Eagles to debut mid-season draftee in WAFL, other key players in Round 9Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 11:59 AM

We take a look at the players to watch on a big Saturday of Round 9 WAFL action, highlighted by West Coast's second Mid-Season Rookie draftee who's been cleared to play after a quad injury.

Jacob Newton (West Coast)

The AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft pick-up will make his WAFL debut for West Coast after recovering from a quad injury.

Newton is a 19-year-old small forward out of the SANFL who had been on the Eagles’ radar for a couple of years.

WAFL averages: Debut

Charlie Constable (Perth)

The former Geelong and Gold Coast midfielder is coming off a stunning performance in a losing cause against Claremont last week, where he amassed 34 disposals, booted two goals and laid 11 tackles.

Constable, who’s averaging a whopping 33.8 disposals per game which is second in the competition, to go with just under seven tackles, will be one of the keys to a Demons’ bounce-back win against West Coast in the Lathlain derby on Saturday from 1.10pm.

Average disposals: 33.8

Shane Nelson (West Perth)

All eyes will be on the milestone man as he plays his 250th senior WAFL game for his beloved Falcons against East Fremantle at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup on Saturday from 2.40pm.

The dual West Perth premiership hero and five-time best-and-fairest winner has shown he’s still got plenty left in the tank, averaging a touch under 25 disposals in 2025.

Average disposals: 24.9

Jack Cleaver (East Fremantle)

Cleaver, 21, has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the competition this season.

Part of the Sharks’ 2023 premiership side, Cleaver has taken his game to another level in 2025.

He’s an excellent size, reads the play well and can play in multiple positions.

Average disposals: 21.4

Greg Clark (Subiaco)

Clark is a stalwart of Subiaco Football Club and wears his heart on his sleeve each and every week.

The big-bodied midfielder was a big reason behind the Lions’ improvement against Peel Thunder last week as they got within a goal of an upset win, racking up 27 disposals to go with 14 tackles and a goal.

The Simpson medallist and former West Coast-listed player finds so much of the footy, is elite defensively with his tackling pressure and can hit the scoreboard.

He will be need another dominant display if Subiaco are to overcome an in-form Claremont at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday evening from 4.10pm.

Average disposals: 25.4

Kieran Gowdie (Claremont)

The 23-year-old Claremont man mountain is coming off a career-best haul of seven majors against Perth last weekend to put the competition on notice.

The 200cm, 100kg beast, has kicked 17 goals in seven appearances this season, becoming the main focal point while pinch-hitting in the ruck.

He’s got an excellent set of hands, is super strong and has improved his fitness and running capacity to make the most of the work of the Tigers’ star-studded midfield which includes Sandover medallist Jye Bolton, Bailey Roger and Callan England.

Average goals: 2.4