Team Preview: North Pilbara Pythons

Speed, athleticism and a willingness to take the game on will underpin the North Pilbara Pythons’ approach to the 2026 Women’s Country Championships.

Coach Mike Fountain believes his squad’s running power and versatility will be key as the Pythons prepare to represent their region.

“What stands out most is the athleticism and speed within the group,” Fountain said. “We probably won’t be one of the biggest or tallest teams at the Championships, but we have plenty of players who can run, use space and move the ball quickly.”

Fountain brings extensive experience to the role, having coached in various capacities since 1995. His background includes time in the WAFL system with Claremont and West Perth, along with regional development squads across the Pilbara and Kimberley. He has also coached the Karratha Kats women’s team for the past four seasons and led North Pilbara at the 2024 Country Championships.

This year’s squad combines experienced players with younger talent who have earned their opportunity. The ability to adapt and play multiple roles has been a priority in selection, giving the Pythons flexibility across the tournament.

North Pilbara will look to open up the ground, use its outside runners and attack into space, with teamwork and efficient ball movement central to Fountain’s plans.

“If we use the ball efficiently and work hard for each other, I think we can be very competitive,” he said.

Cerys English, Macy Bruce and Brianna Hyde are among the players to watch, with Fountain confident each can influence games in different ways and showcase their abilities against quality opposition.

The Pythons will also face the challenge of coming together quickly. School holidays and varying travel schedules have limited preparation, with the full squad effectively gathering for the first time at the Championships.

For Fountain, that challenge brings an exciting opportunity to build connections and trust from the opening game.

“The group will need to gel quickly, trust each other and embrace the opportunity from the first game.”

Team Preview: Kimberley

Experience, leadership and a strong team-first attitude will underpin Kimberley’s campaign at the 2026 Women’s Country Championships, with coach Ethan Peacock excited by the mix of talent in his squad.

Bringing together players from communities hundreds of kilometres apart, the Championships offer the group an opportunity to connect and represent their region on a bigger stage.

“What stands out most is the wealth of experience and leadership within the group and the attitude of the players,” Peacock said.

“We’ve got a really good mix of experienced players and some younger players who are keen to step up and have a real impact.”

Peacock is building on a successful start to his coaching journey, having led the Towns colts to a premiership in his first season coaching last year. Now guiding Kimberley’s women’s representative side, he has prioritised a balance of experience, youth and versatility.

Experienced players will provide composure when the pressure rises, while younger players have been given the opportunity to express themselves. The ability to adapt and fill different roles will also be valuable across the tournament.

Peacock believes Kimberley’s greatest strengths will be its work ethic, competitiveness and willingness to play for each other.

“We’re not relying on one or two individuals to carry us,” he said. “We’ve got players who are prepared to do the hard work, and I think that team-first mentality will be one of our biggest assets.”

Katherine Dann is among the players to watch, with Peacock backing Dann’s ability to influence games and thrive in the representative environment.

Hayley Crute is another name to keep an eye on, having impressed with the ability to accumulate the football last season. Peacock is looking forward to seeing Crute take the next step at the Championships.

For Kimberley, the weekend is also an opportunity to bring together players with different backgrounds and football journeys, united by the chance to represent their region.

“We’re also coming in with a lot of enthusiasm, and we’re looking forward to representing the Kimberley.”

Team Preview – Peel

Strong enthusiasm and support from across the league have fuelled the Peel Cavaliers’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Country Championships, with coach Berend Kaaks excited to see the squad come together.

Close to 40 players have attended training over the past six weeks, giving Peel a strong foundation as it worked towards finalising its representative side.

“Every club in the league has been fantastic with supporting access to players,” Kaaks said.

Kaaks has been involved in women’s football for eight years and joined Halls Head this season, marking his first year in the Peel league. Having watched the game grow throughout that time, he has been impressed by the interest in the Cavaliers and the excitement within the group.

Positional flexibility has been a priority in selection, with Kaaks looking for players who can adapt to different styles and meet the unique demands of Championships football.

Peel will look to bring an attacking approach to the tournament, with Kaaks hoping the Division Two competition provides plenty of entertainment.

“Hopefully along with North Pilbara and Kimberley, all three teams will play some exciting, attacking football and make the two days a spectacle for all supporters of Women’s Country Football.”

Pinjarra’s Kate Beswick and South Mandurah’s Charli Homes are among the players to watch, following outstanding seasons at club level.

Beswick was recently recognised as the PFNLW Best and Fairest, while Homes earned Best on Ground honours in the PFNLW Grand Final. Bringing the pair together in Cavaliers colours is a prospect Kaaks is particularly looking forward to.

“Both have had superb seasons at club level, and seeing them in the same side for the Cavaliers will be fantastic to watch.”

The squad also has an inspiring story off the field, with Megan Bain finding another way to contribute after a season-ending injury in Round 12.

Originally earmarked as a key midfielder, Bain has taken on an assistant coaching role, sharing her experience, knowledge and passion with the playing group.

Her continued involvement reflects the commitment behind Peel’s campaign, as players and coaches come together to represent the league on the country football stage.