Australian rules football in Western Australia

Australian rules football in Western Australia (WA) (known simply as "football") is the most popular sport in the state. It is governed by the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC).

Australian rules football in Western Australia
Western Derby West Coast vs Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in 2008
Governing bodyWest Australian Football Commission
Representative teamWestern Australia
First played1868, Perth
Registered players95,407 (2023)[1]
Clubs236 (28 competitions)[2]
Club competitions
Audience records
Single match61,118 (2021). 2021 AFL Grand Final. Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs. (Optus Stadium, Perth)

Matches were played in the Colony of Western Australia from 1868, however rugby union there became more popular and Australian rules was not fully established until the 1880s when existing rugby clubs began to switch codes. Following the Federation of Australia, courtesy of pioneering junior and schools programs the sport grew faster there than any other state. For much of the 20th century the West Australian Football League (WAFL) was the third strongest state competition in the country. In 1967 the WAFL set a record season attendance of 960,169 and the 1981 WAFL Grand Final was attended by 55,517. Even with its current semi-professional status, it remains the third most popular competition in the world for the sport.

The state is home to two fully professional Australian Football League (AFL) clubs both owned by the WAFC: West Coast Eagles (1986) and Fremantle Football Club (1994), the former having the distinction of being the first non-Victorian team to compete in and win an AFL Grand Final in 1992. The two teams compete against each other in the Western Derby. The combined membership of the two clubs is more than 150,000, making Western Australia second only to Victoria in terms of support for the national club competition. Since 2020 West Coast has had the highest membership and fastest membership growth in the AFL and is the league's most profitable and equal highest revenue generating club. With the AFL's growth in popularity, Western Australia has been speculated as having the potential to sustain a third club.[3][4][5]

It is the most watched sport and has the third largest audience in the country. Its television viewership continues to grow strongly and its average AFL attendances are the second highest nationally.[6] Both the AFL and the WAFL attract a significant television audience. Since 1991 it has attracted an average AFL premiership season attendance of 34,462, third in the country. As at 2022 this average attendance sits at 45,921 the second highest, boosted with the 2018 completion of Perth Stadium the state's flagship venue. While the AFL has far surpassed it in popularity, the WAFL also attracts around 200,000 fans through the gates each year as well as a significant television audience.

Western Australia has the second highest number of Australian rules football participants of any state accounting for almost a fifth of players nationally. Participation continues to grow faster than any other state. It produces the second most professional players for the AFL, with more than 100 current players, though the majority play for clubs in other states.

The state team (known as the "Black Swans" or "Sandgropers") played Interstate matches against other Australian states and Territories between 1904 and 1998 and has defeated every state and territory. They were declared national men's champions in 1921, 1961 and 1979 and was the most successful state during the State of Origin era (1977–1999) with a total of 4 titles. Brian Peake has the most caps and was the longest serving captain of the State of Origin team. The underage men's team has competed between 1976 and the present and were champions in 1999, 2007 and 2019 and the underage women's competing since 2010 were champions in 2014. Western Australia has the second most national titles after Victoria across all divisions.

Three West Australians have been named Australian Football Hall of Fame legends: Graham 'Polly' Farmer, Barry Cable and Merv McIntosh. Lance Franklin holds the AFL games record and goals record for a Western Australian, with 354 and 1,066 respectively. Kiara Bowers is arguably the state's greatest female player being four time All-Australian and the first to win the AFL Women's best and fairest. Gemma Houghton has kicked the most goals, while Emma King has played the most games for born and raised West Australians in the AFL Women's competition.

History

Early Beginnings: 1868-1884

On 19 September 1868 a match was played under Australian rules at Bishop's Collegiate School in Perth between local civilians and the visiting 2nd Battalion of Fourteen Foot (Buckinghamshire) who were camped at Mount Eliza, with the honours going to the visiting British troops. It was the first recorded football match of any code in the colony. The Fourteenth Foot had previously played against the Melbourne Football Club in a Challenge Cup match in Melbourne in July of the previous year.[7] Further matches were played between the Western Australian Temperance and Recreation Society defeating the Town of Fremantle in three matches at Fremantle on 16 October.[7] Despite the matches not being played under British rules, the Fremantle Herald cited the English team's involvement as justification for the colony to adopt a British code and Australian football would not be played again for at least a decade.[7]

By 1876 British expatriates in Perth had formed the first (rugby) football clubs and introduced it into the schools in 1879 after which it became the most popular football code, with several clubs playing in organised competitions by 1880.[8]

It was mainly cricketers who agitated for the formation of more football clubs for Perth and Geraldton from 1880 to keep them fit in the off-season[9] however rugby was still seen as the default choice.[10]

Despite this the first Australian rules club, Unions Football Club formed by former Victorians, emerged in Perth between 1881 and 1882.[11] At the time there were already 3 rugby clubs in Perth and the code was still growing rapidly in the colony, though details of the Unions club's activity in this early period are scant.[12] On 30 March 1883, N. A. ("Bill") Bateman and H. Herbert formed a second Australian rules club, The Swans Football Club in Fremantle, commencing a long inter-city football rivalry.[8]

Perth clubs switch from rugby: 1885

By the mid-1880s the Western Australian media reported a growing dissatisfaction with rugby as a spectacle, particularly its emphasis on playing the body over playing the ball.[13]

In 1885 one of the leading rugby clubs, Fremantle, after a meeting at the Cleopatra Hotel, decided to change to Australian Rules.[8] It was quickly joined by three other clubs - Rovers, Victorians, and a team of schoolboys from The High School. The schoolboy side lasted just two matches, but the three other sides went on to contest what in retrospect was viewed as the first ever official Western Australian Football Association (WAFA) premiership, won by Rovers.

However, in those days many young men of Perth's wealthier families were educated in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. On returning home from there they naturally wished to play the sport they'd grown up with and no doubt exerted some influence on their less affluent peers as to such.

Football spreads to the goldfields 1886-1890s
Bonnie Vale Football Club in 1896, one of dozens of clubs which sprang up during the West Australian gold rushes

From 1886 Western Australia was swept up by discoveries of gold, firstly in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Murchison regions, led to a dramatic increase in WA's population, including many players and supporters of Australian Rules from the eastern colonies.

Progress of Australian Rules in Western Australia still lagged behind the big football cities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Geelong however and is evidenced by the unstable nature of the clubs that participated in the early years.

In 1886 a new Fremantle based club Union joined. Unions would later rename themselves Fremantle as those involved in the game saw the need to identify themselves with the region they were located in.

In 1887 Fremantle left the WAFA and the West Australian Football Club joined but they would only play two seasons before they disappeared.

Australian rules booms: 1890s
Fremantle Football Club WA premiers 1893
Football at Fremantle Oval circa 1895
East Fremantle WAFL premiers 1903
Football match Fremantle Oval 1910

1891 saw two new clubs arrive, Centrals and East Perth, but they would be gone after one and two seasons respectively.

The Western Australian gold rushes began in the 1880s but accelerated in 1892 with major gold discoveries at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. Coupled with a major international economic depression, caused increased immigration from the eastern colonies. These migrants included a large number of footballers including some celebrated players, and the Goldfields competition (later known as the Goldfields Football League) which began in 1896 was comparable in status and standard to the Perth competition for many years. (This was shown by the fact that it had a separate seat on the Australian National Football Council until 1919.) The higher standard of play that naturally followed, helped to increase the game's popularity and increased the professionalism of the WAFA.

1899 would be the last season Fremantle would take part in the WAFA. Despite Unions/Fremantle being the most dominant club in the WAFA up to this point winning the competition 10 times in its 13 years of existence, problems with debt saw the club disappear and some people involved with the old entity formed South Fremantle Football Club in its place. Despite the fact that many involved with Fremantle moved onto South Fremantle the new club is not seen as a continuation of the old and did not lay claim to its proud records to that date.

1899 was also the last time Rovers would take part. The move to regionalisation which saw Unions take on the old Fremantle's name and colours made it difficult for this club that didn't represent a particular area to attract players. They folded and were immediately replaced by Perth Football Club who were promoted from the Perth First Rate Association.

By 1901, the WAFA had grown to have six teams. Up to this point, five sides at most had been in the competition, and this number had invariably changed from year to year, as clubs came and went. And by 1906 there were eight teams — being West Perth, East Perth, East Fremantle, South Fremantle, North Fremantle, Subiaco, Perth and Midland Junction.

In 1908 the WAFA was renamed the West Australian Football League (WAFL). West Australia sent a team to the 1908 Melbourne Carnival, over half of the team was from the goldfields league.[8] Its success at the tournament including its defeat of South Australia and appearance in the final against Victoria captured the West Australian public and ushered in an era of immense growth for the code.[8]

World War I and the WAFL's Youth Policy
The Young Australia Football League competing against the US in 1911.

Jack Simons (WAFL secretary between 1905 and 1914) believed that the future of the code was its introduction to schools. Senior player numbers were already beginning to wane and junior teams were suffering catastrophic loss of numbers. Simons believed the league could not continue without a younger generation. Simons was concerned with encroachment of soccer, rugby and other "non-Australian" sports was threatening the game at grassroots level. Along with several prominent Western Australians including Lionel Boas, Simons formed the Young Australia Football League in 1905 as a development organisation.[14][15] Confident that Australian Football offered the greatest game in the world, his work included overseas tours and invitational teams. These initiatives would lead to the game's establishment in the schools and provide a boom in junior player numbers which would see competition continue through the war and a generation of new players introduced to the game.

Unlike many other sporting competitions, the WAFL didn't go into recess during World War I, although two teams — North Fremantle and Midland Junction — were "casualties" of the war, competing for the last time in 1915 and 1917 respectively.

Between the Wars
Western Australia defeated South Australia at the 1921 Perth Carnival in front of 26,461 at the Perth Oval to win its first national title
Claremont vs West Perth at Leederville Oval in 1930

In 1921, Western Australia hosted the first national carnival, known as the 1921 Perth Carnival it went on to win all of its matches to take the title from Victoria. In 1921, the WAFL introduced the Sandover Medal, for the fairest and best player over a season, as voted by the field umpires. The medal has been awarded annually ever since.

Claremont entered the league in 1926, bringing the number of teams back to seven.

In 1932, the WAFL was renamed the Western Australian National Football League (WANFL) - the "national" concept in the name being adopted by the SANFL and a couple of other leagues a few years earlier.[16]

Swan Districts entered the league in 1934. The eight competing sides still remain today and are generally referred to as the "traditional eight clubs".

Despite WA's poineering efforts in junior development early in the century, by the 1930s the game had all but disappeared from the public school system and a lack of juniors was beginning to hurt the senior leagues, in response the WAFL re-commenced a junior development program.[8]

Because of World War Two, the league only ran an "under age" competition between 1942 and 1944. However, the three premierships won during this time are given equal status to any other, in official records. All clubs competed, with the exception of Swan Districts who could not form a team in 1942, although they were back in 1943.

Statue by Robert Hitchcock outside the gates Fremantle Oval of the famous "specky" by South Fremantle Football Club's John Gerovich over East Fremantle Football Club's Ray French at the 1956 WANFL preliminary final.

Post-war period
A young Polly Farmer flies high over Jack Clarke of East Fremantle in 1954

The 1960s saw crowds get bigger and bigger, as WAFL football captured the hearts and minds of the WA public like never before, and in the 1970s and early 80s it was easily the biggest show in town.

However, during this period more and more star WAFL players were looking to head to the Victorian Football League (VFL), enticed by the bigger money and the fact that it was more and more gaining a reputation as the "big" league.

This is perhaps best evidenced in that Victoria (i.e. the VFL representative team) had by far the best record in interstate games for a long time. But in 1977, when the first proper State of Origin match was played, it saw Western Australia inflict its biggest defeat on a Victorian team.

In 1980, the WANFL dropped the "N" and the "ern" and reverted to being called the WAFL.

At this time crowds were as big as they ever were. Soon afterwards, however, interest in the WAFL began a slow decline, as it became increasingly obvious that even larger numbers of the WAFL's best players were going to head east.

Entering the National Competition

By 1987, the WAFL had decided that the future of the game in WA depended on it entering a team in the VFL. The West Coast Eagles were formed and entered the VFL (the VFL was renamed the AFL in 1990). With many of Western Australia's best players now competing in a team that represented Western Australia on a national scale, it was suddenly apparent that the WAFL was now a second-class competition.

In 1990 the state league was renamed the Western Australian State Football League, but it had reverted to WAFL by 1991.

In 1992, the West Coast Eagles made history by becoming the first interstate club to win an AFL premiership. The win resulted in a huge boost to the side's popularity, put pressure on Subiaco Oval to expand and ultimately led to demand for a second AFL licence for the state.

Another locally based AFL team, the Fremantle FC were formed in 1995.

The popularity of the AFL with 2 sides, particularly with the Western Derby, cemented the position of WAFL as a second-class competition. WAFL clubs have struggled ever since with their sudden demise from being technically equal to any VFL club, to feeder club status. However, they have enjoyed some benefits, such as the funds flowing from the WA-based AFL teams and the influx of talented players from other states, attempting to make a name for themselves.

In 1997, Peel Thunder — somewhat controversially — became the ninth WAFL club. Throughout their brief history, they have struggled to compete with the traditional eight clubs, which are generally opposed to their presence. This is partly because having an odd number of teams forces one team to have a bye each week.

Also in 1997, the WAFL was renamed Westar Rules, in a failed attempt to revamp the league's image. However the name again reverted to WAFL in 2001.

Recent years have seen the WAFL stabilise itself as a league a step down from the AFL. Obviously the sudden player drain brought on by the expansion of the VFL into the AFL has lessened the standard of play, however this has recovered somewhat, with "veteran" AFL players returning and new players coming through.

Recent History
  • AFL West Coast playing Sydney in Perth in 2006
    AFL West Coast playing Sydney in Perth in 2006
  • Shaun McManus' farewell game in Round 18 2008 Western Derby Fremantle home game
    Shaun McManus' farewell game in Round 18 2008 Western Derby Fremantle home game
  • West Coast vs Collingwood at Subiaco Oval in 2014
    West Coast vs Collingwood at Subiaco Oval in 2014
  • 2021 AFL Grand Final at Perth Stadium
    2021 AFL Grand Final at Perth Stadium

Western Australia was the first state to trial the derivative social game of Rec Footy in 2003.

Involvement and attendance in Australian Rules reached record levels in Western Australia 2004. The total attendance, including AFL games was a record 1,030,000. The 2005 WAFL grand final between South Fremantle and Claremont attracted 22,570 to Subiaco Oval.

In 2006, the combined membership of Fremantle and West Coast AFL clubs was a record 79,804 members.

Participation

In 2022 there were 102,213 registered adult players, marginally less than play soccer in the state.[17] This has grown from a 2007 base of around 12,050 senior players and a total participation of 91,009.[18] With a participation rate of around 4.2% per capita, Western Australia is the third most supported state (behind Victoria and South Australia).[17]

Category201620192022
Adult Male68,73372,32787,321
Adult Female10,87115,94114,892
Total79,60488,268102,213

Audience

Attendance Record

Major Australian Rules Events in Western Australia

Representative teams
Main article: Interstate matches in Australian rules football
"Sandgropers" 1995 State of Origin guernsey.

The Western Australian Australian football team is nicknamed alternatively the "Sandgropers" or the "Black Swans" and have played representative matches, either as State of Origin or as a state team representing the WAFL against all other Australian states.

Governing Body

The governing body for Australian rules football in WA is the West Australian Football Commission.

Leagues & clubs
Main article: List of Australian rules football clubs in Western Australia

Professional clubs

Perth metropolitan leagues

Regional leagues

Women's

Masters

Principal Venues

The following venues meet AFL Standard criteria and have been used to host AFL (National Standard) or AFLW level matches (Regional Standard) are listed by capacity.[19]

Perth Perth Fremantle
Perth Stadium Bassendean Oval East Fremantle Oval
Capacity: 60,000 Capacity: 22,000 Capacity: 20,000
Perth Stadium Bassendean Oval East Fremantle Oval
Fremantle Perth Geraldton
Fremantle Oval Arena Joondalup Wonthella Oval
Capacity: 17,500 Capacity: 16,000 Capacity: 12,000
Fremantle Oval Arena Joondalup
Perth Mandurah Perth
Leederville Oval Rushton Park Lathlain Park
Capacity: 10,000 Capacity: 10,000 Capacity: 6,500
Bunbury
Hands Oval
Capacity: 5,000

Historic Venues

Modern AFL Standard Venues

Players

Greats
Lance Franklin played more AFL games and kicked more AFL goals than any other Western Australian footballer.

Graham 'Polly' Farmer was the first West Australian to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a legend. He was also named as the ruckman in the AFL Team of the Century. Barry Cable (2012) and Merv McIntosh (2021) have also been elevated to legend status.

Other great players from WA to have been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame are Jack Clarke, George Doig, Ross Glendinning, Denis Marshall, Merv McIntosh, Stephen Michael, George Moloney, Graham Moss, Wayne Richardson, Jack Sheedy, William 'Nipper' Truscott and Bill Walker.

West Australians in the West Australian Hall of Fame Legends but not in the above (most likely due to limited involvement in the VFL) include: John Gerovich, Johnny Leonard, Phil Matson, Stan Heal, Steve Marsh and John Todd.[20]

Retired modern VFL/AFL greats include Brad Hardie, Nicky Winmar, Jim and Phil Krakouer, Mark Bairstow, Glen Jakovich, Guy McKenna, Dean Kemp, Peter Matera, Shane Woewodin, Ben Cousins, Simon Black, Patrick Ryder, Peter Bell, Jeff Farmer, Aaron Sandilands, Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Lance Franklin and Nic Naitanui.

Current Players

AFL players from Western Australia
Currently on an AFL senior list
PlayerWA junior/senior club/sRepresentative honoursAFL DraftSelectionAFL YearsAFL Club/sAFL GamesAFL (Goals)Connections to Western Australia, Notes & References
Robert Hansen JrMines Rovers, Trinity College, Subiaco2023Rookie (mid-season) #22023-North Melbourne1-Raised in Kalgoorlie
Taj WoewodinBooragoon, Aquinas College, East Fremantle2021#65 (Father son)2023-Melbourne21Raised in Perth
Jack BullerClaremontU18 (2019)2023Mid season (#13)2023-Sydney1-Raised in Perth
Corey WarnerWilletton, Aquinas College, East FremantleU19 (?)2021#402023-Sydney1-Raised in Perth
Reuben GinbeyDunsborough, East PerthU18 (2022)2022#92023-West Coast3-Raised in Dunsborough
Brynn TeakleNorthampton, East Fremantle2022Mid season rookie (#8)2023-Port Adelaide2-Raised in Northampton
Jack WilliamsRossmoyne, East Fremantle2021#572022-West Coast94Raised in Perth
Brady HoughHarvey, Peel Thunder2021#312022-West Coast29-Raised in Perth
Angus SheldrickMosman Park, Christ Church Grammar School, Claremont2021#182022-Sydney93Raised in Perth
Nic MartinSubiacoRookie2022-Essendon2320Raised in Perth
Callum JamiesonNorth Beach Junior, ClaremontU18 (2019)2019#292022-West Coast100Raised in Trigg (Perth)
Jye AmissEast Perth2021#82022-Fremantle710Born and raised in Busselton
Greg ClarkSubiacoU18 (2015 c)2021#622022-West Coast61Raised in Perth
Neil ErasmusSubiaco2021#102022-Fremantle51Raised in Perth
Judd McVeeGeraldton Senior High School, East Fremantle2022 (rookie)Rookie (#18)2022-West Coast160Raised in Geraldton
Jacob van RooyenClaremont2021#192022-Melbourne25Raised in Perth
Jaxon PriorSorrento-Duncraig JFC, West Perth2019#592021-Brisbane Lions3311Raised in Perth
Heath ChapmanJoondalup Kinross Junior, West Perth2020#142021-West Coast261Raised in Joondalup
Logan McDonaldApplecross Mount Pleasant Junior, PerthU18 (2019)2020#42021-Sydney2526Born in Bunbury, raised in Perth
Denver Grainger-BarrasKalamunda, Swan Districts2020#62021-Hawthorn230Raised in Perth
Brandon WalkerEast Fremantle2020#502021-Fremantle201Raised in Perth
Connor WestWest PerthU18 (2017)2021 (mid season rookie)Rookie (#23)2021-West Coast201Raised in Perth
Tyler BrockmanWembley Downs Junior, Subiaco Colts2020#462021-Hawthorn1516Raised in Northam
Nathan O'DriscollPerth2020#272021-Fremantle1410Raised in Northam
Isiah WinderPeel Thunder2020#572021-West Coast75Raised in Perth
Zane TrewHills Rangers Junior, Swan DistrictsU16 (2018)2021 (Rookie)Rookie (#12)2021-West Coast31Raised in Perth
Deven RobertsonManning, Aquinas College, PerthU18 (2019 c)2019#222020-Brisbane Lions257Raised in Northam
Luke JacksonEast Fremantle2019#32020-Melbourne, Fremantle5735Born and raised in Fremantle
Trent RiversEast FremantleU18 (2018, 2019)2019#322020-Melbourne585Raised in Perth
Chad WarnerWilletton Junior, East Fremantle2019#392020-Sydney4531Born in Willetton
Liam HenryClaremont, Christ Church Grammar School2019#92020-Fremantle3113Born in Tammin, raised in Fitzroy Crossing (Walmadjari)
Jeremy SharpAttadale, East FremantleU18 (2018, 2019)2019#272020-Gold Coast207Born in Fremantle, raised in Attadale (Perth)
Jy Farrar-U18 (2018, 2019)2019#602020-Gold Coast111Born and raised in Halls Creek (Bunuba, Jaru and Kija)
Trey RuscoeEast Fremantle2019#552020-Collingwood177Raised in Perth
Mitch GeorgiadesHale School, Subiaco2019#182020-Port Adelaide4965Raised in Perth
Riley GarciaCaversham Suns Junior, Swan DistrictsU18 (2018)2019#622020-Western Bulldogs52Raised in Perth
Marlion PickettPuma Panthers, Manjimup Tigers, Nollamora Junior, Koongamia, York Roos, South Fremantle2019 (mid season rookie)Rookie (#13)2019-Richmond6115Raised in Manjimup and Perth
Jordan ClarkRailways, ClaremontU18 (2018)2018#152019-Geelong, Fremantle5418Raised in Albany, Western Australia
Bobby HillPerthU18 (2017, 2018)2018#242019-Greater Western Sydney, Collingwood4541Born and raised in Northam. Noongar (Whadjuk-Ballardong)
Jarrod CameronNewman Central, Aquinas, Swan Districts2013Next Generation Academy2019-2021West Coast1213Raised in Newman
Jason CarterPort Wyndham, Claremont2018Next Generation Academy2019-2020Fremantle20Born and raised in Wyndham
Matthew ParkerSouth Fremantle20212018#472019-St Kilda, Richmond3023Raised in Perth
Shane McAdamClaremont2018Pre-draft (mature)2019-Adelaide2837Raised in Halls Creek
Harry EdwardsMazenod Junior, Swan Districts2018#182019-West Coast280Raised in Perth
Luke FoleySorrento-Duncraig Junior, Subiaco2018#312019-West Coast222Raised in Perth
Aaron NaughtonRockingham, Peel ThunderU18 (2017)2018 (Rookie)#92018-Western Bulldogs101148Raised in Rockingham
Liam BakerLake Grace-Pingrup, West Perth, SubiacoU18 (2016)2018 (Rookie)Rookie (#18)2018-Richmond9029Raised in Pingaring
Liam RyanRovers, Subiaco2017#262018-West Coast88123Raised in Geraldton (Wajarri)
Bailey BanfieldClaremont2018 (Rookie)Rookie (#5)2018-Fremantle6535Born and raised in Broome
Tim KellyPalmyra, South Fremantle2017#762018-Geelong, West Coast8433Raised in Goomalling and Perth. Noongar (Yamatji)
Matt GuelfiClaremontU18 (2016)2017#762018-Essendon8433Raised in Perth
Sam TaylorSwan DistrictsU18 (2016)2017#282018-Greater Western Sydney751Raised in Bullsbrook and Attadale (Perth)
Brandon StarcevichMt Lawley-Inglewood Junior, Trinity College, East PerthU18 (2017)2017#182018-Brisbane Lions715Raised in Perth
Wil PowellClaremont2018 (Rookie)#192018-Gold Coast6913Raised in Perth (Scarborough)
Oscar AllenWhitford Junior, West ParthU18 (2017 c)2017#212018-West Coast6376Born and raised in Perth
Ben MillerRailways, SubiacoU18 (2016, 2017)2017#632018-Richmond133Raised in Kalgoorlie
Zac LangdonDampier, Claremont2017#562018-2022Greater Western Sydney, West Coast133Born and raised in Karratha
Sam Petrevski-SetonHalls Creek, ClaremontU16, U18 (2015)2016#62017-Carlton, West Coast11122Raised in Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek
Shai BoltonSouth FremantleU18 (2016)2016#292017-Richmond93103Born in Katanning, raised in Forrestdale (Perth) and Mandurah. Noongar (Mineng, Wiilman)
Sam Powell-PepperEast Perth2016#182017-Port Adelaide9351Born in Western Australia, raised in Perth
Cameron ZurhaarEast Fremantle, Wesley College2017#112017-North Melbourne84115Raised in Perth
Griffin LogueSwan Districts2016#82017-Fremantle, North Melbourne679Raised in Perth
Darcy CameronNorth Albany, Claremont2016#482017-Sydney, Collingwood5646Raised in Albany, Western Australia
Tim EnglishSouth Fremantle2016#192017-Western Bulldogs7741Born and raised in Dunsborough
Zac FisherYork, PerthU18 (2016)2016#272017-Carlton9549Born and raised in York
Jake WatermanMarist, ClaremontU18 (2016)2016#77 (Father son)2017-West Coast7573Born and raised in Perth
Josh RothamWest Perth2016#372017-West Coast442Raised in Perth
Quinton NarklePerth, Wesley College2016#602017-Geelong, Port Adelaide4220Raised in Perth (Whadjuk, Ballardong)
Cedric CoxHalls Creek2016#242017-2020Brisbane Lions133Raised in Halls Creek
Daniel Rioli-2015#152016-Richmond14099Born Fremantle
Sam MenegolaEast Fremantle2011 (Rookie)Rookie (#11)2016-Geelong11681Born and raised in Perth
Callum Ah CheeSouth Fremantle2015#82016-Gold Coast, Brisbane Lions10542Born in Derby raised in Perth
Nathan BroadChittering Broncos Junior, Upper Swan Junior, Swan Districts2015#272016-Richmond1092Born and raised in Wubin
Marcus AdamsWest Perth2015#352016-2023Western Bulldogs, Brisbane Lions735Raised in Perth
Mitch McGovernNorth Albany, Claremont2014#432016-Adelaide, Carlton92104Raised in Albany
Tom BarrassScarborough Junior, ClaremontU18 (2013)2013#432015-West Coast1151Raised in Perth
Joel HamlingCable Beach, Claremont2011#312015-Western Bulldogs, Fremantle870Born in Denmark, Western Australia, raised in Broome
Connor BlakelyBunbury, Swan DistrictsU18 (2014)2014#342015-Fremantle, Carlton783Raised in Bunbury
Ethan HughesHarvey Brunswick Leschenault, Swan Districts2015 (Rookie)Rookie (#15)2015-Fremantle754Raised in Bunbury
Billy FramptonEast Fremantle, South Fremantle2014#842015-Port Adelaide, Adelaide, Collingwood2712Raised in Perth
Charlie CameronSwan Districts2013 (Rookie)Rookie (#7)2014-Adelaide, Brisbane Lions182321Raised in Newman
Angus Brayshaw-2014#32014-Melbourne14647Born in Western Australia
Patrick CrippsNorthhampton, East FremantleU18 (2013 vc)2013#132014-Carlton16287Born and raised in Perth
Dom SheedMines Rovers, SubiacoU18 (2013 c)2013#112014-West Coast14565Born and raised in Kalgoorlie
Rory LobbSwan Districts2013#292014-Greater Western Sydney, Fremantle, Western Bulldogs143146Born and raised in Perth
Jack MartinTowns, Claremont2011 (mini-draft)#12014-Gold Coast, Carlton136113Born in Broome, raised in Broome and Geraldton
Blake AcresEdgewater Woodvale, West Perth, Wanneroo2013#192014-St Kilda, Fremantle, Carlton12137Raised in Perth (Joondalup)
Jesse HoganMarist Junior, ClaremontU18 (2012)2012 (mini-draft)#22014-Melbourne, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney117225Born and raised in Perth (Scarborough)
Kamdyn McIntoshPinjarra, PeelU16 (2010), U18 (2012)2012#132013-Richmond14942Born and raised in Pinjarra
Jaeger O'MearaDongara Junior, Railways, PerthU18 (2011)2011 (mini-draft)#12013-Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Fremantle14672Born in Perth and raised in Dongara
Bradley HillQuinns Junior, West PerthU18 (2011 c)2011#332012-Hawthorn, Fremantle, St Kilda21593Raised in Perth (Joondalup)
Stephen ConiglioUpper Swan Junior, Swan DistrictsU18 (2011 c)2011#32012-Greater Western Sydney177101Born and raised in Perth (Joondalup)
Elliot YeoBooragoon Junior, East FremantleU18 (2011)2011#302012-Brisbane Lions, West Coast18373Born and raised in Perth
Jason JohannisenEast Fremantle2011#392012-Western Bulldogs17771Raised in Perth
Jamie Elliot-Pre-list (2011 GWS)2012-Western Bulldogs159231Raised in Dongara
Nathan WilsonMandurah Centrals, Peel2011Underage selection2012-Greater Western Sydney, Fremantle14918Raised in Mandurah
Jack DarlingSorrento-Duncraig, West PerthU18 (2009)2010#262011-West Coast259486Raised in Perth
Jamie CrippsNorthampton, East FremantleU18 (2010)2010#242011-St Kilda, West Coast218272Born in Perth, raised in Northampton
David SwallowRossmoyne JuniorU18 (2009)2010#12011-Gold Coast19786Born and raised in Perth
Jeremy McGovernNorth Albany, Claremont2011 (Rookie)Rookie (#44)2011-West Coast16337Born in Western Australia, raised in Warburton, Kalgoorlie and Albany
Mitch DuncanTrinity College, East PerthU16 (2007 c), U18 (2008, 2009 vc)2009#282010-Geelong258176Born and raised in Perth
Travis ColyerTrinity College, ClaremontU18 (2009)2009#262010-Essendon, Fremantle14686Raised in Perth
Nat FyfeClaremontU18 (2019)2009#202010-Fremantle210170Born and raised in Lake Grace
Brad SheppardEast FremantleU18 (2008, 2009)2009#72010-2021West Coast21619Born and raised in Perth
Nic NaitanuiMidvale Junior, Governor Stirling Senior HS, Swan DistrictsU18 (2007, 2008)2008#22009-West Coast213112Raised in Perth (Midvale)
Michael WaltersSwan DistrictsU18 (2008)2008#532009-Fremantle203219Raised in Perth. Noongar
Daniel RichSorrento-Duncraig, SubiacoU18 (2007, 2008)2008#72009-2023Brisbane Lions270115Born and raised in Perth
Matt PriddisSorrento-Duncraig, SubiacoU16 (2004), U18 (2005)2006 (Rookie)Rookie (#13)2006-2017West Coast24073Raised in Manjimup
Lance FranklinPerthU18 (2014)2004#52005-Hawthorn, Sydney3541066Born in Perth, raised in Dowerin and Perth. Noongar (Whadjuk)

Women's

Fremantle was the first professional women's team in the state in 2017, therefore the majority of the professional players have played there, the West Coast women's team was not awarded a license until 2020. Due to the large distance to the eastern states, most West Australian female players are drafted to one of these two teams.

Current Players

AFLW players from Western Australia
Currently on an AFLW senior list
PlayerWA junior/senior club/sRepresentative honoursAFLW Draft yearSelectionAFLW YearsAFLW ClubsAFLW GamesAFLW (Goals)Connections to Western Australia, Notes & References
Lauren WakferSouth Fremantle, West Coast2023-West Coast1-Raised in Rockingham
Emily ElkingtonClaremont, West Coast2023-West Coast1-Raised in Perth
Ariana HetheringtonPeel, South Fremantle, Fremantle2023-Fremantle1-Raised in Perth
Ella RobertsPeel, West Coast EaglesU18 (2021)2022#142022 (S7)-102Raised in Perth
Courtney RowleyMandurah, Peel Thunder2022-151Raised in Mandurah
Emily BennettWest Perth, Claremont, West Coast EaglesU18 (2019, 2021)2022-9-Raised in Perth
Beth SchillingMarist, Carey Park, Peel Thunder, Subiaco, West Coast EaglesU18 (2021)2022-5-Raised in Bunbury
Maggie MacLachlanWhitford, Subiaco, Fremantle2022-41Raised in Perth
Jessica LowClaremont, Fremantle2021#522022-21-Raised in Perth
Charlie ThomasSubiaco2020#32022-200Raised in Perth
Sarah LakaySwan Districts2020#402022-180Raised in Perth
Amy FranklinClaremont2020#142022-126Raised in Perth
Dana EastSwan Districts2021#312022-76Raised in Manjimup
Mikayla MorrisonSwan Districts2020#302022-43Raised in Perth
Makaela TuhakarainaSouth FremantleU18 (2021)2021#382021-92Raised in Perth
Courtney HodderPeelU18 (2016, 2017)2020Rookie2021-3627Raised in Perth (Noongar)
Sarah VerrierPeel2020#142021-321Raised in Perth
Mikayla HydeSwan Districts2020Replacement2021-238Raised in Perth
Isabella LewisClaremontU18 (2019)2020#32021-191Raised in Perth
Shanae DavisonNorada Hawks, Swan Districts2020#32021-90Born and raised in Perth and Broome
Demi LiddleBusselton, Peel2020Injury replacement202140Raised in Busselton
Mikayla BowenHelena's College, Swan DistrictsU18 (2017, 2018, 2019)2019Expansion signing2020-368Raised in Perth (Darlington)
Mim StromPerthU18 (2019)2019#212020-290Raised in Exmouth
Sophie McDonaldClaremontU18 (2017, 2018)2019#392020-260Raised in Albany
Roxanne RouxEast FremantleU18 (2019)2019#122020-2414Raised in Dongara and Perth
Janelle CuthbertsonPerth2019#812020-240Raised in Perth
Emma O'DriscollSwan Districts2019#512020-251Raised in Northam
Kate OrmeClaremont2019#702020-71Raised in Perth
Imahra CameronKelmscott, South Fremantle, Perth, Swan Districts2019#192020-2022 (S7)2310Raised in Perth (Noongar)
Bianca WebbSwan Districts2019#852020-2022 (S7)194Raised in Perth
Ashton HillMater Dei College, Joondalup Falcons, West Perth, East Fremantle2019Prelist2020-202290Raised in Perth (Joondalup)
Tarnee TesterSubiaco2019#562020-202141Recruited from Perth
Ann McMahonEast Fremantle2019#352020-202261Raised in Perth
Emily BonserClaremont2019Prelist202030Raised in Perth
Sarah GarstoneClaremont2019#66202010Raised in Perth
Kate BartlettSafety Bay Stingers, Kolbe College, PeelU18 (2016)2018#262019-10Raised in Rockingham
Matilda SergeantClaremontU18 (2018)2018#642019-S7190Raised in Perth
Jasmin StewartClaremontU18 (2016)2018#42019-2022226Born in Northam raised in Kambalda and the Pilbara
Courtney GuardSubiaco2018#392019-2022220Raised in Perth
Sabreena McKinnonPeelU18 (2016, 2017, 2018)2018#172019-S72934Raised in Perth
Laura PughWest Perth2018#592019-331Raised in Perth
Philipa SethEast Fremantle2018#282019-321Raised in Perth
McKenzie DowrickSubiacoU18 (2017, 2018)2018#32019-165Raised in Perth
Parris LaurieClaremont2018#502019-2022331Born and raised in Denmark
Brianna MoyesSouth Mandurah, Peel Thunder2018Rookie signing201910Raised in Perth
Evangeline GoochEast Fremantle2017#102018-322Raised in Perth
Jade de MeloEast Fremantle2017Rookie (#10)2018-94Raised in Perth
Ashlee AtkinsEast Fremantle2017#262018-2022 (S7)4110Raised in Perth
Katie-Jayne GrieveSouth Bunbury2017Rookie (#12)2018-2021163Raised in Bunbury
Leah MascallEast Fremantle2017#442018-2021190Raised in Perth
Emily McGuireSwan Districts2017#332018-202062Raised in Perth (Noongar)
Tayla McAuliffeSwan Districts2017#192018-201930Raised in Perth
Lisa WebbCoastal Titans2017Rookie (#2)201862Raised in Perth
Jodie WhiteCoastal Titans2017#18201840Raised in Perth
Emma KingCoastal Titans2016Marquee2017-6131Raised in Perth
Hayley MillerCoastal Titans2016#42017-6017Born and raised in Perth
Sabrina FrederickPeel, South Fremantle2016Marquee2017-5926Raised in Pinjarra
Gemma HoughtonSwan Districts2016Free agent2017-5644Born in Western Australia, raised in Perth
Stephanie CainSwan Districts2016#1092017-545Raised in Perth
Ruby SchleicherEast Fremantle2016#1372017-513Raised in Perth
Belinda SmithEast Fremantle2016#1002017-500Born and raised in Lake Grace
Ebony AntonioSwan Districts2016Priority2017-4924Raised in Perth
Gabby O'SullivanEast Fremantle2016Preselection2017-4917Raised in Perth
Chelsea RandallSafety Bay Stingers, Swan DistrictsU182016Marquee2017-4818Raised in Rockingham
Aimee SchmidtCoastal Titans2016#172017-4222Raised in Perth
Rebecca BeesonSwan Districts2016#322017-417Raised in Perth
Angelique Stannett-2018Rookie2017-370Raised in Perth
Dana HookerCoastal Titans2016#1302017-4810Raised in Perth
Kara AntonioSwan Districts2016Marquee2017-4716Raised in Perth
Emma SwansonPeel, East Fremantle2016Marquee2017-354Raised in Mandurah
Jess WuetschnerEast Fremantle2016#342017-4740Recruited from Perth
Kiara BowersCoastal Titans2016Marquee2017-337Raised in Perth
Akec Makur ChuotEast Perth, Swan Districts2016#1392017-332Raised in Perth
Ashley SharpSwan Districts2016#202017-2022 (S7)3425Raised in Perth
Tayla BreslandPeel Thunder2016#522017-2022251Raised in Perth
Melissa CaulfieldEast Fremantle2016#772017-2022338Raised in Perth
Tiah TothCoastal Titans2016#362017-2022241Raised in Katanning and Perth
Renee ForthCoastal Titans2016Marquee2017-2021221Raised in Perth
Beatrice DevlynSouth Fremantle2017Injury replacement2017-202180Raised in Perth
Brianna GreenEast Fremantle2016#132017-202170Raised in Perth
Alicia JanzSwan Districts-Injury replacement2017-2021200Raised in Derby
Alex WilliamsEast Fremantle2016Priority2017-2021200Raised in Perth
Cassie DavidsonEast Fremantle2016#842017-2020170Raised in Perth
Kirby BentleySwan Districts2016Priority2017-2019101Raised in Perth
Amy LavellCoastal Titans2016#612017-2018148Raised in Perth
Caitlyn EdwardsEast Fremantle2016#432017-2018146Born and raised in Perth (Thornlie)
Lara FilocamoCoastal Titans2016#292017-2018142Raised in Perth
Stacey BarrCoastal Titans2016#682017-2018125Raised in Perth
Tara MorganSouth Fremantle2016#1442017-2018110Born in Kununurra, raised in Broome
Demi OkelyPeel Thunder2016#125201770Raised in Perth
Kelly ClinchSubiaco2016#116201760Raised in Perth
Kira PhillipsPeel Thunder2016#45201752Raised in Perth
Taylah AngelSwan Districts2016#93201740Raised in Perth
Tarnica GolisanoCoastal Titans2016Free agent201740Raised in Perth
Kim Mickle-2016Rookie201710Born and raised in Perth

See also

References
  1. Ausplay Snapshot by state (Australian Football)
  2. "The Barassi Line - A Wikidata fellowship project".
  3. "It's the obvious choice": Western Australia throw hat in ring for third AFL team by SCOTT PRYDE 22 January 2023
  4. Could we find room for a third AFL team out of WA? By Joel Saratsis 17 March 2016
  5. West Perth sound out Royals about being third AFL club by SHAYNE HOPE for The West Australian 3 April 2010
  6. 2022 AFL TV Ratings
  7. G Christian, J Lee & B Messenger, The Footballers: The History of Football in Western Australia, St George's Books Perth 1985, pp 1-6.
  8. "Highlights in the History of Australian Football". The Daily News. Vol. LV, no. 18, 748. Western Australia. 20 April 1935. p. 20 (LATE CITY). Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. "FOOTBALL FOR THE WINTER MONTHS". Victorian Express. Vol. II, no. 36. Western Australia. 12 May 1880. p. 3. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. "SPECTEMUR AGENDO". Victorian Express. Vol. III, no. 40. Western Australia. 8 June 1881. p. 2. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. "FOOTBALL RULES". The West Australian. Vol. IV, no. 254. Western Australia. 9 May 1882. p. 3. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. "OCCASIONAL NOTES". The West Australian. Vol. III, no. CCXXXXII. Western Australia. 28 March 1882. p. 2. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. "FOOTBALL NOTES". The Herald. Vol. XIX, no. 60. Western Australia. 17 April 1886. p. 3. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. Simons, John Joseph (Jack) (1882–1948). Retrieved 26 July 2008. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  15. "Register of Heritage Paces - YAL Building" (PDF). Western Australian Heritage Council. Retrieved 26 July 2008.
  16. "The Sandover Medal". The Daily News. 29 July 1921. Retrieved 15 August 2014 – via Trove.
  17. Ausplay Sports Report 2022 - Australian Football (Western Australia)
  18. "More chase Sherrin than before - realfooty.com.au". Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2007.
  19. AFL PREFERRED FACILITY GUIDELINES Aflcommunityclub.com.au
  20. WA Football Hall of Fame
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