Former West Coast Eagles midfielder Zane Trew has expressed his excitement about the prospect of taking on his old team in the 2026 WAFL season. The 23-year-old, who was delisted by the Eagles at the end of the 2024 AFL season, has signed with WAFL club East Fremantle and is eager to prove himself against his former teammates.
A New Chapter for Trew
Trew, who played 15 AFL games for West Coast after being drafted in 2020, said the move to East Fremantle represents a fresh start. He is determined to make the most of his opportunities in the WAFL and show that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
“It’s going to be weird playing against the Eagles,” Trew said. “But I’m really looking forward to it. I have a lot of mates there, but once the ball is bounced, it’s all business. I want to show them what they’re missing out on.”
Aiming for AFL Return
The talented midfielder has not given up on his AFL dreams and believes that strong performances in the WAFL could earn him another chance at the elite level. Trew has been training hard during the off-season and is confident that his best football is still ahead of him.
“I’ve been working on my endurance and my ball use,” he explained. “I want to be a consistent performer week in, week out. If I can do that, hopefully an AFL club will come knocking.”
East Fremantle’s Gain
East Fremantle coach Bill Monaghan is thrilled to have secured the services of a player of Trew’s calibre. He believes that Trew’s experience at AFL level will be invaluable for the Sharks as they look to climb the WAFL ladder in 2026.
“Zane is a quality player with great skills and a strong work ethic,” Monaghan said. “He’ll bring a lot to our midfield and will be a great role model for our younger players. We’re excited to see what he can do in our colours.”
The Sharks are set to face West Coast’s WAFL affiliate, the East Perth Royals, in a highly anticipated clash later in the season. Trew admitted that he has already circled that date on his calendar.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to that game,” he said. “It’s going to be a big occasion, and I want to put on a show for the fans. I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got.”
Trew’s move to East Fremantle is seen as a significant coup for the club, which has been rebuilding its list in recent years. With his addition, the Sharks are expected to be more competitive in the 2026 WAFL season.
The former Eagle also expressed gratitude to West Coast for his time at the club, saying that he learned a lot from the coaching staff and senior players. He is now focused on the future and is determined to make the most of his new opportunity.
