A New Era of WAFL stars Monday, April 1, 2019 - 1:17 PM

The WAFL will enter a new era in 2019, as the most exciting season in recent memory gets underway on Saturday at Mineral Resources Park.

The West Coast Eagles will play with a standalone team for the first time in their history and the WAFLW is now a reality.

With a host of retirements to competition stalwarts, the new era will also see many players step up to become the foundation of the league. 

Recent WAFL stars that have made the transition to AFL include the likes of Liam Ryan, Tim Kelly, Bailey Banfield, Matt Guelfi and Matt Parker. 

Kelly, a South Fremantle product, has become one of Geelong’s most valuable assets in the past two seasons. The midfielder boasts a second-place finish in the club’s best-and-fairest count, whilst finish as the best first year player in the AFL. 

Ryan's breakout year was rewarded with an AFL Premiership, with his mark in the final minutes to be ingrained in WA Football folklore. 

Matthew Parker is the most recent addition to the AFL, using his blistering speed and creative footwork to entertain in his opening two matches for St Kilda. 

Will 2019 pave the way for a new emerging talent to make their mark in the WAFL?

Round 1 starts Saturday, make sure you see the new era for yourself.