The West Aussies linked to AFL clubs ahead of Mid-Season Draft

The AFL Mid-Season Draft is happening on Tuesday afternoon with several West Aussies in the mix including South Fremantle product Jaxon Artemis who’s tipped to go pick No.1 to Essendon.

Artemis, a former State 18s MVP who won a senior WAFL premiership with the Bulldogs last season, has caught the eye of recruiters playing for Tasmania’s VFL side this season.

Another South Fremantle export, key defender Tom Bell, is a chance to join Artemis in the draft with the 197cm talent linked to Adelaide Crows where he’s been playing SANFL this season.

Closer to home, Claremont defender Jasper Peace is leading the charge of current WAFL players after a breakout season for the ladder leaders.

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Peace, 20, has been linked with West Coast to bolster their key-back stocks.

West Perth vice-captain and ball magnet Kane Bevan is another linked to the Eagles as he continues to improve his game as an inside midfielder.

The 22-year-old is coming off an eye-catching performance in the Kia WAFL State Game, finishing runner-up in the Simpson Medal voting after collecting 24 disposals to go with eight clearances, six tackles and a classy final-quarter goal in the win over the SANFL at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

West Perth vice-captain Kane Bevan polled five Simpson Medal votes in his WAFL State debut to finish runner-up behind Claremont co-captain Callan England. Finished with 24 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles, five inside 50s and a classy final-quarter goal.

Timely… pic.twitter.com/N0wSKCwpjJ

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) May 16, 2026

Bevan’s State teammate and Claremont vice-captain Zac Mainwaring’s midfield move has helped boost his draft chances.

Mainwaring has added another string to his bow with the ability to play in the engine room as well as his usual pressure forward role.

The son of late West Coast champion Chris has been linked with Port Adelaide, where he would re-unite with close friend and star forward Mitch Georgiades.

Subiaco recruit Noah Hibbins-Hargeaves’ stunning game for the WAFL Under-20s did his Mid-Season Draft chances no harm.

The former Dandenong Stingrays forward turned Lions half-back had 33 disposals and two goals in that clash in front of a host of AFL recruiters to push his case for an opportunity.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves with his best game of the season on Saturday, finishing with 33 disposals and two goals for the WAFL Under-20s. Blake Kelly with 32, 10 inside 50s and two goals.

Steed had 21, 7 clearances and a goal for the State 18s. George Gale 28 and a goal and Heath… https://t.co/kKT3IrbunF

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) May 18, 2026

Hibbins-Hargreaves was one of the heartbreak stories of last year’s draft, missing out despite speaking with 16 clubs and being touted as a first-round lock.

Other WAFL players who have had reported AFL interest ahead of the draft are Perth ruckman Josh Edwards, the older brother of Geelong tall Mitch, and in-form East Perth key defender Jake Soutar.

East Perth backman Jake Soutar the latest #WAFL player to get interest ahead of the mid-season rookie draft. The teenager met with a Victorian club during the week. #AFLhttps://t.co/996OCuGtJx

— Mitchell Woodcock (@Mitch_Woodcock) May 22, 2026

All up there’s 19 list spots across a dozen AFL clubs, with Port Adelaide, Collingwood and Melbourne with three picks apiece and West Coast with two.

The 2026 Telstra AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will be broadcast exclusively on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App from 4.30pm WST.

WA’s Mid-Season Draft hopefuls

Jasper Peace (Claremont)

Kane Bevan (West Perth)

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Subiaco)

Zac Mainwaring (Claremont)

Josh Edwards (Perth)

Jake Soutar (East Perth)

Jaxon Artemis (Tasmania/ex-South Fremantle)

Tom Bell (Adelaide Crows SANFL/ex-South Fremantle)