WAFLW ultimate grand final team: Eliza Reilly picks her best combined Claremont-Swan Districts side for 2025 decider

After the closest finals series in WAFLW history, with three games decided by a combined margin of four points, Claremont and Swan Districts will face off in the decider.

The Black Ducks have taken the long road to the grand final, knocking off East Fremantle and Subiaco in consecutive weeks after finishing the home and away season in third.

While Claremont, the reigning premiers, enjoyed a week off after defeating Subiaco in a thrilling qualifying final that went into overtime. Sunday’s clash at Mineral Resources Park is the Tigers’ fourth grand final in a row, playing their previous three against East Fremantle.

“It’s probably been the highest standard of WAFLW I’ve seen in my time here,” premiership Claremont coach Jack Schwarze said. “It’s been a lot more competitive across the board.

“It’s been incredibly even all year which makes this weekend more nerve-racking.

“The whole year, they (Swan Districts) have been quietly behind us and Subi. They’re probably thinking they’re not behind and we’re probably thinking the same.

“They’re right up there with us.”

Swan Districts failed to beat Subiaco or Claremont during the home and away season. Coach Jason Burton said the black and whites have focused on improving their standards this season to compete with the WAFLW’s premier teams.

“They’ve been the benchmark, or one of two, the past few seasons and even this year,” he said. It’s something we identified early.

“We’ve had to watch them and sit out these games in the past. We want to embrace our turn and go and give it a crack.

“We don’t rely on one or two players. We know that we go pretty deep. We trust that everyone will go out there and play their role.”

Ahead of the decider, we’ve compiled the ultimate combined WAFLW grand final side.

Featuring the best of Claremont and Swan Districts, the side was based on current form and availability to play this weekend. We’ve also taken some liberties with certain positions to encourage flexibility.

With rain forecast for Sunday, both coaches are tipping a contested game. And luckily Claremont and Swan Districts boast some of the best contested midfielders in the WAFLW.

“They’re two pretty strong midfields,” Schwarz. “Swan Districts are contested and strong.”

Led by AFLW draft prospect Carys D’Addario (averaging 23.9 touches a game) and Jamie Henry (24.5), the Swans boast the two most prolific midfielders in the grand final. D’Addario starred with 26 disposals, seven tackles, three inside 50s and a goal in the prelim final while Henry had 34 touches a week before.

Two-time Dhara Kerr medallist and last year’s Lou Knitter medallist for best on ground Jayme Harken rounds out a star-studded midfield with Sarah Viney and Naomi Baker rotating off the bench. Husband gets the nod in the ruck just ahead of Swans youngest Lauren Quaife.

The backline is led by former Eagle Webb who has been a rock in defence for the Tigers. Edgley (14 disposals, five marks) was impassable in the prelims for the Swans. While the strength of the midfield group means that Kelly and Sergeant can slot into defensive roles off half-back.

Claire Ortlepp is one of the most experienced defenders in the WAFLW. Down the other end, twin sister Rachel is primed to star in attack after kicking the winning goal last year.

Green has been one of the finds of the season after joining Claremont from the great southern football league. Edwards, King and McGuire are the most threatening triple-headed monster in the WAFLW, taking up three of the top four spots in the competition’s leading goalkicker tally.

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Edwards finished 1st with 29 goals, 10 more than the next best player, and has been a consistent threat playing deeper in attack.

On the bench, Humphries faces a fitness test after copping a heavy knock in the prelim final.

Schwarze has earnt the right to lead the side after winning two of his past three grand finals.