State Talent and DraftWho caught the eye in first State 18s trial game
Jordan McArdle
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28 Apr 2026
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Western Australia have selected co-captains for their AFL National Under-16s Championship campaign which kicks off against South Australia at Joondalup’s HIF Health Insurance Oval on Saturday morning.
East Perth ruck Axel Walsh and East Fremantle midfielder/half-back Hunter Hearn were voted in as captains during the week.
WA under-16s coach Michael Glassborow said the pair both showed outstanding leadership traits and the ability to inspire their teammates.
Glassborow described Hearn as a “super competitor”, while Walsh was more of a calming influence in the heat of battle.
“Hunter Hearn is a super competitor who leads by example,” Glassborow said.
“He’s super tough in the contest and players just follow him.
“Axel is a real steady head and calming influence around the group.
“He’s such a good decision-maker and the players have trust in him and follow his lead.”
Both Walsh, the athletic 201cm younger brother of Port Adelaide forward Xavier, and Hearn were among the standouts in WA’s trial game victory over Peel Thunder last week.
The WA-versus-SA clash kicks off at 9.30am WST.
All matches in the 2025 AFL Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys will be live streamed on the AFL Play YouTube channel.
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