Young female footballers from Cannington, Gosnells and surrounding southern suburbs now have a new pathway to the elite level after the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) finally granted the Perth Football Club a licence to join the Western Australian Football League Women’s (WAFLW) competition in 2025.

The Perth Demons will become one of nine teams in the WAFLW, joining the eight other clubs in fielding both a Rogers Cup and League team.

The football club plays a crucial role in developing talent within the southern suburbs, linking junior players from the Perth district to the elite competition through its development programs and senior teams.

Michele Burton, women’s football manager at the club, has led the charge for a women’s league team and is extremely proud of everyone involved.

“From board members, staff, Rogers Cup coaches and players to our supporters and stakeholders, this achievement is the collective effort and passion of our entire community,” Ms Burton said.

“In late 2021 our Board started work on a strategy titled ‘Zero to Halo’ to establish the PFC WAFLW Community and we’re really excited to be launching our WAFLW League team one year ahead of schedule.

She is optimistic about the future and can’t wait to get started on their inaugural season 2025.

“We are super excited to move forward and continue building our programs and the pathway in the Perth District, as we support and celebrate the talent and potential within the women’s football community,” Ms Burton said.

Reflecting on the significant milestone, Perth Football Club President and inaugural West Coast Eagles player Adrian Barich said the senior women’s team’s official formation was a landmark day for the club.

“Our club is now complete. Any child in our zone who dreams of pulling on a red and black jumper and playing for the Perth Football Club can now do so,” he said.

“This is a proud day for our club, and we look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”

Perth joined the WAFL reserves competition, the Rogers Cup, in 2023 and won six games this year.

At just age 15, Perth forward Shante Anderson won the Rogers Cup leading goalkicker award this year, booting 29 goals, making a strong case for her inclusion into the new league team.

WAFC Executive Manager of Football Operations, Scott Baker, believes the expansion of the WAFLW will create greater opportunities for female players throughout both the Perth district and the entire state.

“Female players coming through the pathway now have a clearer road to the WAFLW, offering a chance to compete in the highest level of competition in the state outside of the AFLW,” Baker said.

“This is a fantastic milestone for Perth Football Club, our fans and more importantly, our talented players.”

The club will now focus on appointing a coaching team and then recruiting players.

Those interested in joining are encouraged to email footballadmin@perthfc.com.au.