Dress Rehearsals Over for State 18s

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

NO.
PLAYERS
DOB

1
Cody Angove
28/05/2006

2
Luke Urquhart
19/09/2006

3
Malakai Champion
17/05/2006

5
Will Hayes
16/05/2006

6
Blake Kelly
03/01/2007

8
Charlie Banfield
18/07/2007

10
Austin van der Struyf
17/03/2006

11
Hamish Davis
02/05/2006

13
Jaxon Artemis
24/08/2006

14
Matthew Becker
30/08/2007

15
Deian Roberts
24/07/2006

17
max Rohr
16/04/2005

18
Clancy Dennis
28/12/2006

19
Koby Evans
08/09/2007

20
Cody Curtin
18/05/2007

21
Darcy Petersen
12/01/2006

23
Charlie Burke
11/04/2006

24
Fred Rodriguez
10/07/2007

26
Kayle Gerreyn
10/05/2006

27
Trent Hiscock
23/03/2006

29
Aiden Riddle
27/12/2005

30
Jaxon Douglas
07/02/2006

34
Jayden Rigoll
16/09/2006

Tom Bell (emg)
06/10/2006