Footy-focused Rhenae grabbing Swans chances

Not only do Swan Districts remain on top of the WAFLW competition with one round to go this season, but they continue to blood future stars and Rhenae Beagley has grasped her opportunity as the first step in chasing her football dreams.

Giving opportunities to young players like Swan Districts are doing this season including 15-year-old Keira Fawcett and now 16-year-old Beagley is usually something reserved for teams who might be struggling in a season and planning for the future.

That’s anything but the case with this Swan Districts team of 2026 who remain on top of the WAFLW ladder a win and percentage clear of second placed Claremont with one round remaining when they play host to Perth this Sunday at Steel Blue Oval.

Swans are also providing opportunities to those starring in their Rogers Cup team who also currently sit in second position and are locked into a top two spot with one game to go.

The 16-year-old started the season strongly at Swan Districts in the Rogers Cup team and then earned a WAFLW debut against reigning premiers in a Grand Final rematch in Round 8, and has never looked back.

She’s now put together seven consecutive matches with at least 10 possessions in the team sitting on top of the competition and she couldn’t be more thankful to Swans and coach Jason Burton for the chance.

“It definitely came as a surprise and an honour to be even thought of to play in the team, let alone against such a powerful side,” Beagley said.

“It was nerve racking to know who I was going up against and that I had a job to do but on the other side of that I was just excited that I was given the opportunity to debut in general.”

Maintaining spot in the top team

In the bigger picture and given she’s just 16, just getting a chance to play one WAFLW game this year would have been a significant achievement and given her plenty to work on and get ready to keep building and improving in 2027.

However, she has been such a strong contributor that she’s held her place ever since. It all comes back to the hard work to continue to improve and to provide Swans with that is asked of her every time she steps out onto the field.

“I always try to look at it as just one game at a time, every single person is so talented and the team could change from week to week,” Beagley said.

“I feel like this changed the way I think to just enjoy playing in the moment and not take any of it for granted.

“Every training session is an opportunity for all the team to put their best foot forward, so I just have to put my all in at training and that’s all I have control over.

“I feel like since the beginning all the girls have been very easy to get along with and just really supportive as a whole, always checking in and making me feel welcomed and a part of the team.”

Embracing being part of a strong team

Rather than being overwhelmed by joining a team sitting on top of the league or with superstars around her like Jaime Henry and veterans like Chloe Reilly, Kayley King, Taylah Edwards, Eliza Gelmi, Lauren Quaife, Meg Carron, Jess Cox, Demi Liddle and Ash Sharp, it’s actually only helped her grow.

By seeing the example those players set and then seeing what it takes to fit into a team playing so well and winning regularly, Beagley feels it’s been the perfect situation for her to start playing senior football.

“I feel like being around such a talented team who are on top of the ladder has really set a high standard for the younger girls coming up like me,” Beagley said.

“It was definitely a challenge at first, but it’s a challenge that I have enjoyed. I love being able to be pushed mentally and physically to become a better player and person, and being around such a talented group has really shaped me and will continue to as I get older.”

Making football a priority

While Beagley is still at school and she’s trying to live a life of a normal teenager away from school and sport too, football is a great passion of hers and now that she is playing at such a high level already, she wants to dedicate as much time and effort into it as possible.

While ultimately it would be only natural for her to be dreaming of that leading to her playing in the AFLW down the track, right now she is just focusing on each training session, each day at school and each game at a time.

“My goal at the moment is to just take it 1 game at a time. I love my footy and I enjoy putting the effort in to better myself both physically and mentally to see how far I can go, as I am still young and footy is my passion,” Beagley said.

“For me personally, WAFLW has become a priority and a big part of my life.

“It can get stressful when school piles on work and assignments when I feel like I have limited time between training and games, but that just makes me realise how important balance is in life.

“Between education, football and life in general it can be hard to manage it all, but I am so thankful that I have an amazing support system to be able to rely on when I need to.”

Couldn’t do it without family support

After Beagley had to battle some injuries back in 2025 that did slow her football progress a little, her family and especially her parents were tyrannously supportive to get through that.

And now they continue to be the key reason why she’s able to continue to juggle school, football and life all at the same time at just 16. She can’t thank her parents enough for everything they have done – and continue to do for her.

“My family has been my rock throughout my entire life, with last year being injury ridden they have been by my side through both the highs and the lows and have done everything they can to help me get to where I am today,” Beagley said.

“They have been so supportive ever since I was younger and have allowed me to follow my dreams and passions while being my biggest cheerleaders from the beginning.

“The rushing around in the mornings to the late nights and even later dinners, the ice baths I hated to do for my ankle injuries and I can’t forget the mountain of money that goes into tape so I can tape my ankles for each training session and game.

“My parents have done it all and I am so grateful to have a family so supportive like they are.”