’ve been building towards the series as a squad and the coaching group can’t wait to watch the group perform,” Orme said.

In a calculated preparation, Orme has detailed the characteristics of the squad.

“Bringing players from across the state together meant we have been intentional about creating shared meaning for the squad,” she said.

“We designated time for the playing group to put some real effort into their trademark, and they have been using it as their North Star.

“The trademark empowers the group to drive their own standards, recognise their growth and challenge each other for more.

“We know that Championships will present many challenges but are confident our group has the mindset and the tools to step towards the fire.”

The 37-year-old’s on-field achievements have been a strong foundation for her move into coaching, which has included overseeing the State Under 16 Girls side last year at WA Football.

“I’m loving the role and the chance to lead the coaching teams of the 16s and 18s has been rewarding,” she said.

“Spending quality time with our 18s players across summer, we drove development and now we have a chance to strive for more performance outcomes as a team.

“To me, coaching is a team sport and seeing the growth of our squad has been significant, whether it be football, strength and conditioning or athlete wellbeing.

“I worked closely with Jack Schwarze at Claremont for a long period and the most successful teams I’ve been involved in have empowered leaders.

“On field, our players are the strongest force in driving our performance, so empowering them to make decisions and direct the group has been critical.

“Our co-captains Macy Fair and Lexi Strachan have led from the front every session since I joined WA Football and are well supported by our leadership group.

“Their commitment to improvement and their generosity of spirit led to them to be unanimously elected by their peers.”

Orme, who played seven games for the West Coast Eagles in the AFLW, enjoyed a successful career in the ATCO WAFLW competition, including winning two premierships with Claremont and Captaining WA on two occasions.

The pressure as a player as opposed to the stress for a coach is another point of difference.

“I’m still trying to work out all the differences,” Orme said.

“Ideally, I would like to coach like a senior player and being connected to the game and to the athletes’ experience gives me a closer insight into their thinking and their needs.

“The biggest strength I’ve taken from playing into coaching is being present.

“I’m at my best when I’m taking in what is in front of me, listening to and talking with players and coaches.

“I enjoy the preparation and the review process as a key difference, thinking in detail around the priorities for our squad.”

As part of her coaching education, Orme has received great support from Tarkyn Lockyer, a 227-game player with Collingwood who is now the Marsh AFL National Academy Manager.

“Over the past 12 months I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Tarkyn at the AFL National Academy across several high-performance camps and the All Stars game,” she said.

“I’ve taken a lot from Tarkyn’s purpose-led approach to coaching and have integrated intentional and experiential learning into our programs at WA Football.”

Orme is confident WA can bounce back after a 52-point defeat to South Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

“I’m an optimist by nature and regardless of the scorelines, the results we’re looking for will be connected to our players’ trademark,” she said.

“The group has decided on behaviours for which they want to be known and this is what I’m most excited about.

“With the Championships the only guarantee is high-quality opposition, which gives our group a huge opportunity to be their best and to bring their behaviours onto the ground.

“When we nail the on-field actions connected to our trademark, our squad will reap reward for their hard work and make their families proud.”

The AAMI WA side faces Victoria Metro in game two at Cockburn on Saturday at 12.40pm Perth time.

ATCO are the official naming rights partner for the 2026 WAFLW Season.

Watch all ATCO WAFLW matches live and free on YouTube @WAFLOfficial and head to wafl.com.au to purchase tickets for upcoming games.