WAFLW welcomes West Perth into the competition in 2022 Tuesday, February 15, 2022 - 4:43 PM

The WAFLW has launched its 2022 season as the League moves to a new seven-team competition. 

Coaches and players attended the WAFLW season launch at Kings Park today, with media given an insight into how each club is tracking ahead of the 17-round season, which begins this weekend. 

West Perth will make its WAFLW debut on Sunday against South Fremantle, a huge moment for the Falcons after building their list from the ground up. 

Coach Stephen Hazel will lead the club into the historic encounter with the Bulldogs. 

“This group is young and has a lot to learn, but their effort and enthusiasm during pre-season can’t be faulted and I’m sure the players will do the club proud this year,” Hazel said. 

The prospect of completing a three-peat is driving Reigning Premiers Peel Thunder. 

Coach Steve Markham understands the challenge of winning three successive flags. 

“We’re used to being the hunted now, but the early signs are this group has retained the hunger to climb the mountain again,” Markham said. 

Peel will unfurl its 2021 Premiership flag on Saturday night when they host Subiaco in Mandurah. 

Claremont plays Swan Districts on Sunday in the annual Dhara Kerr Cup to complete Round 1. 

Three highly anticipated rounds include the Grand Final re-match between Peel and Swan Districts in Round 5, the first of two Fremantle Derbies in Round 6, along with Reconciliation Round in Round 15. 

The WAFLW will continue to allow non-selected AFLW players to compete in the WAFLW, while some players may also return to their WAFLW clubs at the end of their WAFLW campaign. 

WAFC Executive Manager of WAFL and Talent, Scott Baker is delighted with the growth of women’s football in WA heading into its fourth season. 

“Bringing West Perth into the competition in 2022 is a significant step for the competition. 

Over the past three years, the WAFLW has been successful in providing opportunities for hundreds of aspiring female footballers across the state,” Baker said.