FALCONS 2026 PRE-SEASON UPDATE

Moving into season 26, our Senior Men’s squad has changed significantly, with a 50% list turnover, this equates to approximately 30 new players who form an integral part of our final squad for 26 & the years ahead. At times such change is required with a playing squad, having not made finals since 2022, it was imperative we had a big off season to give ourselves the opportunity of returning to finals action, and setting ourselves up for the years ahead.

We welcome the following players, as either returning players or new players who will don the red & blue in season 26, Matt Shannon, Jonah Brooks, Chad Mulvogue, Ben Fairbank, Noah Pegoraro, Odin Jones, Coen Livingstone, Darcy Hobbs, Luke Michael, Menno Inverarity, Connor West, Kai Dehavilland, Connor Klemke, Cody Connell, Ryan Gallen, Mitch Miller & Ethan Barbieri. Paul Sanzone has pulled together a diverse off field coaching team who are complimenting each other well in the early stages of formation, we welcome Joe Comande, Josh Wooden, Aiden Lynch, Brayden Antonio, Rhys Edmondson & Blake Wilhelm, along with coaches who have been with us of recent times & are going again this season, Steven Armstrong, Darren Harper, Mick Luca, Ali Pickett & Chris Keunen. We have the ever-reliable Ray “Stinger” Garcia keeping things in order off field, along with a long-time supporter Andy Gorton joining us this season to help Stinger & the club in general, thanks for all your hard work as always Ray & Andy. David Prout & Roberto Pierri will continue in 2026 in the important roles of Team Manager’s, providing the club & the playing group with elements of continuity which is important.

Our pre-season to date has been solid, Gaetano Faranda (S&C) & Mike Lews (Medical) have been toiling away in preparing our playing group to hit the ground running for round 1. Aaron Black has had a big off season & is running on top of the ground, our younger brigade in Jack Demarte & Kane Bevan look set to take their respective games to the next level, Joe Hinder, Conal Lynch & Keegan Knott have been consistent leaders & performers over the duration of pre-season, with Luke Meadows & Tyler Keitel joining the main group post Xmas which has provided a lift in our training & the vibe in general around the group. New players to the club who look set to make an early impact are Jonah Brooks, Chad Mulvogue, Ben Fairbank & Coen Livingstone, meanwhile Connor West is consistently one of our best trainers & looks set for a big season, & our well known “Mr Versatile” Noah Pegoraro is showing his experience & timing his run to round 1 with perfection.

We’ve had a high end talent pool transition through from the Colts to the Senior program this season, with 15 players from the 25 Colts cohort successfully making the final list which is a great outcome for the football club, if these players are prepared to put in the work, and carry out an apprenticeship, without a doubt we have some future club champions within such, standouts from this cohort over the pre-season to date have been John Coleman & Cooper Bewick.

During the off-season we’ve had a couple of events which have been well received, our family day of lawn bowls was well attended & the playing group had some casual fun in a recent basketball tournament, from all reports Blake Wilhelm could comfortably slot into a current NBL One team. Hats off to Nathan Alexandre, Matt McKenzie & Corey Rundle who have led this space, ensuring we create a positive environment off field, which we expect to flow into a cohesive & united team on-field. No different to many seasons gone by, or other WAFL clubs, we’ve had to find another home for a period of pre-season whilst our home deck has held various events, we’ve been very fortunate to work closely with Sacred Heart College who have provided us with the use of gym facilities/change rooms/education rooms & an oval surface that is better than some grounds we play at, our thanks to the College & those who have accommodated us specifically such as the school’s PE department.

Looking forward to the season ahead, we have some pending milestones in the early part of the season, all going well in round 3 we will have Tyler Keitel reach 200 games & Keegan Knott will play his 150^th, meanwhile the ever determined & club great, Aaron Black is sitting on 285 games & is closing in on an amazing milestone of 300 games, which will be a remarkable achievement. We have our season launch on Saturday 21^st March, some early in season events such as our family day at the footy on April 4^th (Round 1), & our Forester Estate Ladies Day on Sunday 26^th April (Round 4), we welcome everyone to get on board for the season ahead. Our great club has had some challenging periods of late, however it’s important as custodians of the club of which we all are, we give the unconditional support of the current coaching & playing group who are working tirelessly to best represent the mighty red & blue.

Take care & good health

Clint Rudd, Head of WAFL Football & Development

WAFLW and Rogers Cup Program

The West Perth Falcons Women’s Football program enters the season with strong momentum, continued growth, and an exciting blend of experience, emerging talent, and elite development pathways.

We are thrilled to welcome several new recruits to the program, including Sabreena McKinnon, Zoe Huggett, and Gaelic football recruit Ellee McEvoy, who brings a unique skill set and athleticism that adds further depth to our list.

Adding further strength to the squad is the return of Brooke Hongell out of retirement, bringing valuable experience, leadership, and on-field presence to the group.

Team spirit and excitement surrounded the  recent draft of Mia Russo, whose selection highlights the strength of our development environment and the promising future ahead. Further recognition of the program’s quality has come with Lexi Strachan and Cara Dziegielewski being selected in the 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy Squads, an outstanding achievement and a testament to their dedication and development.

The depth of talent across the club has also been recognised through State Summer Squad selections, with the following West Perth players earning selection:

• Tayah Nicholson
• Cara Dziegielewski
• Rikisha Nannup
• Lexi Strachan
• Lunay Van Den Heever
• Alexis Henderson
• Miley Hynes
• Teah Houlihan
• Jasmine Giles

This strong representation reflects the ongoing commitment to high-performance standards across all levels of the women’s program.

A constant within our women’s program is the leadership of Head Coach Clint Degebrodt, whose commitment to building a strong, sustainable foundation continues to shape the culture and direction of the program. Supporting this growth is the appointment of Campbell Herley as the new Rogers Cup Head Coach. Campbell brings an elite coaching background and a strong focus on player progression, further strengthening our pathway from junior to senior football.

Player development remains at the heart of the Falcons women’s program. We have seen excellent progression of athletes transitioning from the Laura Pugh Academy into the Rogers Cup program, reinforcing the effectiveness of our talent pathway.

Over the summer, both the Brooke Hongell 13s and Laura Pugh 16s Academy squads underwent comprehensive testing and trials. With new coaches to be announced shortly, we head into another year focused on talent identification, growth, and long-term development.

Off the field, players have been challenged through TRG Leadership training, Gaelic football sessions, and a pre-season camp in Lancelin. These experiences have provided opportunities for the girls to become comfortable in the uncomfortable, face fears, build resilience, and strengthen team connection all vital components of our program philosophy.

As the season approaches, the West Perth Falcons Women’s Football program is well positioned for another strong year, driven by quality coaching, committed athletes, and a clear pathway that supports development at every level.

Naomi Gianoncelli, Women’s Operations Coordinator

Talent Program

West Perth Football Club continues to lead the WAFL competition in the depth, diversity and intentional design of its talent pathway, with a clear focus on long-term player development rather than short-term outcomes.

The club is proud to have established the most comprehensive and inclusive pathway of any WAFL club, providing clear entry points for young athletes at every stage of their football journey. From first engagement through to Colts and State representation, West Perth’s pathway is built to meet players where they are — not force them into a one-size-fits-all model.

At the foundation of the program are our 12s and 13s programs, featuring three squads per age group, allowing the club to engage a broad cohort of young athletes while delivering age-appropriate coaching, education and support. These programs prioritise skill development, love of the game and connection to the club, while laying the technical and behavioural foundations required for future success.

As players progress, the pathway is strengthened through the Aaron Black 14s Academy and the Darren Harris 15s Academy, both of which continue to play a critical role in preparing athletes for the demands of Colts football and beyond. These academies focus on high-quality coaching, physical development, game understanding and personal growth, while maintaining strong alignment with school, family and community football.

Further enhancing the pathway is the club’s Satellite Academy, designed specifically for players who may not yet be ready for the traditional academy environment. This program ensures late developers, emerging athletes and those new to the system are not lost, but instead supported with tailored coaching and development opportunities — reinforcing West Perth’s commitment to accessibility and long-term growth.

The strength of the pathway is reflected in the increasing number of players progressing through Colts, State programs and draft-related opportunities, while just as importantly, fostering young people who remain connected to the club and the game regardless of where their football journey leads.

West Perth remains unapologetically proud of the waves being made in this space, with its talent pathway now firmly established as a benchmark across the WAFL — built on inclusion, development and a genuine belief in investing early and investing well.

Luke Richardson, General Manager | Performance Pathways & Participation