WA FootballAAMI AFL Origin Delivers $1M Boost for WA Community Football
Jordan McArdle
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14 Feb 2026
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Cara Dziegielewski
Club: West Perth
From: Yanchep Districts JFC
Position: Ruck/Forward
Height: 181cm
Age: 17
Dziegielewski is an athletic ruck talent who claimed All-Australian selection in 2025 and is a member of the AFLW National Academy.
A good ball user, the West Perth product has the ability to go forward to provide a goal scoring option.
Lexi Strachan
Club: West Perth
From: Ocean Ridge JFC
Position: Midfielder
Height: 167cm
Age: 17
A powerful midfielder, Strachan was used as a forward and off a wing this year and is a member of the AFLW National Academy.
Possessing a penetrating kick, Strachan is a leading contender to be selected as WA’s top draftee alongside close friend and West Perth teammate Cara Dziegielewski.
Mia Carlshausen Club: Perth
From: Manning Rippers JFC
Position: Half-back
Height: 170cm
Age: 17
Carlshausen emerged as a reliable defender in the WAFLW side in 2025 and is a member of the AFLW National Academy.
Carlshausen, who was part of Perth’s inaugural Rogers Cup side, also has the ability to play as a forward or in the midfield.
Grace Hirst
Club: Swan Districts
From: Kalamunda JFC
Position: Utility
Height: 171cm
Age: 17
Hirst established herself as a key player for Swans in 2025.
The utility collected 11 disposals in the WAFLW Grand Final against Claremont to catch the eye of AFLW recruiters.
Charli Bassett
Club: East Perth
From: Mt Hawthorn JFC
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Height: 154cm
Age: 17
The diminutive Royal played eight WAFLW games in 2025 and averaged 11 disposals a match.
Bassett continued her push to be drafted when she represented WA at the AFL National Under-18s Championships.
Summer Ajduk
Club: Swan Districts
From: Kalamunda JFC
Position: Utility
Height: 171cm
Age: 17
The utility played 13 games in 2025, averaging 13 disposals a game and kicking four goals.
Ajduk also collected 14 possessions in the WAFLW Grand Final against Claremont, the second highest disposal winner for Swans in the decider.
Marie Polimeno
Club: South Fremantle
From: Fremantle City JFC
Position: Wing / Half Back
Height: 171cm
Age: 17
Polimeno was selected in Western Australia’s Under 18s side for the AFL Women’s National Championships where she held down a spot in the backline.
The South Fremantle teenager played 12 games in 2025 in the WAFLW, averaging 10 disposals a game and kicking eight goals.
Heidi Ireland
Club: Peel Thunder
From: Collie JFC
Position: Half Back
Height: 171cm
Age: 17
Ireland enhanced her reputation as a rebounding defender last year with Peel Thunder.
Although playing just eight games for the season, she averaged 13 disposals a game and is considered a realistic chance to be drafted.
India Bonadeo
Club: Claremont
From: West Coast JFC
Position: Wing
Height: 177cm
Age: 17
Talented Claremont goal-kicker India Bonadeo boosted her draft chances when she was selected for the annual AFLW National Futures Girls clash in 2025.
Her last two seasons have been interrupted with injury but can put herself into strong draft contention with a clear run in 2026.
Mel Grage
Club: Perth
From: Hills Rangers
Position: Small Forward
Height: 160cm
Age: 17
As a small forward, Grage was a constant threat for opposition WAFLW sides in 2025.
In 11 games for the Demons, Grage kicked 8 goals 2, the equal second leading goalkicker for the club last year.
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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