Western Australia (WA) have ushered in a new chapter in their domestic cricket journey with a powerful blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience headlining their 2025–26 women’s squad. At the heart of this rejuvenated lineup is the highly anticipated homecoming of Australian all-rounder Heather Graham, marking her return after a triumphant stint with Tasmania.
Alongside her, three promising youngsters—Ines McKeon, Rebecca McGrath, and Maddie White—have secured their maiden state contracts, reinforcing WA’s commitment to grooming the next generation.
Graham’s return to her native state adds a weighty presence to WA’s ambitions of climbing back up the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) table after a challenging 2024–25 season that saw them finish at the bottom. With four years of consistent performance in Tasmania and significant involvement with the national side, Graham’s decision to come back is more than just symbolic—it’s strategic.
During her five-season tenure with the Tasmanian Tigers, Graham left an indelible mark. In 34 appearances, she amassed 1,032 runs, including three centuries and six fifties, positioning herself as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the state’s WNCL history. With the ball, she claimed 48 wickets, often trusted with the toughest overs under skippers Elyse Villani and Sasha Moloney. A career-defining moment came in the 2023–24 WNCL final when she led Tasmania to a third consecutive title with a decisive all-round performance—3 for 39 with the ball and a match-winning 63-run stand with Nicola Carey.
Her WBBL experience further underscores her value. Across 138 matches for the Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers, Graham has tallied 1,560 runs and taken 141 wickets, including best figures of 3 for 12. Having started her career for WA at just 15 and being part of their 2019–20 WNCL title-winning side, the move home brings her journey full circle.
While Graham’s return steals the spotlight, the spotlight also burns bright on three rising stars who have earned their first-ever state contracts. Chief among them is 18-year-old Ines McKeon, whose talent has been impossible to ignore. A dynamic top-order batter and wicketkeeper, McKeon burst into national attention with a dazzling 42-ball 50 on her WBBL debut last October, where she outshone none other than Meg Lanning. Despite a modest campaign during the U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year, her potential remains undoubted, and WA have rewarded her growth with a full-time deal.
Joining McKeon in the squad is 20-year-old all-rounder Rebecca McGrath. A dual threat with bat and ball, McGrath tallied 450 runs and claimed 30 wickets for Melville last season across one-day and T20 formats, earning her the prestigious Karen Read Medal.
Adding to the mix is 21-year-old Maddie White, who makes history as the first ever female rookie signed to WA’s women’s program. The Victorian-born seamer moved to Perth in search of opportunity after playing 70 first grade games for Prahran. Her signing places her among the pioneers of female rookie contracts in Australian domestic cricket, alongside Maggie Clark in South Australia and Ava Curtis in Tasmania.
The strategic rebuild of WA’s squad continues with the recruitment of fast bowler Ebony Hoskin from NSW. The 21-year-old made a mark in WBBL|10 with the Perth Scorchers but was restricted to just one WNCL appearance for NSW last season.
Beth Mooney and Alana King join Graham as WA’s nationally contracted trio for the upcoming season, with Mooney continuing her dominance with the bat and King solidifying her role as a frontline spinner for Australia. Meanwhile, Bhavi Devchand departs the squad, and veteran batter Lisa Griffith has announced her retirement, closing a chapter while another one begins.
Western Australia Women’s Squad for 2025–26:
Chloe Ainsworth, Charis Bekker, Zoe Britcliffe, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Amy Edgar, Heather Graham, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Alana King, Shay Manolini, Rebecca McGrath, Ines McKeon, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Maddie White, Heather Graham, Ebony Hoskin, Rebecca McGrath, Ines McKeon, Maddie White
