2027 AFL Draft prospect Walsh set for finals debut for injury-hit Royals

Highly-rated 2027 AFL Draft prospect Axel Walsh will make his senior debut for East Perth in Saturday’s do-or-die First Semi Final against Perth at Mineral Resources Park.

The Royals have been forced to make four changes to due injury with rebounding defender Stan Wright out for the season with a hamstring injury and livewire Tyler Lindberg (knee) also done for 2026, while ball magnet Liam Tedesco (calf) and forward Ben Middleton (hamstring) have also been ruled out for the Demons clash but could still return later in finals.

After being tempted to pull the trigger on generational 203cm talent Walsh last week, East Perth coach Ross McQueen has given him a league berth following back-to-back three-goal performances in the twos.

Walsh, 17, becomes the 13th member of the AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys squad to debut this season in a fantastic result.

Former West Coast speedster Coby Burgiel has been recalled for the Royals after 32 disposals and a goal in the Royals’ massive reserves Qualifying Final win over the Demons.

Perth have brought two key players back in with dangerous forward Kane Johnston back from a back issue and last weekend’s late withdrawal, ruckman Josh Edwards, back from soreness.

Jesse Glass-McKasker and Cooper Moore have been omitted.

Minor premiers Peel Thunder have made six changes for their first taste of finals action in 2026 as they prepare to host Claremont at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah.

Dockers recruit Judd McVee is one of six inclusions after getting dropped for Thursday night’s Qualifying Final loss to Hawthorn at Optus Stadium in favour of Brandon Walker.

However, with Walker suffering an ankle injury in that game, Fremantle may be forced to hold McVee out of the game in case he’s needed for the second week of AFL finals.

Bailey Banfield, Chris Scerri, Toby Whan and last round’s debutant Tobyn Murray are also included for the Thunder.

Small forward Kyelan Sanders recalled after getting through his return from a foot issue last week in the twos.

Ollie Murphy, Adam Sweid, Toby Cossor, Josh Mathey and Leon Kickett have all been squeezed out for the team that lost to South Fremantle in the final home-and-away round of the season.

Claremont have welcomed back two stars from concussion with zippy forward-midfielder Zac Mainwaring and key defender Declan Hardisty coming in for youngsters Joseph Hopkyns and Sam van Rooyen.

Both games start at 2.30pm on Saturday.