History made as Jess Verbrugge joins the Dons

It’s been a historic weekend for the East Perth Football Club as Jess Verbrugge became to first Royal to join an AFLW side.

Skipper and State Representative Verbrugge has signed with Essendon as an injury replacement player for 2025, marking the first time a player has graduated from East Perth’s WAFLW side and signed an AFLW contract.

Verbrugge joined the Royals in 2024. She had previously played for South Fremantle in 2022 before two years with Donnybrook. In the South West she became the first player to win the Nola Marino Medal (Competition Fairest and Best) twice.

Debuting for the Royals in Round One of 2024, she averaged 13 disposals across 13 games in the season. However, it was a combination of preseason dedication and hard work that allowed her to unlock her full potential in 2025. Coming back fitter and stronger, and being named co-captain of the WAFLW, Verbrugge was able to lift and take her stats to a level that caught the eye of Essendon staff. She currently averages 21.4 disposals in eight games and provides exceptional leadership on and off the field for a young Royals contigent. Her strong form granted her a State call-up and she headed to Adelaide Oval to take on South Australia with the rest of the WAFLW’s best in May.

The club is very excited to see Jess switch from black and blue to black and red. We will miss her on and off the field and wish her nothing but the best in Melbourne!