Two different premiers in two years. Multiple finals decided by under a goal. A one-point elimination final. A five-point preliminary final. If recent seasons are anything to go by, the 2026 Women's Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season will only get better.

University

University enters 2026 as the benchmark of the competition following a dominant 2025 campaign that culminated in a 17-point Grand Final victory over Baldivis. The premiership marked the club's first since 2018, capping off a season in which they finished on top of the ladder and set the standard across the competition. Their strength wasn't limited to the league side either, with grand final appearances in both A Grade and A Reserves underlining the depth of the program. Head coach Harry Beaton remains at the helm, providing stability for a side built on strong systems and player development. A key pillar of that success has been the club's pathway, with 53 players featuring at A Grade level in 2025, including 22 debutants, a reflection of both depth and long-term growth. On-field, the talent runs deep. Female Club Champion Talietha Valentine leads a consistent midfield group, while Christabel Cole finished as the side's leading goalkicker. Natasha Anderson and Breanna Wills also provided important forward support, contributing to a well-balanced attacking unit. The side's quality is further reflected in State representation, with Tayla Hepburn and Meg Brown selected in the PFL State squad. With a premiership core, elite depth, and a proven system, University enters 2026 as the team to beat, with their first test coming in round 1, expected to be an absolute blockbuster against Curtin Uni Wesley at home. The challenge now is maintaining their dominance in a competition that continues to close the gap.

Baldivis

Baldivis enters 2026 full of confidence after an outstanding first season at the A-Grade level, reaching a third consecutive Grand Final following back-to-back promotions. The Brumbies proved they belong among the competition's elite, showcasing resilience and finals composure throughout a strong September run. After coming from multiple goals down to win an elimination final, they carried that momentum all the way to the decider before falling short against University. Head coach Stephen Markham will again lead the side in 2026. Under his guidance, Baldivis has built a competitive, high-performing program, and now enters its second A-Grade season with clear belief. "We'll be very competitive, we're certainly looking to play finals again," Markham said. The side's attacking strength remains a major weapon. Kelsey Timms, Sara Sammons and Sabreena McKinnon combined for 46 goals in 2025, forming one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition. McKinnon's standout season was recognised with a Best and Fairest runner-up finish, while Timms, Kerrilee Brown and Chloe Colegate were all selected in the PFL State squad, highlighting the depth of talent across the list. There is also growth across the group. Markham noted the development of emerging players and a strong focus on addressing key areas identified in last season's Grand Final. "The development of our newer players has been huge, and our fitness has improved significantly. That was something we really identified late last year," Markham said. With new additions adding depth, including impressive recruit Katelyn Cooper, Baldivis enters 2026 not as newcomers, but as a genuine contender. With the experience of a Grand Final behind them and a point to prove, the Brumbies are primed to take the next step.

Curtin Uni Wesley

Curtin Uni Wesley remains one of the most consistent sides in the competition. Back-to-back top-three finishes show stability, but September glory has remained elusive after their 2019 to 2021 3-peat. Curtin Uni Wesley enters 2026 at a point of transition, as after nine seasons at the helm, Coach Martin Edmunds has brought an era to a close, leaving behind one of the competition's strongest women's programs. Stepping into the role is Kim Boulton, who brings a well-rounded football background to South Oval. A dual premiership player with East Fremantle, Boulton also coached the club's women's forward line in 2024, positioning her well to take over an already high-performing group. On-field, Curtin Uni Wesley remains stacked with talent. With Perth Football League's Best Female State Player, Hope Ugle-Hayward, leading the side out in the middle. The quality is further reinforced by Claire Roocke, Emily Pickett, Jaymii Karapetkov and Amber Ugle-Hayward, all of whom featured in the PFL state team last season. After falling short in a pair of narrow finals losses last season, the focus now shifts to execution in big moments. With a new coach, elite talent, and a history of sustained success, Curtin Uni Wesley remains firmly in the premiership conversation.

Wembley

 Wembley will enter the season with high hopes, as they are regarded as one of the Perth Football League's most dominant women's teams. The 2024 and 2023 premiers looked to join Curtin Uni as one of the two sides ever to complete a three-peat, but were met with fierce opposition throughout the season, finishing fourth before their campaign ended in a one-point first-round finals loss to Melville. A formidable side built on a winning mentality and star power, Wembley still looms as a major threat. Two-time leading goalkicker Zoe Timmers and runner up leading goal kicker Caitlin Vallelongna, who combined for 42 goals last season, will be pivotal with last season's record-breaking three-time Fairest and Best winner Parris Laurie running the show from the middle. The experienced Clinton Johnson will return as A Grade Women's coach for 2026, having guided the group through multiple premiership campaigns. Johnson's premiership pedigree and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the level will be crucial as Wembley looks to respond. With a point to prove after falling short in 2025, expect Wembley to come out with renewed edge, structure, and premiership intent.

Melville

Melville enters 2026 with a refreshed coaching structure and a list capable of pushing back into premiership contention. After a drop from 2024 Grand Finalists to fifth in 2025, the Rams, despite not reaching the heights of previous seasons, showed they remain a dangerous side, winning an elimination final before falling to Baldivis by just three points. Their ability to perform in big moments remains a strength, but consistency cost them last season. If they can start stringing wins early across the home-and-away season, expect them to make a real charge at returning to the grand final. Off-field, Melville has reinforced its women's program with strong internal appointments. Matt Nicholas steps into the senior coaching role, a familiar figure within the side as a former assistant coach. Nicholas isn't the only familiar face stepping into a new role, with former player Ash McNess joining him as assistant coach in a move that looks set to build strong on-field chemistry. On-field, the Rams boast proven talent. 2025 PFL state player Isabella Strnadica headlines the midfield, with the experience of state teammate Tessa Lynch providing composure in those big games. With a strong core, new coaching direction, and finals experience, the Rams remain firmly in the premiership conversation.

North Fremantle

North Fremantle hovered just outside finals contention in 2025. With six wins and competitive patches throughout the season, the next step for 2026 is turning those all too frequent close losses into wins. North Fremantle enters the 2026 Women's Budget Car and Truck Rental A-grade season with the foundation to start knocking on the door of the top four, as head coach James Woodford returns for a second season at the helm. Best and Fairest winner Madison Marshall headlines a midfield that showed resilience and consistency, while Pia Durk and Maddy Alder also featured prominently across last season. Casey Byrne adds further depth, with leading goalkicker Tilly Holtz providing a key focal point inside 50. North Fremantle matched it with sides around them on the ladder and will expect to do the same in 2026, but the challenge is improving consistency and percentage to break into the top five. With a settled coaching structure, a strong list, and clear progression from 2025, North Fremantle shapes as a genuine contender to push into finals in 2026 if they can take the next step.

North Beach

North Beach enters 2026 in transition, with a new voice at the helm and renewed momentum across its women's program. North Beach Legend Paul Bistrup has stepped down as coach of North Beach after developing the program a considerable amount. Aaron Donatti takes over, following an impressive debut season as Reserves coach, where he led the side to a final appearance. The league side narrowly missed the finals last season, falling short on percentage, showing how slender the margin for error is. At their best, North Beach proved capable of matching the higher-ranked sides, but consistency and scoring output remain areas for improvement if they want to return to the finals.

Hammersly Carine

Hamersley Carine enters A-Grade in 2026 on the back of a consistentcy and excellence across the pitch in 2025. Earning their promotion from B-grade to play with the best after putting up 12 wins and just 2 losses with an impressive percentage of 529%. Promotion brings a significant step up in intensity, and the challenge will be adjusting to the speed and physicality of A-Grade football. Sides at this level punish mistakes far more consistently, meaning defensive structure and ball use will be tested from the outset. Hamersley Carine's ability to compete week-to-week at the B-grade level suggests they won't be overwhelmed by the jump in intensity. If they can bring the same work rate and pressure, they have the quality to be a real threat to any side. Former 2011 B-Grade Men's Premiership coach Bevan Dagg takes the reins in 2026, stepping into the senior role as the club looks to translate lower-grade dominance into top-flight competitiveness. Historically, Hammersley's Carine have struggled to maintain their position in A-grade, but with the quality that has developed over the last two season the side could make a real run of it. Their attacking power will be a major weapon in the soon approaching 2026 season. Amy Hunt and Yazmin Arias were B-grade's two leading goalkickers, combining for 59 goals last season, forming a dangerous forward line duo seemingly already equipped for A-grade level. The sides best and fairest, Lauren Bullbeck, will be crucial in moving the side out of harm and into where they play best. Early wins will be crucial not just for ladder position, but for belief. If they can find confidence at the level, Hamersley Carine shapes as a side capable of troubling more established teams.

Quinns District

Quinn's District enters A-Grade in 2026 as a club on the rise, bringing both on-field leadership and off-field strength into the top division. Leading the side is captain Liv Colotti, a composed half-back and midfielder whose ability to drive play from anywhere on the pitch will be crucial against stronger opposition. Co-Captain Rhiannan Lloyd-Deely will also be crucial in providing stability to the backline, forming part of a defensive unit that will be tested at the next level this season. However, the side's key player for the upcoming season will be Laura Butler, whose performance around the ground last season earned her a spot on the PFL's State Team. The club has also made a significant investment in its women's program with the appointment of experienced coach Scott Kounis. With over two decades of coaching experience and three consecutive Roger Cup premierships (2023–2025) with West Perth, Kounis brings proven success for his players to learn from. The challenge will be translating new structure and talent into consistent performance at the top level. If Quinns can stay organised defensively and generate drive through the midfield, they shape as a side capable of pushing more established teams.

Trinity Aquinas

Trinity Aquinas arrives in A-Grade as one of the most in-form sides in the competition and arguably the state, after completing a remarkable three-peat of premierships and going through the 2025 season undefeated. Their Grand Final performance underlined that dominance, defeating Hamersley Carine by three goals, with Nadia Pisano named best on ground. The midfield combination of Pisano and Abbey Waddell has been instrumental to their success and will again be central to Trinity, providing both contested strength and ball-winning ability around the ground. Daniel Cripps returns as coach to guide the side into its first A-Grade campaign, bringing structure and belief to a group that knows how to win. Club president Ryan Van Beek believes the group is ready for the step up. "We're not just making up the numbers; we want to compete and take it up to the established sides," Van Beek said. The step up is significant, but Trinity Aquinas enters 2026 with genuine momentum. "We want to establish ourselves as a genuine A-grade club and make sure we're here to stay," Van Beek added. Undefeated form, a proven system, and a winning core make them one of the most intriguing sides to watch in 2026.