Humble Heath praises Steed after one-two finish

The humble nature of WA’s latest Larke Medal winner Heath Mellody was evident when he spoke glowingly about his State 18s teammate Leo Steed’s carnival.

Claremont young gun Mellody became the first Larke medallist from WA since Perth product turned West Coast recruit Deven Robertson in 2019.

Like it was seven years ago with Robertson finished ahead of Fremantle superstar Luke Jackson, WA had a one-two finish with Mellody (19 votes) edging out Black Swans co-captain and Swan Districts rising star Steed (13) by six votes.

Mellody, who averaged 28 disposals, four marks and four rebound 50s across the four-game carnival to also be named WA’s MVP and captain of the Under-18s All-Australian Team, felt Steed was “pretty unlucky” after being unable to finish the finale against the Allies due to severe illness.

“He was pretty unlucky to get sick in the last game. I thought he had probably had the best carnival up until that,” Mellody said.

“It’s good to be alongside him and see how well he’s going right now.”

The Wembley Downs Junior Football Club product and Hale School student rocketed up the AFL Draft boards after an impressive championships campaign, where he started across half-back before moving into the engine-room for the final two games after a groin injury to South Fremantle midfield bull Lucas Robinson.

The top-10 prospect, the son of East Fremantle champion Martin Mellody, said it was a huge confidence boost to perform so well against the best draft hopefuls around the country.

“Going into the carnival, I wasn’t really expecting to do this well,” Mellody said.

“It is a bit of confidence-booster. For people to think that highly of me is really special.

“I definitely feel like I can cut it at the next level.”

Heath Mellody celebrates a goal with WA teammate Garrison Kenh against the Allies in Ballarat. Credit: AFL Photos

Mellody and Steed were among four West Aussies named in the Under-18s All-Australian Team alongside ruckman Benji van Rooyen and WA skipper George Gale, both Colts premiership teammates of Mellody at Claremont last year.

Mellody started training with the Tigers’ seniors last month and is firmly in the mix for a Sullivan Logistics WAFL debut in the back end of the season when he recovers from a minor hip issue.

WA finished with a 2-2 record in the 18s carnival after a heartbreaking loss to the Allies in Ballarat to finish.

Mellody’s Larke Medal win capped off a massive fortnight for the AAMI WA Football Talent Program with WA’s State 16s breaking a nine-year title drought with an undefeated campaign.

East Fremantle talent and WA co-captain Troy Warner, the younger brother of Sydney Swans pair Chad and Corey, won the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the best player in the carnival.

Warner was the first West Aussie to win the award since Samo Petrevski-Seton in 2014 in a massive accolade for the exciting 2028 AFL Draft prospect.

The hard-working midfielder was one of four WA players – alongside East Fremantle teammates Jayke Taylor, Jack Holland and Aiden Martignago – to make the Under-16s All-Australian Team, to go with title-winning coach Michael Glassborow.

“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’s talent wins

State 18s Boys

Larke Medal: Heath Mellody (Claremont)

All-Australian Team: Heath Mellody (Claremont/captain), George Gale (Claremont), Benji van Rooyen (Claremont), Leo Steed (Swan Districts)

WA MVP: Heath Mellody (Claremont)

State 18s Girls

All-Australian Team: Mia Carlshausen (Perth), Cara Dziegielewski (West Perth)

WA MVP: Cara Dziegielewski (West Perth)

State 16s Boys

Kevin Sheehan Medal: Troy Warner (East Fremantle)

All-Australian Team: Michael Glassborow (Coach), Troy Warner (East Fremantle/captain), Jack Holland (East Fremantle), Aiden Martignago (East Fremantle), Jayke Taylor (East Fremantle)

WA MVP: Troy Warner (East Fremantle)

State 16s Girls

All-Australian Team: Kate Orme (Coach), Arybella Nelson (West Perth/captain), Bea Crane (Subiaco), Keira Fawcett (Swan Districts)

MVP: Arybella Nelson (West Perth)