Claremont Tigers Announce New Leadership Duo for 2026 WAFL Campaign
In a significant move ahead of the 2026 WAFL season, the Claremont Tigers have officially unveiled Bailey Rogers and Callan England as their new co-captains. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for the club, as both players bring impressive credentials to the role, having each secured the prestigious Sandover Medal in previous years.
Declan Mountford Steps Down After Five Seasons as Captain
The announcement comes following the departure of Declan Mountford, who has vacated the captaincy after serving as the Tigers' leader for five seasons. Mountford first took on the role in 2021 alongside Jared Hardisty before becoming the sole skipper in 2023. His decision to step down is part of a planned succession strategy, allowing for a fresh leadership dynamic within the team.
Claremont coach Ash Prescott praised Mountford's contributions, stating, "Declan was an excellent leader for the past few seasons, and we respect his choice to transition out of the role as we implement our succession plan." Prescott also highlighted the qualities of the new captains, adding, "Bailey and Callan are two young men who live our values unconditionally and are great Claremont people, making them ideal choices to lead the team forward."
New Vice-Captains and Team Structure Revealed
Alongside the appointment of Rogers and England, Claremont has named a strong vice-captaincy group to support the new leadership. This includes star ruckman Ollie Eastland, forward Alec Waterman, and Zac Mainwaring, the son of dual premiership Eagle Chris Mainwaring. This structure aims to provide depth and experience in guiding the Tigers through the upcoming season.
Rogers and England are widely regarded as among the top players in the WAFL, with Rogers winning the Sandover Medal in 2021 and England claiming the honour in 2024. Their elevation to co-captains underscores the club's confidence in their ability to inspire and drive performance on and off the field.
Pre-Season Action and Player Updates
Claremont will kick off their pre-season preparations with a game against East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday. This match will offer fans an early glimpse of the new leadership in action and test the team's readiness for the competitive WAFL season ahead.
In related news, East Perth has bolstered their squad with notable additions, including former West Coast and Subiaco defender Luke Foley and ex-Brisbane rookie Darcy Craven, who returns after 18 months on the Lions' list. Additionally, former Hawthorn and Geelong midfielder Cooper Stephens is set to make his first appearance for Claremont, playing a half of football after missing the entire previous season due to an ACL injury.
This leadership change at Claremont signals a new era for the Tigers, with Rogers and England poised to build on the foundation laid by Mountford. As the WAFL community watches closely, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter for the club, driven by a blend of seasoned talent and emerging stars under fresh guidance.
