WAFLW 2026 Captains

Three-time premiership captain Rachel Ortlepp will continue to lead the Tigers in the 2026 ATCO WAFLW season.

Ortlepp is about to enter her fifth year as captain and her second as solo skipper.

She was co-captain with Ella Smith in 2022, Andie Payne in 2023 and Adele Arnup the following year.

Peel Thunder has also maintained consistency in the club’s leadership with Ebony “Chippy” Dowson named captain for the fourth year running.

Elsewhere, East Fremantle has a new skipper with Tiani Teakle named captain.

At just 19-years-old, Teakle begins a new era at the Sharks, given the responsibility of guiding the side in 2026.

She has been described by the club as a respected and valued member of the side, consistently demonstrating strong leadership both on and off the field.

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At Subiaco, Tess Jones (née Lyons) will again lead the side, heading into her third year in the role.

South Fremantle continues to be impressed by the leadership of Hunter Cronin.

It will be her second year as captain, but first as sole captain after she shared the role with Lauren Vecchio last year.

Many clubs have opted to select joint skippers this year.

Perth will once again have co-captains in Isabella Shannon and Holly Britton.

Shannon, runner-up in last season’s Dhara Kerr Medal for the competition’s fairest and best award, resumes her role with Britton after the pair led the Demons in their inaugural season.

At West Perth, Emily Bennett and Gemma Bailey return as co-captains in 2026, recognised for their consistent leadership, strong connection to the playing group, and ability to drive standards both on and off the field.

East Perth also has dual leaders with Taylah Suda starting her second year in the role, partnering with Layla Firns who has been elevated to co-captain.

Last year’s Grand Finalists Swan Districts are also backing in two players to lead the side.

Eliza Gelmiu and Demi Liddle will share the captaincy duties for the third straight year.

The ATCO WAFLW season begins this weekend with four matches on Saturday.