WAFLW Leadership 2026

East Perth Football Club has confirmed its WAFLW leadership group for the 2026 season, with a strong mix of continuity, experience and emerging talent set to guide both the League and Rogers Cup programs.

As the club continues to build its women’s program, the appointments reflect a clear focus on developing leaders who drive standards, connection and consistency across the group.

WAFLW Football Administrator Tara Williams said the selections were a reflection of both character and impact within the playing group.

“I’m extremely pleased with the appointment of this year’s captains, who are outstanding choices both on and off the field,” Williams said.

“They are strong characters who set the right standards and place our group in a great position moving forward.”

Taylah Suda returns for her second year as co-captain, following a strong 2025 season where she established herself as a respected and consistent leader within the group.

“Suda returns for her second year in the co-captaincy role, which is a testament to the impact she made last season,” Williams said.

“She has earned significant respect from the playing group through her leadership, consistency, and commitment.”

She will be joined by Layla Firns, who steps into the co-captaincy role after developing as an emerging leader last season.

“Layla transitions from an emerging leader last year into the co-captaincy role,” Williams said.

“She has embraced that growth opportunity and brings energy, professionalism, and a strong connection with her teammates.”

The League leadership group is rounded out by Hope Ugle-Hayward, Kate Inglis-Hodge, Summer Mollross and Brooke Edwards, forming a well-balanced group across experience and influence.

“The broader leadership group is equally strong and well-balanced,” Williams said.

“Hope, a new recruit, has already built great respect within the playing group through her attitude and approach. Kate brings a wealth of leadership experience and provides valuable guidance to the team. Brooke has been fantastic within the group, consistently setting high standards and leading by example, while Summer has made a significant impact on the club’s culture and has been a terrific addition to the environment.”

At Rogers Cup level, East Perth has taken a slightly different approach in 2026, appointing a six-player leadership group to support development and further share responsibility.

The Leadership groups includes Elsie James, Mya Murphy, Roxy Adams, Ruby Eastaugh, Sabah Cornelius and Shari Ketteridge.

“For our Rogers Cup program, we’ve adopted a slightly different approach to our leadership style in 2025, appointing a six-person leadership group,” Williams said.

“This model allows us to share responsibility across the group, rather than placing too much on individuals at a young age, while also giving us the opportunity to actively support and educate these players in their leadership journey.”

The group includes four Metro leaders Roxy, Elsie, Mya and Shari, alongside two South West representatives Sabah and Ruby.

“We see this as an important step in developing long-term leaders within our football club through our programs,” Williams said.

“All six players are outstanding young people who have been recognised by both their teammates and coaches as the right individuals to lead the Rogers Cup group this season.”

The 2026 leadership appointments highlight the continued growth of East Perth’s women’s program, with a clear emphasis on building strong leaders and a connected, high-performing environment across all levels.

We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in stall for our Women’s program and look forward to seeing the impact our leaders have on the wider group.