WA MVP joins West Perth pair in U18 All-Australian teamThursday, July 24, 2025 - 11:46 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Western Australia captain Fred Rodriguez has added Under-18s All-Australian to his recently-announced State MVP honour, joining a pair of West Perth talents in the team.

The South Fremantle young gun was named alongside Falcons Jacob Farrow and Sam Swadling in the side after the trio were the standout players from WA.

Rodriguez, who was named on half-forward flank, averaged 18 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s across the championships.

He was instrumental in the Black Swans’ carnival-opening win over Vic Country at Mineral Resources Park, booting two goals from 17 disposals to go with six tackles, six inside 50s and four clearances.

Farrow is shaping up as WA’s bolter, climbing up draft boards following a strong first half of the year.

The classy left-footer, who was named on a back pocket, showcased his versatility to player midfield and defence, averaging 19 disposals, 4.8 marks and 3.8 tackles in his four appearances.

His best game came in the narrow loss to Vic Metro at Marvel Stadium when he finished with a game-high 29 disposals to go with nine marks and four score involvements.

EGT WAFL Colts ball magnet Swadling also showed he could play multiple positions, spending most of the championships in WA’s forward-line.

He averaged nearly a goal per game to go with 19 disposals, 3.8 marks and 2.75 clearances to enhance his draft credentials.

“It’s a good result for the boys and I’m pleased that their form throughout the carnival gets recognised,” WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones said.

“Fred was best on ground in our first game and last game and was named our carnival MVP.

“He’s captained the squad and his work rate forward and defensively is simply outstanding and he’s a really strong character in terms of doing everything he possibly can to get the best out of himself.

“There’s a really good level of interest in Jacob and he’s probably stepping up as one of our prime prospects for this year which is pleasing because he hasn’t been a part of any program before this year, so for him to be able to him to be able to stick at it and improve himself as a footballer is a credit to the work he’s put in.

“Swads played a fair bit forward which is a little bit foreign to him but I think that was fantastic in helping him show other aspects to his game, aside from being a midfielder, and he was a consistent performer across the four games.”

Swadling and Farrow have since debuted at senior level for West Perth, joining Rodriguez broke into ladder leaders South Fremantle’s league side in the opening round.

Under-18s All-Australian Team – WA representatives

Fred Rodriguez, South Fremantle (half-forward flank)

U18 Champs averages: 18 disposals, five tackles, four clearances, four inside 50s, 0.5 goals

Jacob Farrow, West Perth (back pocket)

U18 Champs averages: 19 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.8 tackles, 2.3 inside 50s

Sam Swadling, West Perth (interchange)

U18 Champs averages: 19 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.5 tackles, 2.75 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s, 0.8 goals