Zac Mainwaring's Midfield Transition Elevates Claremont's WAFL 2026 Campaign
Zac Mainwaring, once renowned as one of the WAFL's most formidable small forwards, is now making waves in the midfield for Claremont, potentially unlocking the team's premiership ambitions in the 2026 season. The son of the late West Coast premiership wingman Chris Mainwaring, Zac has significantly boosted his fitness, football intelligence, and leadership qualities, emerging as a pivotal figure at Tigerland.
Rising Star in a Talented Squad
At 24 years old, Mainwaring is averaging a career-high 18 disposals and six tackles per game, showcasing his adaptability and skill in his new role. Elevated to vice-captain during the off-season, he joins a star-studded lineup including Sandover medallists and captains Callan England and Bailey Rogers, as well as standout ruckman Ollie Eastland. Eastland praised Mainwaring's dedication, noting that he put in extensive work over the summer to develop the endurance required for midfield play.
"He's been massive," Eastland told The West Australian. "His voice, intensity, and desire to win games for us are incredible. He's team-first, and I love playing with him. Zac worked hard on his fitness, winning our running drills, which shows why he's such a great player."
Depth and Competition Driving Success
Claremont's squad depth remains a key strength, with players like former Adelaide midfielder Ronin O'Connor, Adam Boules, and Josh Howard waiting in the reserves. Eastland highlighted the competitive environment, stating, "That's what you get at good clubs—a lot of talent in the reserves too. Ronin is a great person and will surely play league footy as he refines his game." This depth has helped Claremont maintain a consistent finals presence since 2017, though they aim to end a 14-year premiership drought.
Focus on the Present Amidst High Expectations
Despite the pressure to secure a flag in this era, Eastland emphasized a week-by-week approach. "We can't let our minds wander to premiership thoughts just yet," he said. "It's about building wins, making finals, and focusing on each game, like beating Peel today and South Fremantle next week." Mainwaring's midfield move not only boosts his individual stardom but also strengthens Claremont's overall strategy, making them a formidable contender in the WAFL 2026 season.
