WA players to watch during AFLW U18 ChampionshipsWednesday, June 18, 2025 - 12:28 PM - by Mark Readings

This year's AFLW U18 National Championships kick off this weekend for WA.

Female Talent Football Manager at WA Football Trent Cooper joined the WAFL’s official podcast Seven Point Play to run through which players to keep an eye on.

Olivia Wolmarans – Subiaco – Ruck/Forward

“Olivia has so many attributes but it’s her work rate which makes her so hard to play on when she’s up and going.

"Her high-speed running is elite.

"I’m really excited to see what she can do at the Championships and moving forward she should be taken early in the Draft.”

Evie Cowcher – Peel Thunder - Defender

“One of the best intercept defenders in the WAFLW.

"She’s won the MVP for our 18s as a 16-year-old and as a 17-year-old.

"Out with injury at the moment, but we know she is a rebounding defender who can kick really well with good skills.”

Renee Morgan – South Fremantle - Midfielder

“A really good in and under midfielder and has great leadership.

"She has been voted as one of the captains of the group and we’re looking forward to her racking up possession and using the ball well.”

Carys D’Addario- Swan Districts - Midfielder

“Carys is in great form for Swans.

"She has had no luck with injury when it comes to National Championships, missing the 16s and 18s.

"But she played well for the All Stars in the recent match against the National Academy and has one of the best-off ruck hands I’ve seen at any level.

"Carys reads the ball so well, is clean at ground level and distributes the ball well to team mates.”

Olivia Crane – Subiaco – Key Defender

“Olivia had an ACL so missed last season and has worked really hard to get back.

"She’s tall but can play behind the ball or in the midfield because she has such a good tank.

"Has played well already for Subiaco, is a great leader and a terrific person.”

Mia Russo – West Perth – Midfielder

"Was dominant in the Rogers Cup for a couple of years.

"She’s actually been out with a hamstring injury and then last weekend she couldn’t play because of influenza, so she’s had a bad run but we’re looking forward to having her back.

"Mia might not be at here best for Round 1 but she’s a dynamic midfielder who adds a lot to the team.”

Alicia Blizzard – East Fremantle – Forward

“Exciting prospect as a forward, is really fast and hits the scoreboard.

"Her elite forward pressure makes her stand out from the rest.”

Juliet Kelly – Claremont – Midfielder

“It’s hard to go past her 48 disposals in the WAFLW this year.

"There are not too many people like Juliet, an international rower, and she did all the hard subjects at school.

"She’s the most team orientated defensive player and she’s shown she has the ability to win a heap of the footy herself.”

Alira Fotu – South Fremantle – Forward

“She’s a dual sport athlete as a Perth Lynx development player but loves her footy.

"Whatever she does she shows so much ability but unfortunately she’s been injured.

"We’re hoping she gets some minutes in with South Fremantle this weekend.

"Alira has really good hands as a third forward, a good distributor and has a lovely kick.”

STREAMING + STATS: All U18 National Champs matches will be live streamed via the match centre on the AFL website here and the AFL Live Official App. Live stats will also be available in the match centre.