State 18s girls tune up for National Champs with big win over ClaremontMonday, June 16, 2025 - 10:16 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Western Australia’s under-18s girls side tuned up for their upcoming AFL National Under-18s Championship opener with a big win over WAFLW powerhouse Claremont.

The Black Swans recovered from a slow start to prevail by 27 points at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday – 6.9 (45) to 2.6 (18) – ahead of Sunday’s carnival-opening clash against Queensland at RSEA Park in Melbourne.

Highly-rated Subiaco draft prospect Olivia Wolmarans booted three of WA’s six goals in a dominant display to further enhance her top-10 credentials.

Small forwards Mel Grage, Ella Gilbey and Charli Bassett were lively and provided excellent pressure, while Juliet Kelly, Renee Morgan and Carys D'Addario found plenty of the footy against a strong Tigers midfield.

“It was a really good hit-out against Claremont, who put some youngsters on the park but had a really strong team as well,” WA Football’s Manager Female Talent Programs and Coaching Specialist Trent Cooper said.

“It was great to come up against the likes of Jayme Harken and Matilda Sergeant which should hold them in good stead.”

Cooper was impressed with WA’s fightback after conceding the opening two goals of the game before booting six goals to none after quarter-time.

“Claremont were on top early, which wasn’t surprising given it was our first game together, but we worked into the game really strong and finished really well,” he said.

“To perform like that on the weekend was great and should give the girls plenty of confidence heading into the championships.”

Several top talents who didn’t feature in the trial game are in the mix to return are AFL Academy trio Mia Russo (hamstring and illness), Alicia Blizard (illness) and Olivia Crane (back).

Cooper said Evie Cowcher was progressing well with her rehabilitation from a back injury and should feature in the carnival, while Alira Fotu (knee) is set to play her first game of the year for South Fremantle this weekend.

The WA-versus-Queensland clash starts at 10am on Sunday and will be streamed live on via the AFLW match centre and on the AFLW website.