In a significant move for the Perth Football League, former Fremantle and Carlton forward Josh Deluca has been officially cleared to join the reigning premiers, North Beach Tigers, for the upcoming 2026 campaign. This recruitment adds to the Tigers' formidable lineup as they aim to defend their title.
Deluca's Return to Western Australia
Josh Deluca, who played a total of 10 AFL games across his stints with Fremantle and Carlton, is set to return to his home state after spending the last four seasons with Doncaster East in Melbourne's competitive Eastern Football Netball League. During his time there, he shared the club's best and fairest award with another former Docker, Taylin Duman, in 2024, showcasing his consistent performance at the amateur level.
Deluca, a product of Subiaco, will now reunite with familiar faces at North Beach, including former AFL teammate Zac Clarke and his one-time Lions captain Leigh Kitchin. This reunion is expected to bolster the Tigers' squad as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
Perth Football League Season Kick-off
The Perth Football League A-grade season is scheduled to commence this Saturday with an exciting lineup of matches. In the opening round, North Beach Tigers will face Trinity Aquinas, while other key fixtures include Jye Bolton's University taking on Curtin University-Wesley, Kingsway playing against Mt Lawley, Baldivis clashing with Fremantle CBC, and Ocean Ridge meeting Scarborough. These games mark the start of what promises to be a highly competitive season across the league.
Country Football Leagues Gear Up
Beyond the Perth Football League, several premier country football competitions in Western Australia are also set to launch their 2026 seasons this weekend. The Peel Football and Netball League and the Goldfields Football League will both begin their round one matches, adding to the statewide football excitement.
Meanwhile, the South West Football League has already completed two rounds before taking a break over the Easter weekend, and the Great Northern Football League is scheduled to start next Saturday. This staggered schedule ensures a continuous flow of football action across the region.
Great Southern Football League Women's Competition Nearing Finals
While most leagues are just beginning, the Great Southern Football League women's competition is already approaching its finals series. Having started in early February to take advantage of the region's milder weather, the league has completed eight rounds of a 10-week home and away season.
In this campaign, back-to-back reigning premiers Mt Barker have experienced a setback, currently sitting in fourth place with a 4-4 win-loss record. They trail behind ladder leaders Albany, second-placed Railways, and third-placed Denmark-Walpole. Albany has built an imposing percentage of 411.25 but showed vulnerability in round seven, losing to their closest rival by 15 points, indicating a tight race for the top spots as the season progresses.
This early start and competitive dynamic highlight the unique scheduling and intense rivalries within the Great Southern Football League, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to their season.
