Falcons Set Sights on Maiden WAFLW Finals CampaignWednesday, March 20, 2024 - 2:05 PM

West Perth is on target to reach the finals for the first time in the WAFLW competition having opened the season with a stunning start to the year.

In their third season, the Falcons sit on top of the table with three wins a whopping percentage of 382, well ahead of the only other unbeaten side Claremont.

West Perth entered the WAFL in 2022 and finished last with 14 defeats and no wins.

Last year, the club found its feet in the competition, claiming five victories to finish sixth.

Coach Clint Degebrodt has enjoyed a dream opening three games.

“I’m impressed with the way the group has focused on the things that as individuals they are strong at and how they’ve applied that to the group,” Degebrodt said.

“Just as impressive has been how they have worked to get better each session.

“We set ourselves to be hard to play against and so far, we have been.

“We’ve had a real inward focus and we’re working to deliver against what we say we will do game by game.”

As a first year WAFLW coach Degebrodt is enjoying the challenge of being in charge.

“The biggest challenge so far has been to get everyone into the team that has worked hard to earn a shot.

“We have a talented list, and we haven’t got everyone who deserves to be in the team a game yet.

“The strength of our whole squad as a unit is very enjoyable and the whole group is driving us forward.

“The biggest enjoyment is easily the positive energy that the group builds and shares, they call it ‘the vibe’ and it has made our environment great fun.”

The Falcons have outplayed their opponents but are yet to fully capitalise on the scoreboard. 

“I’ll be happy any time we go inside more than the oppo and take more shots than them.

“At times we’ve taken shots from further out than we’d like which reduces our accuracy.

“A game of seven goals 14, can easily be 14 goals seven and we look forward to having a day like that,” he said.

“We had a chat after our preseason games, and we decided as a group not to put a ceiling on our season, but we are a new team, and the standouts are still well advanced in their development.

“South Fremantle and East Fremantle are super with Claremont the benchmark.

“Swans, and Peel have long standing success and Subiaco are very good and building.

“East Perth isn’t far behind us as they build their premiership model so we can’t look too far ahead.

“If we remain hard to play against and we can grind games out and focus on ourselves, we will continue to be able to be proud of our efforts.”

Degebrodt is this week preparing his team to face the Bulldogs at Pentanet Stadium on Saturday.

“The Bulldogs lead the competition in terms of speed on the ball and game,” he said.

“They are an excellent group that is coached well, and we will have to be on our toes for four quarters.

“The message to the team is simple, see challenge as opportunity and the opportunity this week is to play against the best running team in the competition, so play our plan and enjoy.”