New recruits named for blockbuster ATCO WAFLW opener

Claremont have named 16 players from last season’s ATCO WAFL premiership side for Saturday’s highly-anticipated Grand Final re-match against Swan Districts at Revo Fitness Stadium.

Stalwart Kate Orme (retired) and defender Mackenzie Webb (East Fremantle) are the biggest two losses since the Tigers’ stunning one-point triumph at Mineral Resources Park last season.

Claremont premiership player Eva Campo returns after a 12-month medical placement in Geraldton where she played in a premiership for Chapman Valley FC.

Swan Districts have also picked a strong line-up for their season opener, with 15 players form last year’s decider.

Carys D’Addario, who was drafted to St Kilda in last year’s AFLW Draft, is the most notable absentee as the Black Ducks look to go one better in 2026.

Former Dockers forward Ashley Sharp is an exciting addition for Swan Districts, back after 34 AFLW appearances and taking time out of the game to have three children.

Ex-captain Jessica Cox is also back after a stint with Box Hill in the VFLW and a long-term knee injury, with former Shark Chloe Reilly named for her club debut.

The Fremantle Derby is another massive highlight of the opening round, with East Fremantle great Ash Gomes taking on her former club for the first time as a South Fremantle player at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

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The three-time WAFLW premiership player and former Sharks captain is one of five new faces debuting for Souths alongside ex-Fremantle and Collingwood speedster Mikayla Hyde, Bri Cleggett, Tash Entwistle and Madi Evans.

East Fremantle have named six debutants with Storm Johnson, Mag McAullay, Avuya Nomlatyu, Breanna Wills, Zoe Keley and Abbey Partridge all set for their first appearance for the club.

Peel Thunder will have four debutants for their season opener against East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium including AAMI WA Football Talent Summer Squad members Zaide Wilson and Charlise Adams, as well as Georgia Tait and Alira Cooper.

Two-time WAFLW leading goal-kicker and ex-AFLW player Kate Barlett is back after a stint in the Peel Football Netball League.

Former Perth Glory player Isabella Forletta is one of several new faces for the Royals alongside ex-Swan Districts player Hope Ugle-Hayward.

Preliminary finalists Subiaco have blooded former West Coast and Geelong defender Annabel Johnson for their clash with West Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

Krstel Petrevski will play her first game as a Dhara Kerr Medal winner alongside fellow midfield star Lisa Steane.

Former South Fremantle spearhead Zoe Huggett is one to watch for the Falcons after crossing during the off-season, while State 16s representative Arybella Nelson has been named across half-back.