WA U18s Ready For SA ContestThursday, June 13, 2024 - 11:29 AM

Western Australia are preparing for their second game in the National Championships – U18s Boys competition against South Australia on Sunday in Adelaide. 

The Black Swans are coming off a bye week having lost their first match to the Allies in New South Wales. 

But there is good news for the WA side with Head Coach Marc Webb announcing captain Bo Allan, who missed the first game with a back injury, set to play. 

“He was selected by his teammates as the player they wanted to lead the group and was fully supported by the coaches and WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones,” Webb said.  

“He has a strong physical presence in games and lives the values of our program.  

“He also connects well with players and staff.” 

The WA Talent Program continues to provide opportunities for players, with this weekend’s game featuring five bottom-age players – Charlie Banfield, Cody Curtin, Koby Evans, Fred Rodriguez, Blake Kelly. 

Webb has made some slight changes to the team who played a fortnight ago. 

“We are looking to re-balance the team a bit from the Allies game,” Webb explained. 

“We were a bit shorter forward, and having Hamish Davis play more forward time will help our forward structure.  

“It is also important to provide opportunities for players within the squad who have been performing at PSA and Colts level.” 

Joining Allan in making their U18s National Championships debut is Hugh Boxhall and Loch McTaggart. 

Hugh and Loch have both been injured from early in the program,” Webb said.  

“Hugh Boxshall is a hard-working midfielder and Loch McTaggart is a defender who is strong one-on-one and can play on the smaller opposition forwards.” 

Webb said the team have benefitted from having an extra week to prepare for South Australia on Sunday. 

“Some players had the ability to get another game in such as Hugh and Loch, while the majority of the squad were able to train and continue to build cohesion as a group both on and off the field,” Webb said. 

Despite the tough competition, Webb said his players are prepared for the contest. 

“They (South Australia) have a strong midfield which can win plenty of ball and they have some dangerous forwards,” Webb said.  

“It will be a great challenge for our group and an opportunity for our midfield to test themselves against a highly regarded team.” 

The match will be broadcast on Fox Footy and live-streamed on the AFL app and AFL website.

WA U18s Team