Dress Rehearsals Over for State 18sFriday, May 31, 2024 - 10:30 AM

Two trial matches have given State 18s coach Marc Webb confidence his side can be highly competitive in the upcoming 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships - U18 Boys.

The team will be without captain Bo Allan who is recovering from a back injury, but is expected to play in WA's next Championships match against South Australia on Sunday June 16.

The State side wrapped up its preparations with a 33-point win over Claremont’s Reserves team on Saturday and that result followed a seven-point loss to an Under 21 WAFL line up the previous weekend.

“We had a weekend camp three weeks ago allowing us to get to know each other,” Webb said.

“Having a good hit out against the State 21’s provided the first test and gave us some good feedback around how we can play better in the coming weeks.

“Players certainly noticed the bigger bodies and speed of the game in our opening trial match.

 “We reviewed a fair bit around our stoppage craft and providing greater opportunities for our forwards.

“A real positive was the way we finished the game off in the fourth quarter with our effort and ball use.” 

Webb is aware of the outside noise from the east claiming few local players will be taken in this year’s AFL Draft.

“We know there is a perception, however we are consistently focused on us getting better individually and as a group,” he said.

“If we bring our best both as individuals and as a team the rest will take care of itself. 

“We control what is in our control – our attitude our effort and our actions.

“The better we work together as a team the greater outcomes for all.”

WA will select their captain from the leadership group that includes Jaxon Douglas, Luke Urquhart and Austin van der Struyf.

 WA’s first match is against the Allies on Sunday and can be live-streamed via the AFL app or AFL.com.au.

U18s Team