Edgley excited for Swans prospects going into finals

Swan Districts are the form team of the WAFL Women’s competition heading into the finals and key defender Bella Edgley has embraced her extra responsibility in 2025 and now is excited for what lies ahead.

Edgley made her debut in the WAFL Women’s competition back in 2021 where she only just turned 18 before taking part on the grand final in her rookie season, and she has only continued to go from strength to strength since.

The now 22-year-old has become one of the best and most reliable key defenders in the competition but it’s team success that she’s after and she is excited for what might be ahead of Swan Districts this finals series given the momentum they have behind them.

Swan Districts finished the WAFL Women’s season in third position with a 12-4 record and having won their last five matches ahead of this Sunday’s elimination final at Steel Blue Oval again an East Fremantle who has participated in the past three grand finals including the 2023 premiership.

The Swans made sure they kept the momentum going into the finals on Sunday with the four-point win also at Steel Blue Oval against East Fremantle even though they were already locked into third position going into the contest.

Edgley felt it was important to still go into the finals in winning form even if they had their home final locked up already.

“It’s definitely important to go into finals coming off a win, especially against this week’s opponent,” Edgley said.

“Now we are looking forward to the challenges ahead. We’re still keeping level headed going into finals, ensuring everyone plays their role.”

Understandably given the way that Swan Districts are playing heading into the finals there is a terrific feeling around the team, but also added to by the fact that the Rogers Cup have qualified for the finals.

To have the entire women’s program now preparing to take part in the finals starting this weekend means spirits are high and Edgley has just been impressed with how the WAFL Women’s team has come together in 2025 in the first year in charge for coach Jason Burton.

“Yes there is definitely a good feeling around the club with both league and Rogers making finals. Very excited after a long season that the plan to make finals has come to fruition,” Edgley said.

“The team has really gelled together this season and we are more familiar with each other’s strengths and how each other plays. Everyone knows their role going into a game and we are executing our game plan really well.”

After making her debut while still only 17 in the WAFL Women’s with Swan Districts back in 2021, Edgley’s game has only continued to go from strength to strength each season since.

Despite a finger injury back in that first season in 2021, she has been durable as well playing 15 games in 2022, 14 in 2023, 15 in 2024 and now all 16 in 2025.

She has enjoyed her extra leadership responsibility at times this year too especially when co-captains Demi Liddle and Eliza Gelmi haven’t been available, and is happy overall with the way her game is coming along.

“I am pretty happy with how my season has been,” she said.

“My role hasn’t really changed from last season, so i have carried that over this season.

“Stepping up on field has been a big part of my game with losing our co captains due to injuries at various times.”

Even though Swan Districts can’t afford a slip up during the finals series should they want to reach their goals, Edgley is excited that this is their best chance to get back to a grand final like she was part back in her rookie season of 2021.

“Our team has the ability to get there definitely. we just have to focus on each game as it comes, focus on our strengths and the way we play and we have every chance to play at the big dance,” Edgley said.

“That was my first year playing at league level and making a grand final was definitely one to remember.

“I was probably a bit nervous and that showed on field as I was a bit younger plus coming back off a finger injury that put me out for eight weeks.

“It was an amazing experience nonetheless and hope to experience it again this year.”