WAFL Season Ready For Easter LaunchThursday, March 28, 2024 - 1:11 PM

As the countdown to the new WAFL year fast approaches, captains, coaches and umpires have given their take on what to expect at this week’s season launch.

East Fremantle heads into 2024 as reigning premiers and there are nine clubs who have the Sharks in their sights.

The defending champions haven’t won back-to-back flags since 1945-46 and this year the club will return to its home ground which has undergone a major redevelopment.

Peel enters the season with new head coach Adam Read who replaces Geoff Valentine at the helm as it attempts to go one better than last season.

The return to the Lions of ex-Eagle Greg Clark headlines the major change at Subiaco as he takes over the captaincy from Leigh Kitchin.

Subiaco’s ruck power though has diminished with the departure of Zac Clarke.

Claremont will once again attempt to snare its first flag since 2012 after being regular finalists.

Sandover Medallists Jye Bolton and Bailey Rogers will again be key players for the Tigers.

The Royals have kept their squad relatively intact, leaving the club well placed to return to September in 2024.

The return from injury of ruckman Scott Jones will be critical to East Perth.

West Perth will unveil new coach Jason Salecic tonight when the Falcons host Claremont at Pentanet Stadium.

From premiers in 2022 to finals spectators in 2023, the Falcons have enough quality led by Luke Meadows to become contenders this year.

Swam Districts is desperate to translate close losses into wins this year.

The black and whites lost five games by a total of 18 points to derail their finals push.

The upcoming 300-game milestone of Tony Notte will be a feature for Swans.

Between 2016 and 2022 South Fremantle were always in the premiership conversation.

But after a two-game salary cap penalty, the Bulldogs never hit their straps last year.

The comeback of five time fairest and best winner Haiden Schloithe is massive.

Perth’s off-season recruiting is designed to bring sharp on field improvement this year.

Luring ex Geelong players Charlie Constable and Sam Simpson will boost the Demons midfield.

The WAFL debut coaching year for Kyal Horsley at the Eagles will be intriguing to watch.

Having won three consecutive wooden spoons, West Coast will be looking to jump off the bottom of the table, aided by greater player availability.

Ten teams, 21 rounds and one Premiership Cup.

Let the games begin.