Dhara Kerr Medallist Seeking Team SuccessFriday, March 15, 2024 - 10:03 AM

She may have been recognised as the best player in the WAFLW last season, but Jayme Harken would swap personal achievements for team success in 2024.

The Claremont star polled 24 votes last year, the most votes polled by an individual player since the start of the WAFLW competition in 2019.

“Winning the Dhara Kerr Medal last season was a huge honour and it confirmed that what I have been doing is working,” Harken said.

“It also prompted me to set new challenges and new goals in 2024 to be better than the last, which is something I’m embracing.

“For me personally, it was several years of hard work and opportunities coming to fruition.

“Being clear on the things I needed to work on was important, but also building my strengths and using them through the year.

“Being at a great club with a great environment helped my footy flourish, and I couldn't have done it without the girls and the club around me.

Harken switched from Subiaco at Claremont last season, a decision she didn’t take lightly.

“Change is always challenging, but I think the hardest part is that initial decision and trusting it was the right one.

“I am forever grateful for my time at Subiaco, it was the place I learned to play footy and made so many great connections, so it was hard to leave the only place I'd known for five years.

“In saying that, the move was seamless, and I have Claremont and the great people at the club to thank for that.

“While I knew a lot of people at the club and had some great relationships already, being in a new environment is daunting because I was the new kid on the block again.

“My first training session is one I will never forget though; the staff and the girls were so welcoming, and the training environment was unreal.

“It was then that I knew I had made the right decision and I have loved every bit of my time at the club since and can't wait for the journey to come,” she said.

The 28-year-old gun midfielder is still coming to terms with her standing as the premier player of the competition.

“While that title still feels odd to hear as there are so many incredible players across the competition, it is something I am learning to embrace.

“But it’s changed nothing in terms of how I go about my footy, and that is that I love a contest.

“Any extra attention I get this year I will absolutely thrive off because I know someone testing me means I will show an even better version of myself.

“And if I get extra attention, I know that means there are 20 other incredibly talented teammates who are going to shine even more.”
 
The Tigers have begun their 2024 campaign with back-to-back wins, with Harken averaging 25 disposals a match.

Next up is a Grand Final re-match against the Sharks on Sunday.

“I won't lie, it still stings to have lost the Grand Final last year and I’d give up any personal achievements to have a 2023 Premiership medal around my neck.

“We also know that there are seven other teams that want it just as bad as us: how exciting and what a great challenge. 
 
“I have never been a part of a more motivated group, so we are not afraid to say that we want a League premiership and a Rogers Cup flag as well in 2024.

“We have so much new talent coming through both programs as well as current players who are as hungry as ever.

“So yes, the group is motivated to win two premierships on that first Saturday in July,” she said.