Sport
18 September, 2026
WFNL grand final: Players to watch
From Toohey and Hatcher Medalists to the next generation of stars, there are several players to watch at the WFNL Grand Final.
Ararat
Tom Williamson
One of the WFNL’s most elite footballers in the post-COVID era, Williamson has been a delight to watch in 2026.
The player-coach won his second Toohey Medal this season, plying his trade as a traditional centre as well as a modern forward.
Leading into the grand final, he has kicked 44 goals, including 10 against Southern Mallee Thunder and six against Saints in the semi-final.
Cody Lindsay
The ruckman has been a cornerstone of the Rats dynasty, one of just eight players to feature in the past five grand finals.
After two months on the sidelines, Lindsay returned to Ararat’s line-up in round 17, strengthening the side’s first use of the ball.
The ruck battle between Lindsay and Nhill’s Daniel Batson will be vital to Ararat’s chances for a fourth straight premiership.
James Jennings
The homegrown talent, Jennings, will anchor Ararat’s defence from full back.
‘Jim’ rose from the ranks through from under 14s to seniors, showcasing the Rats’ strong local development, which features 19 one-point players.
Jennings’ match-up with tall forward Stanley Cox will be one to watch at City Oval.
Nhill
Jake McQueen
The prodigal son, McQueen returned to the Tiger den in 2024 after eight years away from the club, which coincided with Nhill’s return to finals football in more than a decade.
While McQueen will line up in the back pocket on Saturday, he will float forward throughout the game.
The co-coach has kicked 44 goals this season, including seven against Horsham and Dimboola.
His courageous late-game marking will no doubt feature in the grand final, sparking the Nhill faithful.
Tom Wheaton
The 2026 best under-21 player will line up against the 2025 Toohey Medalist, Ben Taylor, on the wing.
The ex-SANFL player has experience in high-stakes games, winning junior premierships with South Adelaide in 2021 and 2023.
Wheaton may be tasked with tagging Taylor throughout the grand final as the winger is known to leak forward and kick vital goals.
Liam Albrecht
With more than 300 games in the blue and yellow, including 232 senior games, Albrecht’s presence in the Tigers’ squad is indispensable.
Like a general during a battle, Albrecht will command Nhill’s defence from centre halfback.
An important piece in the Tigers’ spine, Albrecht’s rebound out of the backline will set up counterattacks from the first whistle.
Horsham Saints
Ashlee Grace
Grace is the heartbeat of the Horsham Saints, controlling the game’s tempo from the first whistle.
The 2024, 2025 and 2026 Hatcher medallist is adept at controlling the flow of play during centre passes.
Her trademark left-handed shoulder passes, often off the same foot, make timing difficult for the opposition, giving the Saints a virtually free pass.
Her leadership on and off the court is second to none.
Jorja Clode
Head and shoulder the best goal scorer in the WFNL.
The 2025 and 2026 best under-21 player scored 945 goals in the regular season at 89.15 per cent accuracy, including a season-high 81 goals against Stawell Warriors.
Clode has added more aspects to her game in 2026, and will often lead out beyond the circle to stretch defences.
Maddison Bethune
In her first season out of juniors, Bethune commands the Saints defence.
Her youthful agility and anticipation allow her to play off her direct opponent, resulting in numerous interceptions and deflections.
Bethune and veteran Zeena Kelm were vital in the defending premier’s defence, which conceded a competition-low 668 goals across 16 games.
Dimboola
Stephanie Glover
Glover’s strength and mobility saw her finish second in this year’s Hatcher Medal count, just one vote behind Ash Grace.
From blocked shots to tenacious rebounds, the dynamic defender gives opposition attackers plenty to consider.
Paired with Bridget Dorrington, Glover’s influence on the game can keep the scoreline tight.
Look for Glover to provide Dimboola with some spark via an interception and counter-attack.
Giselle Clugston
Still in juniors, Clugston’s inclusion in the Roos squad shows the importance of junior development.
Initially coming off the bench, Clugston worked her way into a starting role, highlighted by a four-quarter effort in the qualifying final.
Adept in the midcourt and attack, Clugston’s decision-making and passing are well beyond her years.
Watch for the under-15s star to slip between defenders and link up with Dimboola’s goal scorers.
Billie Schilling
A recent addition to the 200-game club, Schilling will provide veteran experience to the Roos line-up.
The attacker-turned-winger will see plenty of attention from the Saints’ midcourt; however, her calm demeanour will provide stability for Dimboola.
Like Clugston, Schilling will routinely link up with Olivia Beugelaar and Nicole Polycarpou throughout the game like clockwork.