Key pair return from injury as WA 18s take on SA in Adelaide

Western Australia have been bolstered by the return of two key players from injury as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the AFL National Under-18s Championship against South Australia at Alberton Oval in Adelaide on Sunday.

Claremont key defender Joseph Hopkyns has been cleared to return after suffering a broken jaw last month, while East Perth midfielder Luke Hallett is back from concussion after getting through a game for his country club Boyup Brook in the Lower South West last Sunday.

Hopkyns’ inclusion will be huge coming up against a star-studded Croweaters’ forward-line led by Aidan Schubert.

Hallett adds another dimension to a strong WA midfield which includes skipper Fred Rodriguez and fellow South Fremantle gun Toby Whan who were among the best in Saturday’s last-gasp win over Vic Country at Mineral Resources Park.

Bottom-aged Claremont ruckman Benji van Rooyen passed a concussion test after a head knock in the second half against Country.

South Australia are two from two to start the carnival, having beaten Allies in a close one followed by a 61-point thrashing of Vic Metro.

WA coach Marc Webb said his charges were looking forward to a tough challenge from SA, who are favourites to win the title.

“They’re in very strong form and are 2-0 after beating Vic Metro by 10 goals and dominating the game,” Webb said.

“They were really strong around the contest and look like they’re full of confidence.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us but we’re looking forward to it.

“I think we’ll take a lot from our game against Vic Country and make sure we get off to a good start.

“Hopefully we can prepare the boys to focus on the contest early and make sure we’re really having an impact around there in a challenge against a team that’s in-form and probably the leading contender at the moment.”

The match will be live streamed via the match centre on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App from 10.30am WST on Sunday.