Swan Districts forward earns late AFL National Draft Combine invitation

An eighth Western Australian draft hopeful will get the opportunity to push his case in front of AFL recruiters at the AFL National Draft Combine in Melbourne in October.

Swan Districts small forward Leon Kickett was rewarded for his strong back end of the Sullivan Logistics WAFL season with a spot at the national combine at Marvel Stadium from October 3-5.

The 19-year-old from Bunbury broke through for his WAFL League debut against West Coast in Round 19 and booted three goals in two senior appearances including two against Peel Thunder in Round 20.

Kickett, nicknamed ‘Neon Leon’, then returned to the EGT WAFL Colts for the Black Ducks’ Elimination Final clash against West Perth, kicking four majors in the narrow loss on Sunday.

It’s been a quick rise for the talented goalsneak who was a late invitation to the WA draft combine on October 12 before gaining enough interest from AFL clubs to join the main event.

WA under-18s captain and MVP Fred Rodriguez of South Fremantle, Claremont tall Cody Curtin, West Perth pair Sam Swadling, Jacob Farrow, Perth utility Koby Evans, Subiaco small forward Wes Walley and Swan Districts speedster Tylah Williams are the other West Aussies invited.

West Coast father-son prospect and Claremont talent Charlie Banfield and Fremantle Next Generation Academy trio Toby Whan, Ryda Luke (South Fremantle) and Tom Phillips (East Fremantle/Oakleigh Chargers) headline the six WA State Combine talents.

WA draft combine invitees

National: Cody Curtin (Claremont), Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle), Koby Evans (Perth), Wes Walley (Subiaco), Leon Kickett, Tylah Williams (Swan Districts), Jacob Farrow, Sam Swadling (West Perth).

State: Charlie Banfield (Claremont), Tom Phillips, Cooper Ramsay (East Fremantle), Ryda Luke, Toby Whan, (South Fremantle), Hudson Walker (Subiaco).