The 2026 B Grade Men’s season presents a compressed and highly competitive ladder, with multiple viable finals contenders. With Mount Lawley and Baldivis elevating to A Grade following dominant 2025 campaigns, the 2026 B Grade Men’s competition begins with a genuine premiership window for multiple clubs. For the first time in several seasons, the premiership race opens without a runaway favourite.

Swan Athletic
Swan Athletic were the success story of last season, producing stellar performances in their return to the B-grade after a 2-year absence. They entered the 2025 season continuing the dominant performances that saw them take home the flag in C1. The freshly promoted Swans shattered expectations with a 3rd place finish in the league last season. Adjusting to the league seamlessly and building on their identity of direct, high-scoring football that seemed almost unstoppable when playing on home soil. Swans coach Brent McPherson highlighted Lawson’s importance to success this season after his standout 2025 campaign: “If Jack Lawson’s playing well, we’re playing well — he’s a real catalyst for us.” Swan Athletic found their key forwards in Gavin Munt, who put up 28 goals, and Cameron Symonds, who had a massive season with kicking 41, ranking 2nd in the league for goals and establishing him as one of the competition’s most reliable forwards.

The addition of former Perth player Jacob Coniglio as a player-assistant coach, Coniglio’s wealth of experience from his close to 100 WAFL games, will be a huge boost for a side pushing for a premiership. Coach Brent McPherson has highlighted three Colt players showing great potential in Harrison Voss, Jack Wilson and Lucas Gulliver. “We like to give them a licence to just go out and play, because they play so instinctively. We have some real structure around them so that they can do that.”

The expectation is clear from Mcpherson “Our best last year was really electric, but our worst was probably unrecognisable. We’re just trying to close that gap. I want us in A-grade next year, and I’d like to do that by winning the premiership.” The question around Swan Athletic is now whether they can return in 2026 with consistent, high-quality performances that saw them placed as real contenders for the premiership.

West Coast
West Coast will look to take their late-season surge as a sign of what they're capable of going into the 2026 season. Two finals victories showcased a side capable of lifting under pressure and competing in high-stakes football. In the 2025 season, the youthful West Coast side took on the competition in a big way after a difficult 2024 campaign. Conversion early in the season proved costly for West Coast across the home-and-away season. In matches where they generated strong inside-50 numbers, scoreboard efficiency often kept the big wins out of reach. West Coast enter the season with a new Coach in Sam Bevan, who’s partnership with Sam Laing last season was crucial to the great form in the back half of the season, with the pair putting up a combined 50 goals. “We were really pleased with how we finished last year we got our cogs turning at the right time and showed we could match it with anyone,” Bevan said. As is common with the West Coast identity, youth is a massive strength they have in abundance. Out of the pool of talent, Hudson Sadgrove, Kody Katauskas and Ethan Parkin lit up the comp last season; expect them to be at it again in 2026. The ceiling of potential is clearly high, as Bevan explained. “Our average age was about 21 last year, so to make a prelim last year was really pleasing — it sets us up to have a real crack at going one better.”

West Coast have added strength around the contest, with inside mid Bray Cullinan, a best and fairest winner in Victoria’s Horsham league, alongside ruck-forward Ethan Hills, arriving from Wanneroo, who’s had an immediate impact over preseason. Young gun Luke Pines will return from Claremont full-time after making a strong impression in every outing for West Coast last season. Captain Nick Incerti will lead from half-back once again, while Logan Taylor’s experience will be key to steadying a side full of potential.

“Consistency in performance is the big one — being better for longer periods, not just moments, we got our cogs turning at the right time [last year] and showed we could match it with anyone,” Bevan said.

West Coast enter 2026 as one of the competition’s dark horses. A balance of experience and emerging talent will make them hard to difficult side to beat on their day.

Collegians
Collegians delivered one of the steadiest campaigns of 2025, finishing 10–8 and rarely surrendering games without a contest. Structurally disciplined and difficult to break down, they proved a consistent mid-tier side but lacked the firepower to challenge the competition’s top teams.

Their strength was built on a reliable system, particularly at home where they went 6–3. Away form was more inconsistent, with accuracy dropping to 50%, highlighting an area that ultimately limited their ability to close out tight games.

Unlike many sides, Collegians operate without a dominant focal point inside 50, instead relying on shared scoring output. Jono Williams (22 goals), Luke Brown (19), Sam Brown (18) and Lewis Daisley (15) all contributed, making them unpredictable but at times lacking a definitive match-winner.

A third finals exit in four years suggests a side firmly in the mix, but still searching for the step that separates contenders from challengers.

With Mount Lawley and Baldivis moving up, Collegians appear well-positioned to capitalise on a reshaped competition. If they can convert consistency into scoreboard dominance and sharpen their finishing in key moments, they shape as a genuine premiership threat in 2026.

Bullcreek Leemings
An 8–10 record in 2025 reflected a side hovering just outside the finals equation. Competitive in patches and capable of strong home performances, Bullcreek Leeming struggled to generate sustained winning momentum across the season. List depth and availability were key challenges, with injuries and mid-season absences disrupting consistency. The focus heading into 2026 has been on building a more reliable list profile, while integrating emerging talent from the Colts.

“We had a lot of interruptions last year, injuries and players away mid-season, and it made it hard to build momentum. This year it’s about building that list and getting consistency across the group for the whole season.” Coach Kyle Hardingham said.

There is reason for optimism. Young midfielder Joseph Coyle has impressed across pre-season, while Ben Mansell shapes as a forward capable of adding spark and scoreboard impact. The addition of key forward Jacob Warren also provides a genuine target inside 50, addressing a clear area of need from last season. Bullcreek Leeming’s pathway forward lies in attacking cohesion. A more direct approach, going inside 50 and improved connection between midfield and forward line will be central to their progression. With improved depth, a clearer forward structure, and a point to prove after a disrupted 2025, Bullcreek Leeming shapes as one of the more intriguing sides to watch.

Cockburn Lakes
Cockburn Lakes’ 6–12 finish in 2025 doesn’t fully reflect their upside. Competitive at their best, the Warriors showed they could challenge sides around them, but inconsistency — particularly away from home — proved costly.

Their strength was clear going forward. League-leading goalkicker Jacob Plunkett’s 43-goal season was one of the most impactful individual campaigns in B Grade, regularly keeping his side in contests. He was well supported by Giacomo Millucci, Lachlan Johnson and Robbie Woods, forming a forward line capable of scoreboard pressure.

However, defensive lapses and an inability to sustain four-quarter performances saw games slip, particularly against top sides. Away form (2–7) and periods of heavy losses highlighted a need for greater balance across the ground.

There is plenty to like heading into 2026. Sean Brennan returns as coach after guiding the side to within a kick of finals last season, providing a strong platform to build from. The list has also been bolstered through a mix of returning talent and new additions, with Brodie Plunkett back from injury and experienced recruit Josh Grant adding leadership down back.

Young talent is emerging across the group, with players like Bailey Curovic and Riley “Crib” continuing to develop, while new faces including Tyrese Warrell and Michael Millington bring pace and energy to the side.

With a potent forward line, improved depth, and a clearer structure behind the ball, Cockburn Lakes shapes as a genuine wildcard. If they can tighten defensively and translate scoring power into consistent results, the Warriors have the tools to push up the ladder and challenge for finals in 2026.

Brentwood Booragoon
Brentwood Booragoon enters 2026 with continuity, belief and a deeper, more balanced list as it looks to build on a rollercoaster 2025 campaign. Finishing 9–9, the Bulldogs showed they could match it with most sides, but inconsistency proved costly. After losing 10 straight mid-season, Brentwood responded strongly, winning its final four games to avoid relegation and regain momentum. President Thomas Bendtsen said the late-season turnaround highlighted the group’s potential. “We lost 10 in a row but didn’t pack it in, we reset, won our last four and avoided relegation,” he said. “When we had our full side in, we were quite competitive.” With no major outs and strong internal development, Brentwood has added depth and balance across the ground. Reigning B-grade Best and Fairest Luke McParland will again drive the midfield, while Ben Gillies looms as a breakout player. Captain Jack Redman provides leadership and a reliable presence across the ground. The Bulldogs have prioritised midfield strength, adding WAFL experience through Tarir Bayok and Erick Bashemule, while Sokaa Soka strengthens the ruck and Yugusuk Soka adds speed and class on the outside. If Brentwood can control the midfield, last year’s narrow losses could quickly turn into wins, making the Bulldogs one of the competition’s more intriguing sides in 2026.

North Fremantle
North Fremantle dropped down to B-grade Budget Car and Truck Rental after a tough season in A-grade last season, which saw them take home 2 wins. A route North Fremantle are experienced in, the last time they dropped down from A to B in 2023, proved difficult. The following season, they brought in current coach Arthur Maskos, who led the side to a flag in B-grade in his first season. North Fremantle are positioned as experienced favourites to take home the flag. The Maggies will be looking to the club’s A-grade Best and Fairest winner Mitch Sinnott, entering his second season at the club expect a massive year from the 23-year-old. The experience of Jake Micro and Tom Wallis is vital if North Fremantle want to steady the ship and return to winning ways. Entering the season as favourites in B-grade is never a sure thing, but North Fremantle have the experience and potential to be up there come September.

Kalamunda
Kalamunda are coming up to the Budget Car and Truck Rental B-grade after 2 years away from the competition. After an impressive 2025 season in C1, which saw them win the minor premiership, they unfortunately weren’t able to take home the flag, losing to Melville in the Grand Final. Kalamunda captain and last season’s C1 Best and Fairest, Trent Pottinger, will be the bedrock for the side, aiming to make their mark in the competition. Cormac White, the young ruckman, could be set for a big season after an impressive showing during the Kalamunda finals series. Another young gun primed for a big season is Ashton McGowan, moving up to senior footy seamlessly as the sides 3rd top goalscorer with 26 in 16 games. Kalamunda come up as a well-rounded team with bucket loads of potential, more than capable of beating any side in the B-grade competition.

Meville
C1 premiers enter the 2026 with momentum to push them far in the B-grade. Evenly matched all season with their promoted partner in Kalamunda, Melville showed a level of quality in all areas of the pitch last season. With big scoring potential in C1 Budget Car and Truck Rental, leading goalscorer Corey Olczyk, who slotted 71 for the season. Mark Dropulich could be primed for a move up after a stellar 2025 campaign, which saw him take home the C1 reserves, Best and Fairest. Another player the Rams will rely on is Ethan Brown, playing his 10th year with the club, embodying the club’s culture as well as a keen eye for goal with 33 last season. In a side full of big moment players, none are bigger than Ruckman and the 2023 C1 Best and Fairest winner, Alexander Stewart, who will be vital for the side’s upcoming season alongside captain Kennedy Sorrell. The C1 premiers have the quality to compete with the best of B-grade. If they can stay fit and get wins on the board early in the season, the Rams could be a real contender for a finals spot.

Whitford
Whitford return to B-grade in 2026, looking to re-establish themselves as a force after their A-grade stint. The last time the Warriors were at this level, they produced a historic undefeated run through 2024, only to fall agonisingly short in the Grand Final against North Fremantle. With much of that core still intact, there’s a genuine belief they can bounce back quickly.

The loss of star midfielder Trent Manzone to a coaching role at Perth will be felt, but Whitford still boast the much of the quality that saw them smoke the competition in 2024. Skipper and 2024 B-grade Best and Fairest Alex Wenn returns to lead the charge, supported by engine room mainstay Jacob Turner. Up forward, Jay Cutler looms as a key figure once again, with the proven goalkicker looking to build on his already impressive scoring record at this level. The Pendergast brother Lawson, and Carter will return for their 2nd season in Perth, adding further stability in a duo that has been one of Whitford’s biggest strengths in recent years. The Warriors have also added serious quality to their list. Former West Perth premiership player and 2022 Breckler Medallist Mitch Peirce headlines the inclusions, bringing strength, polish and leadership around the ball. Fellow Falcon Rohan Scurria returns to his boyhood club, adding versatility after progressing through Colts, Reserves and League level. Now entering his eighth season, coach Christian Kelly has built a program centred on continuity, belief and structure. With a balanced mix of proven performers and high-end recruits, Whitfords shape as a genuine contender in 2026.