Fair play! Co-captain to make inspirational injury return for State 18s Girls

AAMI WA Football State 18s Girls co-captain Macy Fair will make an inspirational return from injury in Saturday’s clash against Vic Country in Melbourne.

The Subiaco youngster hasn’t featured for her club since the 2025 pre-season due to a long-term knee injury which also saw her unavailable for WA in last year’s AFLW National Under-18s Championship.

But she gets an opportunity to impress as an over-ager in the final two games of the carnival.

State 18s coach Kate Orme praised Fair on her resilience through some difficult times on the injury front.

“It has been inspiring to watch Macy work through her rehab,” Orme said.

“She personifies resilience.

“Our playing group is excited for her to play some footy this weekend and I know strong performances will come off the back of the incredibly high training standards she sets.

“She has done a mountain of work with our medical and strength-and-conditioning staff, so it will be a significant milestone for our whole program.”

Fair is one of five inclusions for the Black Swans alongside Subiaco teammate and Under-16s All-Australian Bea Crane, Swan Districts’ Summer Adjuk, West Perth’s Jasmine Giles and East Fremantle’s Olivia McCay.

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Esperance product Crane was the hero of the Lions’ thrilling ATCO WAFLW victory over ladder leaders Swan Districts last week, kicking the match-winning goal.

West Perth’s Rikisha Nannup and Swan Districts’ Grace Hirst are missing through injury, fellow Swan Shaya Yarran has been rested, while East Fremantle pair Avuya Nomlatyu and Sienna Lilly (rotation) are also out.

Macy Fair in action for the State 16s back in 2023. Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

Orme felt there were plenty of positives to take out of their last game against Vic Metro at Cockburn after an improved performance.

“Our young group is growing each quarter,” she said.

“We took a big step forward with our contest work against Vic Metro.

“They’re a classy opposition and restraining their offence was a significant focus of ours.”

Orme had been impressed with the performance of West Perth ruck Cara Dzięgielewski and Perth half-back Mia Carlshausen across the first two games of the carnival.

“Cara Dzięgielewski has been seriously impressive,” Orme said.

“Her ruck work and ability to compete around the ground have been a highlight.

“Mia Carlshausen has also been a bright spark – her class and composure across half back have been important in our first two games.”

The match kicks off at 9am WST on Saturday and will be streamed live on AFL.com.au and the AFL App.