Mellody wins Larke Medal, four WA players in U18 All-Aus Team

Claremont draft prospect Heath Mellody has become the first West Aussie to win the Larke Medal in seven years after a consistent and eye-catching AFL National Under-18s Championships campaign.

The talented half-back/midfielder strengthened his first-round draft credentials by being voted as the best player across the carnival by the panel of judges.

Mellody polled 19 votes, six clear of WA co-captain and Swan Districts young gun Leo Steed who finished on 13.

The last player from Western Australia to win the Larke Medal was Perth product and current West Coast midfielder Deven Robertson in 2019.

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It was also a one-two WA double that year with Robertson edging out East Fremantle export turned star Dockers big man Luke Jackson.

Mellody, the WA State 18s MVP winner who averaged 28 disposals, five marks and four rebound 50s across the four games, was named skipper of the Under-18s All-Australian team in another massive accolade.

He was one of four Black Swans players to make the All-Australian team alongside his Claremont colts premiership teammates George Gale, Benji van Rooyen and Swan Districts first-round prospect Steed.

“We’re proud of Heath’s efforts across the Championships, he impressed in a variety of roles for us and remained consistent in all four games,” AAMI WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones said.

“To be named WA’s first Larke Medal winner since 2019 is a credit to his hard work and dedication over a number of years to keep improving his game.

“To have four players named in the Under-18s All-Australian Team, including Heath as captain, is a massive result for WA Football and highlighted our improvement from last year.

“It was fantastic to see Leo recognised as the runner-up of the Larke Medal as well, while our fellow co-captain George Gale and ruckman Benji van Rooyen were also deserving of their spots in the All-Australian Team.

“It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for our AAMI WA Football Talent Program after our State 16s Boys won their first national title in nine years.

“To have a West Aussie named as the best player of the 16s (Troy Warner) and 18s carnivals is a monumental achievement.”

WA finished the 18s carnival with a 2-2 record after falling agonisingly short of a final-game victory over the Allies in Ballarat.