Heading into the 2026 Perth Football League Budget Car and Truck Rental A-Grade men's season, the gap between the competition's top sides is razor-thin. North Beach's status as reigning premiers will be fiercely contested by several clubs with genuine claims to the top spot. With high-quality recruits across the league and emerging young talent ready to take the next step, another outstanding season of footy is on the horizon

NORTH BEACH

The reigning premiers enter the 2026 full of confidence following a dominant finals campaign, capped by a commanding Grand Final victory over Curtin Uni Wesley. The triumph marked the club's first A-Grade premiership since 2010, reigniting memories of a golden era that saw North Beach claim 10 flags in 12 seasons.

North Beach have largely kept its premiership-winning side; their go-to man inside 50, Alexander Marklew, will again lead the forward line, after finishing 2nd last season for goals in the league with 61. Tom Lang, a key goal contributor for the Tigers last year with 23, is another player for supporters and opposition to keep an eye out for. Justin Prior, Patrick Kelleher and brothers Nic and Chris Wells will again form a powerful core that proved nearly impossible to break down last season. There has been minimal turnover for North Beach over the off-season compared to other teams. Dylan Campbell and Nick Ried have retired, while Ryan Newick has departed, but those losses have been offset by quality additions. Nick Connors arrives from St Mary's in the Geelong league, while former Carlton and Subiaco premiership player Josh Deluca strengthens an already elite midfield. Defensive reinforcements Zac Sadowski and Corey Bellouard add further stability, while former Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke is set to return after a strong finals campaign last year.

Coach Dylan Eiffler is equally excited by the club's emerging young talent, with Dom Saunders alongside his twin brother Tait pushing for senior selection in the upcoming Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season. Two other emerging talents pushing for selection are half-forward Cass Dunlop from the Colts and Tom Rance, who has followed up a stellar performance in the Tigers' premiership-winning reserve side with a big preseason.

"It's a really exciting time for those young boys to come into A-grade footy at North Beach. We've got a high standard and everyone who's come in this year has raised the bar, which has been really pleasing."

With talent across every line and the confidence of a premiership breakthrough, North Beach again loom as one of the competition's benchmark sides. But as Eiffler acknowledges, nothing is guaranteed. "Premierships are hard to win. There's definitely noise around us, but pressure is a privilege. We believe we've got the right group — but we're not getting ahead of ourselves."

KINGSWAY

Kingsway set the standard across the 2025 home-and-away season, finishing as minor premiers with the competition's highest percentage. Not only did they kick the most goals in the league, but they were also the most accurate side in front of the big sticks, finishing with an elite goal-to-behind ratio of 1.47. To put that into perspective, the next closest side was Fremantle CBC at 1.18.

However, a big source of goals for Kingsway Kyle Halligan who kicked 43 goals last season won't return in 2026, as part of a bigger trend with for this Kingsway side, as Coach Jackson Harwood explained "We're a different list, we probably had 15 guys that had played at least a few A-grade games last year not with us this year".

With the majority of the 15 deciding to hang up the boots. Big departures in the way of West Perth legend Blake Wilhelm and captain Rowan Brookes signal a changing of the guard, making way for younger players who Coach Jackson Harwood says are "buzzing with energy and potential." Harwood added, "We're a fair bit younger than we have been the last couple of years, but they're good kids and training's going well."

Five Subiaco Colt teammates, Josh Martin, Lucas Santich, Koopa Walsh, Tahj Mibus and Tyler "Rooster" Senge, return to their junior footy club. Along with a strong addition in Koby Fullgrabe from North Beach and 2-time A-grade premiership player Bailey Nylander from Eaton in the SWFL.

Kingsway will look to reaffirm Kingsway Reserve as a fortress after suffering just one home loss during the regular season. The sting of a final exit following back-to-back losses last September will fuel the group entering the upcoming Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season. With the league's most potent attack, elite efficiency, and proven home-ground dominance, Kingsway have all the tools needed to reclaim the A-grade premiership and bring the flag back to Kingsway Reserve.

CURTIN UNI WESLEY

Curtin Uni Wesley continued to refine their identity in 2025, combining strong attacking play with defensive structure to produce a well-balanced side. Their finals run was impressive, including a qualifying final win over Kingsway, but ultimately ended in Grand Final defeat to North Beach.

The core remains intact. CJ Jamieson Medallist Chris Leonard leads a midfield featuring Jack Blechynden, Kade Stewart and Kyle Hammersley — a group capable of driving another premiership push. Coach Nick Suban has also identified emerging Colts talent as a key factor. "We've got three or four guys who have really stepped up in training. They're putting real pressure on for spots," Suban said.

A major boost comes with the club's return to South Oval for the 2026 Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season after a season away at Wyong Reserve. "Being back at our home ground will be huge for us. We feel like we can make it a fortress this season," Suban said.

Now entering his second season as coach, Suban believes the group has taken another step. "There's been a noticeable step forward in how we prepare and train. Second year in, there's a far clearer understanding of both the group and the competition." Curtin's ability to compete with the best is clear. If they can execute in key moments, they remain a genuine premiership threat.

FREMANTLE CBC

Fremantle CBC were a goal machine in 2025, fighting tooth and nail all season, finishing 4th, falling short against eventual premiers North Beach in the semi-finals. Dillon O'Reilly led the competition with 66 goals, supported by Julian Hulten 41 goals, with the pair accounting for half of CBC's scoring. However, Hulten's departure to Cockburn Lakes presents a significant challenge. Another big loss in Caleb Stephens, adding to the challenging turnover, though key inclusions of South Fremantle premiership player Matthew Ward and returning Zack Giuppa will give much-needed composure, especially defensively.

As Anthony explained, "We could score, but in general play and transition, we lacked a strong defensive mindset." The imbalance between defensive and attacking stability is a large reason for bringing in two new defenders, Jason Taylor from Canberra's Queanbeyan Tigers and young gun Angus Coghill from Corowa Rutherglen in NSW.

CBC will also miss the experience of 2022 premiership-winning players Tom Smith and Luke Pearson, who have chosen to retire from footy. With a few big-name players departing, CBC's coach Liam Anthony will now look to the CBC's outstanding Colts system that produced a premiership in PFL's top Colts competition last season. "Not only are some of the Colts boys from last year who are now age-appropriate, but some who are still Colts age are going to be pushing for league spots. They're not players to fill holes." Anthony highlighted, in what is a justified level of belief in CBC's immense pool of young talent.

Anthony added, "Having seen the young boys train over the last three months, I think we're every chance to compete with the top teams. I'd be disappointed if we weren't in the finals again." Anthony said.

If Fremantle CBC go into this season maintaining their ability to pile on scores while improving defensive discipline and game control in big moments, they are every bit a premiership threat for the upcoming Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season.

OCEAN RIDGE

Ocean Ridge is one of the competition's most unpredictable sides, capable of beating top teams, but equally prone to costly lapses. They finished fifth in 2025, edging into the finals on percentage before another first-week exit. Ocean Ridge will be without some key names for the 2026 Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season. PFL A-Grade Best & Fairest runner-up Clint Hinchliffe has joined Swan Districts in the WAFL, while big man Jeremy Goddard has retired, and Ryan Gallen has moved to West Perth in the WAFL. However, Ocean Ridge has responded strongly in the off-season, adding key pieces across the ground. Zak Patterson arrives from West Perth to fill the ruck-forward role, while a high-quality midfield pairing of Liam Dellamarta and Brodie Gray return to their boyhood clubs from Perth in the WAFL. Noah Clune and the side's 2025 leading goalkicker, Tyron Hindmarsh, will be central to the fight for Ocean Ridge to remain in the top half. Big news comes in Jack Maibaum, who has been appointed captain for the 2026 season, after a broken leg sidelined him for most of last season.

After finals appearances in their first two A-grade seasons without a breakthrough win, that next step is firmly in focus. Internally, the focus is on growth rather than overhaul, with an emphasis on chemistry and mentality. "It's about building that hunger and a winning mindset," Waters said. "If you build that culture, success comes with it."

SCARBOROUGH

Scarborough enters 2026 looking to rediscover the consistency that once made it a powerhouse of A-Grade football. Recent seasons have been marked by fluctuation — strong performances offset by costly lapses. In 2025, they finished 8–10 and narrowly missed the finals on percentage. Their scoring output highlighted competitiveness, but accuracy and consistency, particularly away from home, proved the difference in getting over the line in big games.

The loss of midfield maestro Connor West to WAFL duties at West Perth is significant, although the return of key players like the club's best and fairest, Liam Robilliard and Ben Ramshaw, will be vital in the side continuing to push for a return to the top in the Budget Car and Truck A-grade league. With a new coach in Nick Kommer and a capable list, the ingredients are there. The challenge is translating potential into consistent performance against the competition's best.

TRINITY AQUINAS

Trinity Aquinas remains one of the competition's most intriguing sides in the Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade league. After back-to-back minor premierships and Grand Final appearances prior to 2025, last season represented a step back, finishing 8–10 and missing finals on percentage. A slow start proved costly, though their form across the second half of the season suggested a side capable of competing with the best.

"If you look at the last nine games, we were probably one of the better teams in the competition," President Ryan Van Beek said. With Dane Burnett taking over as coach, the focus is on continuity rather than overhaul.

"It's about building on what we had rather than reinventing the wheel," Van Beek said.

Xavier Stone, Ethan Hansen and Keeshawn Cook are among some of the emerging big game players who could become pivotal for the side in the upcoming season. According to Van Beek, "They're in that perfect mid-20s bracket where they can really start to take control as some of the older players move towards the end of their careers".

With a new coach, it's hard to say what 2026 will look like, but if they stabilise defensively, replace lost scoring output, and improve their ability to win close contests, Trinity Aquinas is more than capable of returning to finals contention.

UNIVERSITY

University enters 2026 with momentum despite narrowly missing finals last season. Cyrus Upson leads a strong midfield, supported by Brent Evans, Ben Cullotton and emerging talent Will Anderson.

While departures, including Curtis Chess and Jacob Henriksen, will be felt, the club's Colts pipeline provides optimism. Among those graduates are Cuba Cellier and William Wildberger, highlighting the next wave of young talent. Quality additions in Caleb Dempster, Wes Love and Sullivan Moody from Claremont could prove crucial in bridging the gap to finals footy. As coach Ninkov explained, "It's about the continual development of these guys who can see that they can play with the best at this level. I believe they're more than capable of doing that." There is a clear drive within the group to return to finals. The pain of last season still lingers. "To miss finals on the last kick — that hurts," Ninkov said. "But it showed we weren't far off, and now it's about getting back into those high-pressure games."

Defensively, the side was strong throughout 2025, but their ability to capitalise going forward ultimately cost them across last season, an area Ninkov has targeted over the pre-season. As Ninkov explains, "We need to be more daring and more brave with the ball. Improve our offensive ball movement and find more time and space, and the players are driving that standard, which is great to see." If University can improve their forward efficiency and maintain defensive strength, this side full of emerging talent could be pushing into an impressive finals campaign.

MOUNT LAWLEY

Mount Lawley make their return to the Budget Car and Truck Rental A-Grade after just a year away from the competition. Coming back on red hot form after blitzing through B Grade last season, finishing top of the ladder with 17 wins from 18 games. Producing the B-grade's best percentage from a side in 6 years with 206%, it's clear that the side is ready to move up once again.

The club has lost eight players from last year's B-grade premiership side, most notably Zac Dronow Cody Rodgers, Co-Captain Nathan Blee and Sasha Kernett to West Coast WAFL. However, the side has brought in some quality recruits in power forward Ben Cowdray from Kalannie, Ruckman Jedd Edwards from Subiaco, and Trent Campbell from the Northern Territory competition. Aside from the big recruits coming in, Coach Craig Hayden has highlighted the significance of depth when stepping back up to A-grade. "We've also developed within, which is very important. We've got quite a few good young colts that are out of age this year that qualify for league reserves." Hayden said.

Hayden has flagged Cooper Anderson, Ben Thomas and Ben Zakaras as key members of Mount Lawley's 2025 Drew Banfield premiership side ready to step up and make an impact this season. The experience of Campbell Abbott, Julian Ameduri and Nathan Eaton, who have combined for over 200 WAFL games with East Perth, will be crucial in balancing a side shaping as one of the competition's dark horses.

Mount Lawley's identity of balanced, attacking football is something the Hawks won't shy away from in their return to A-grade. "We like to play a controlled game, set up downfield, and have forwards and wingers with defined roles. We want to play fast, but structured football — not helter-skelter," Hayden said.

A strong start will be key, with the club well aware of the demands of A-grade footy. "It's very important to have some early wins on the board so you're not chasing your tail. We don't want to be fighting relegation — we want to be pushing for finals in A-grade."

The return to A-grade presents a significant challenge for Mount Lawley, but one that the Hawks appear more than ready to meet.

BALDIVIS

Baldivis' rise since joining the Perth Football League in 2021 reaches a new milestone in 2026, with the club set to play A-Grade football for the first time. After finishing second in the 2025 B Grade season with a 13–5 record, Baldivis earned promotion on the back of a well-rounded campaign built on scoring depth and resilience.

Benjamin Otto bagged 37 goals in a forward line that featured multiple contributors, including Emmanuel Collard with 27, Tyson Powell with 23 and Kaed Collard with 17. Riley Patten-Williams and Edward Dann also provided consistency across the season. Baldivis' numbers reflect a side capable of performing in different conditions. The step up to the Budget Car and Truck Rental A Grade is a challenge that will test their consistency and ability to handle sustained pressure, but Baldivis enter the season with genuine momentum. With a balanced list and a strong foundation, they appear well-equipped to embrace the challenge of top-flight football.