Once famed underdogs, Fremantle are taking the 2026 season by storm, and, following an impressive battle against Collingwood, West Coast might be about to turn the tides on a so-far lacklustre start to the year.
While every good team needs star footballers, they also rely on the players who tend to go unnoticed. So which WA players have been flying under the radar this season? Who has been putting in the effort for their team but maybe not reaping the rewards?
Leading Western Australian sports journalist Digby Beacham has ranked his top five underrated Western Australia players on Zero Hanger's The Outer Wing.
Honourable Mention: West Coast's Reuben Ginbey
Beacham hasn't credited the West Coast key defender in his main list for a simple reason, he doesn't feel Ginbey is overrated.
"I'm not overlooking him, I'm just regarding him as a player who should be rated and I think he is rated in the football industry," Beacham said.
2Karl Worner
Following Brandon Walker's unfortunate concussions, Worner has taken the opportunity to step up and make his mark as a Fremantle defender, earning himself 2nd place on Diggers' list in the process.
"Karl plays every week, he's durable, he does exactly what the coaching staff require of him," Beacham said.
"He's a key holder in that Fremantle back six."
