Ex Eagle Called Up For Major WA Football RoleTuesday, November 25, 2025 - 12:48 PM

Former West Coast Eagle and three-time WAFLW Claremont premiership player Kate Orme has been appointed Head Coach of Western Australia’s Female Under 18s and 16s programs for 2026.

Orme will begin the role as State Talent Coach – Female Pathways at WA Football next month

“Working in the talent team at WA Football, the pathway has never been more significant,” Orme said.

“The WA Talent Pathway will continue to produce stars of our game, like Ella Roberts and Zippy Fish.

“The chance to help grow the game and contribute to the development of AFL-ready players is enticing.

“Working in a team environment and sharing success is what drives me – I’m looking forward to building a team of coaches that can help showcase WA’s best young female footy talent.”

Orme is optimistic about the emerging female talent in the state.

“There are more girls playing our great game than ever before,” she said.

“WA Football has invested in the Female Talent Pathway at record levels and will continue to see the benefits in high end draftable talent as well as a stronger than ever WAFLW competition.”

Orme has retired as a player after representing the West Coast Eagles at AFLW level, captaining Claremont in the WAFLW, and also being skipper for the WA State team for the past two years.

“My playing journey has just wrapped up, and I have loved every minute of it,” Orme said.

“Playing footy has been an absolute blast and delivers an unrivalled shared experience.

“The most valuable thing I will take from my career is the relationships I’ve developed.

“I’ve worked my butt off and have learned so much about myself.

“Footy has always been a place filled with friends, fun and sharing both challenges and success.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky, to be an inaugural Eagle, premiership Tiger at Claremont and to have represented WA.

From a coaching perspective, Orme has been an Assistant Coach of the WA U18s program and Head Coach of the WA U16s this year.

Orme will work alongside WA Football Talent Coordinator Elly Lambkin under the guidance of Trent Cooper, Manager Female Talent Programs and Coaching Specialist.

Cooper welcomed Orme to the program and the expertise she brings to help drive WA’s aim of being the best State for talent development.

“Kate has already built strong relationships across the WAFLW landscape and has played a significant role in the development of our most recent pathway cohorts,” Cooper said.

“Her infectious enthusiasm, leadership style and communication strengths make her an ideal fit to guide both programs moving forward.

“We are excited about the impact Kate will have as we continue to strengthen WA’s Female Talent Pathway and provide our emerging players with an environment that prepares them for AFLW football and long-term success.”