Inaugural WAFLW State Squad AnnouncedFriday, April 5, 2024 - 2:55 PM

For the first time in football history WAFL Women’s will field a team to play in the inaugural State Game against arch rivals South Australia in Perth at Optus Stadium on Saturday 4 May. 

The WAFLW is in its sixth season and continues to create opportunities for young female talent by providing a direct player pathway from Auskick through to the WAFLW and AFLW.  

West Australian Football Commission Executive Manager – Football Operations, Scott Baker said this game is a testament to everyone who has been involved in women’s football. 

“This State Game is a wonderful achievement for women’s football, where our WAFLW and WAFL players have opportunities to play in blockbuster state games,” Baker said. 

“The WAFC is really proud to host this historic game at Perth’s home of football at Optus Stadium, and we are looking forward to a fantastic, highly skilled game.” 

Claremont WAFLW coach Jack Schwarze will coach the inaugural team, supported by WAFLW coaches Jenna Allomes (East Perth), Matt Templeton (East Fremantle) and Clint Degebrodt (West Perth). 

“I love being involved with the WAFLW and this is a chance to coach all the best players across the comp in one team,” Shwarze said. 

Despite being rivals during the WAFLW competition, Schwarze is thrilled to be surrounded by this coaching group. 

“Deggers has been around footy a long time and provides some really experienced insight, Jenna is a pioneer for female coaches, has a wealth of experience herself and sees the game really well and Tempo has been at AFLW level and shown a huge level of tactics and knowledge,” Schwarze said. 

The upcoming game is a significant milestone for women’s football, according to the coach. 

“There are those who have been involved in women’s football in WA much longer than I have and this game speaks volumes to the relevancy and growth of women's football and how much they deserve to have a game like this and to play it on Optus Stadium,” Schwarze said. 

Playing against SANFLW adds a new challenge to the thriving WAFLW competition. 

“It’s the opportunity to perform at a higher level and challenge ourselves as players and coaches and the chance to see truly where our competitions lies in comparison to another football state,” Schwarze said. 

WA have selected a squad of 35 which includes last year’s Dhara Kerr Medallist Jayme Harken (Claremont), former AFLW player Maggie Maclachlan (Subiaco), along with in-form WAFLW players Taylor Ferguson (West Perth) and Poppy Stockwell (South Fremantle). 

AFL National Academy players Zippy Fish, Molly O'Hehir and Claudia Wright have all been included.

“The squad is a mixture of youth who have been impressing us during the first four rounds.” Schwarze said.  

“They’ve got athleticism, skill and seemingly no fear. We’ve mixed that with some high quality experienced WAFLW and ex AFLW players who are showing they are in good form as well.  

“It’s a big occasion and a big stadium so we need players who will perform in a one-off game under that pressure.  

“But we also want to showcase women's footy in WA, so we’ll be training to move the ball with precision. We want to be exciting to watch.” 

WAFLW Squad