Who impressed as AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys defeat East Fremantle

Claremont first-round draft prospect Heath Mellody produced a stunning performance for the AAMI WA Football State 18 Boys over the weekend to tune up for the upcoming AFL National Under-18s Championship.

The smooth-moving midfielder/half-back racked up 30 disposals, nine inside 50s, four clearances and kicked three goals in a best-afield display as the Black Swans defeated East Fremantle Reserves by 54 points at The Good Grocer Park on Saturday.

Bottom-aged talents – West Perth’s Campbell Creyk (26 disposals and seven clearances) and East Fremantle’s James Artemis (21 disposals and six inside 50s) – were also among the most prominent players on ground.

East Perth and West Coast Next Generation Academy talent Garrison Kenh had a solid return from a calf issue, finishing with 19 disposals, five inside 50s and three clearances.

Over-ager Sheldon Pickett, a Bunbury product who’s plying his trade for Swan Districts Colts this season, kicked three goals to continue his impressive trial game form, while Claremont defender Elijah Dennis stood tall in the back half with a team-high eight marks.

After being rested from last week’s talent showcase game against the WAFL Under-20s, Claremont tall Benji van Rooyen was the leading ruck on the ground with 25 hit-outs, 12 disposals and four clearances.

Claremont midfielder Noah Braun was rewarded for his prolific EGT WAFL Colts form, which included a record-breaking 50-disposal performance against Perth earlier in the month, with a call-up to the State 18s squad.

The son of West Coast premiership hero Michael had 13 disposals, six marks, three inside 50s and a goal in an encouraging display.

Swan Districts’ Taj Allan, part of the train-on squad, was elevated to the main side and played against the Sharks, finishing with 12 disposals and two clearances.

After a slow start, conceding the first three goals of the match, the 18s dominated after half-time with a nine-goals-to-one second half.

The 18s squad have won four of their five trial games in a positive sign ahead of next month’s AFL National Under-18s Championship opener against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, June 13.

They have one trial match to come against Claremont Reserves at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday, June 6.

WA’s AFL National Under-18s Championship fixtures

Saturday, June 13: v South Australia at Mineral Resources Park (10.30am)

Saturday, June 20: v Vic Metro at Cockburn ARC (11am)

Friday, July 3: v Vic Country in Melbourne (venue and time TBC)

Wednesday, July 8: v Allies in Melbourne (venue and time TBC)