The Perth Football League A Grade Women’s competition is set for another thrilling season, with reigning premiers Wembley chasing a third consecutive flag. But with last year’s runner-up Melville eager for redemption, perennial contenders Curtin Uni Wesley and University in the mix, and new teams looking to make their mark, this season promises to be as competitive as ever.

North Beach and North Fremantle will be aiming to convert regular finals appearances into ultimate success, while B Grade promotions Bullcreek Leeming and Baldivis are hungry to prove themselves at the highest level. Meanwhile, Warnbro, the 2022 premiers, are looking to bounce back after two challenging seasons.

With new recruits, exciting young talent, and fierce rivalries set to unfold, expect another hard-fought season as teams battle for premiership glory. Here’s a closer look at each club heading into 2025.

Wembley is heading into the season with confidence, momentum, and a new coach at the helm, as they chase a third consecutive A Grade premiership. With a strong core of returning players and some exciting new additions, Wembley looks well-positioned for another big year. Taking over as head coach this season is Clinton Johnson, who was previously the reserves coach and now steps up to lead the league side. He’s kept the focus firmly on growth and improvement rather than chasing more silverware. "We haven’t talked about premierships or anything like that," Johnson said. "It’s all been about improving, understanding our game style, and raising our standards. The group really drives that improvement, and their commitment has been outstanding." Despite back-to-back A Grade premierships, Wembley isn’t getting complacent. The squad has evolved, and with new players adding energy, the drive to be the best remains strong. Captain Parris Laurie said, “I think while yes, we have been extremely successful and so that could potentially bring complacency, there’s always a new goal. We have new players every year who bring that spark back as they’re excited for their first season of footy.” Wembley enters 2025 as one of the competition’s top contenders, but they’re not looking too far ahead. If their blend of experience and new talent clicks, expect Wembley to be right in the mix come finals time.

After heartbreak in last year's grand final, Melville will be eager to shake off last year’s defeat and make a statement as a top contender once again. Using the grand final defeat for motivation head coach Stephen Warne will be eager to get the team off to a hot start and get the ball rolling early. Melville will have to wait until Round 5 to get revenge, where they travel to Wembley for what is already a mouthwatering matchup. Forward Waverley Jones will again be a key pillar for the team. Jones kicked 24 goals last season and will be looking to repeat her efforts this year. With both top 10 finishers in last year's A Grade Best and Fairest Tessa Lynch and Isabella Strnadica, being selected at East Fremantle, other players will have to step up and fill the void left by the two stars. Look to Jessie McDonald and Emma Lunt as the players who will rise to the spotlight and become key players for the team. Overall it's hard to go past Melville being a contender once again this season. With the extra motivation, the team will be fired up early.

After three years of deep finals appearances, Curtin Uni Wesley will be trying hard to get over the hump and get back to their flag-winning ways. All eyes will be on coach Martin Edmunds, to see what levers he can pull and help this team finish off their good regular season work. Finishing in the finals every year in the league's existence, Curtin Uni Wesley will be determined to find that extra gear to get back to see the ultimate success in September. Claire Roocke, Darcie O'Neill and Sam Fielder are the players to watch with their efforts to set the tone for the rest of the team. Forward Emily Pickett will also be the other player to watch, and her goal-kicking powers will be a highlight. Once again, expect to see Curtin Uni Wesley near the top end of the ladder

With another team with finals appearances in every season, University will be pushing to the next level. With plenty of great players throughout the side, and some WAFLW recruits, it will be hard not to see Univeristy be thereabouts at the end of the season. Coach Harry Beaton should be bullish about their chances this season. Any team with players such as Tayla Hepburn, Liza Kneebone, Stefanie Wust, Meg Brown and Lianna Burchell, should be contending for at least a finals berth.

Finals regulars North Beach is another team looking to finish off their regular season work by winning their maiden flag. Securing finals in six out of the last 7 years, will always be threatening when it comes to September football. Gun midfielders Tessa Anderson and Georgina Shepherd are the key to this team's success. Both players finished in the top 11 of last year's competition Best and Fairest, and fans should be excited to see them go about their business once again. Head Coach Paul Bistrup will want to get this team off to a hot start, but Wembley away Round 1 will be a big challenge for the team.

After being promoted to A Grade with Melville last year, North Fremantle will be hoping to have some finals success like their counterparts have. New Head Coach James Woodford will have to work some magic for the team, after losing two of their best players Katelyn Catalano and Summer Mollross in the off-season. Recruits Taite Lantzke from North Beach, Sophie Waddington from Broome and Linda Armannson from Canning Vale will need to pick up the slack and help propel this team up the ladder. With the loss of key players, it is hard to see North Fremantle making a big jump to the top of the ladder this season, but with a never say die attitude for this team, anything could happen.

Look for 2022 premiers Warnbro aiming to jump back up the ladder after two disappointing seasons in a row. After finishing eighth and seventh the last two years respectfully, Head Coach Jacquie Edwards should be motivating the team to get back to their former glory of three seasons ago. 2022 competition Best and Fairest Codi Singleton, is one of the key players for Warnbro who will be hoping to return to the form of that season. Other players such as Billie-Jae Thompson, who finished tenth in the competition Best and Fairest last year, Amy Verdouw and Tara Avery, will also be aiming to be in full form to help this team shoot back up the ladder. If these key players can return to full flight, this team will be one of the central contenders for this season.

Last year's B Grade premiers Bullcreek Leeming are going to be one to watch this year. They were able to win the flag coming from third, beating minor premiers Bassendean in the Preliminary final, then going on to beat Baldivis in the grand final. After winning best on ground in the Grand Final last year, and coming second in the competition Best and Fairest, Brianna Cleggett has signed to play for East Perth in the WAFLW. This is a massive blow for the team, with big guns Jenelle Heard along with Shantae Freeman, will have to help take care of things for the team. Head Coach David Carruthers will be keeping the momentum going from last year's success to help guide the team this season.

After a heartbreaking loss in last year's grand final, Baldivis will be energised to not only seek revenge on Bullcreek Leeming but also show the A Grade competition that they are here to not just make up the numbers. B Grade Best and Fairest winner Sabreena McKinnon is the one to watch, she dominated B Grade last year and should be fired up to prove herself in the highest grade this year. Chloe Colgate and Kelsey Timms are they other key players for the team, with recruit Kerrilee Brown joining the club from South Mandurah. Head Coach Stephen Markham had extremely high praise for Brown. “She is one of the most highly skilled players I have coached. She will be a player to watch with her dashing runs, overhead marking and elite foot skills.” With a new star and an already great group, this team will be producing some great results this year.

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the battle for the 2025 premiership is about to begin. With no guarantees and everything to play for, expect nothing less than a season full of surprises, showdowns, and standout performances.

Jack Penniment