The pipeline of elite female football talent from Western Australia shows no signs of slowing down, with the state's top talent manager predicting continued AFLW draft success in 2025 and beyond.
Confidence in WA's Future Stars
WA football's female talent manager, Trent Cooper, has expressed strong confidence that the state will maintain its impressive record at the AFLW draft. This optimism follows a standout 2023 where a record 13 West Australian players were selected, including the coveted number one pick by the West Coast Eagles.
Cooper, who also coaches the WA State 18s girls team, points to the sustained quality in younger age groups as the primary reason for his bullish outlook. He highlights that the talent identified for the 2025 draft is already demonstrating significant potential, ensuring the production line remains robust.
Sustained Development and Program Strength
The foundation for this ongoing success is attributed to the well-established development pathways and programs across Western Australia. The AFLW Academy and state under-16 and under-18 programs are cited as critical components in nurturing young athletes from a grassroots level to draft readiness.
Cooper emphasises that the system is not reliant on a single "super draft" year but is built for consistent output. The structures in place allow players to develop their skills and understanding of the game over several years, preparing them physically and mentally for the elite level.
"We've got a really good group coming through again," Cooper stated, referencing the next wave of talent. This continuity is vital for the long-term health of both the WA-based AFLW clubs—the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers—and the national competition.
Building on a Record-Breaking 2023
The confidence for the future is bolstered by the recent historic achievement. The 2023 AFLW draft was a landmark moment for WA football, with the 13 players selected setting a new benchmark for the state's contribution to the league.
This success story serves as both a validation of the existing development model and a powerful inspiration for the next generation of young female footballers across Western Australia. Seeing local heroes drafted provides tangible goals for aspiring players in pathways and community clubs.
The challenge now is to maintain that high standard, and according to Trent Cooper, all signs are positive. The ongoing investment in female football, from junior participation through to high-performance programs, is creating a deep and sustainable talent pool that promises to keep WA at the forefront of the AFLW for years to come.
