WAFLW state squad: Swan Districts midfielder Jamie Henry rewarded for strong start to 2026 season

Swan Districts ball magnet Jaime Henry has been rewarded for a superb start to the 2026 season, selected in a star-studded WAFLW outfit ahead of next month’s state game against South Australia. Henry, who missed out on selection last year, has taken the competition by storm this season, averaging 34.5 disposals across the first four rounds for the unbeaten, top-of-the-table Black Ducks. The 20-year-old midfielder is among 27 players in the squad, which includes reigning Dhara Kerr medallist Krstel Petrevski (Subiaco) and two-time winner Jayme Harken. The Lions have the most representatives with six players selected, while reigning WAFLW premiers Claremont and Perth each have five players in the group. Chairman of selectors Trent Cooper said Henry’s early-season form had taken her “from a possible to a near-certain selection” for the clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on May 16. For Cooper and returning coach Jack Schwarze (Claremont), selecting in-form players was a top priority. “We decided that we wanted in-form players for this game and players that might have been considered walk-up starts weren’t selected on reputation alone,” Cooper said. “Everyone in the squad has been playing good footy at WAFLW level and that gives us confidence when we pick the side to take on South Australia.” Cooper said he was thrilled about the quality of the side, which also boasts returning former AFLW players including Poppy Stockwell (Perth), Annabel Johnson and Courtney Lindgren (Subiaco). “The improved depth in the ATCO WAFLW competition has made selection harder this year but we have picked a well-balanced squad,” Cooper said. “We have 13 players returning from last year’s state team, with a mix of young and experienced players coming into the squad.” The WAFLW state game clash forms part of a triple-header, starting with a talent showcase between the WA Under-20s and WA Under-18s and concluding with the WAFL State Game clash with SANFL with tickets available for $10 through INTIX. WAFLW STATE SQUAD FOR 2026