Draft prospects in action during WAFLW finalsWednesday, August 6, 2025 - 8:11 PM - by Denholm Melrose - Perth is OK!

As the WAFLW season heats up and finals kicks off, there are a number of under-18s players who are putting their names in lights for higher honours. With two vital semi-finals matchups upcoming this weekend, here are some of the best young talents who will feature in the WAFLW finals series.

Olivia Wolmarans (Key forward, Subiaco)

Wolmarans remains one of WA’s most talented and highly-touted prospects this year and with 15 goals to her name, sitting equal-second on the competition’s goalkicking leader-board despite having played just nine games.

Wolmarans is a powerful athlete who had booted nine goals in her last four appearances heading into last weekend’s top-of-the-table clash and kicked four goals at the National Championships earlier this year for Western Australia.

With two impressive performances against Claremont already this year, Wolmarans be hoping to have a big impact in the second semi-final this week as her side pushes for a Grand Final berth.

Carys D’Addario (Midfielder, Swan Districts)

A vital cog in Swan Districts’ midfield and a key reason the club finished third on the ladder in 2025, D’Addario’s season has been superb.

The talented ball winner played WAFLW as a 16-year-old two years ago and tallied 13 games to her name as a bottom-ager last season but has taken her game to another level in her top-age campaign.

The Caversham product, who missed the National Championships last year with injury but made a big impact for the State 18s this time around, has averaged 23.5 disposals and 6.4 tackles per contest in the WAFLW, as her, running mate Jayme Harken and premier goalkicker Taylah Edwards have led the Black Ducks to a strong position entering this weekend’s first semi-final.

D’Addario was named WA’s MVP at the National Under-18s Championships, and deservedly so after an outstanding carnival where she averaged 21.8 disposals, 5.5 tackles and 6.3 clearances.

Alicia Blizard (Key Forward, East Fremantle)

Returning to the WAFLW competition last week to lay six tackles after a solid National Championships, Blizard is a focal point of the Sharks' forward line, good for a goal per game in 2025.

The 17-year-old prospect applies plenty of pressure inside 50 and is a target overhead, whilst being capable of chopping out in the ruck as well.

Her versatility provides options for East Fremantle, who will value her return to their side in the finals series as they seek to cause an upset against the Swans this coming weekend.

Juliet Kelly (Midfielder, Claremont)

One of the competition’s leading ball-winners at just 18-years-old, Kelly formed WA’s elite midfield group alongside D’Addario and top draft prospect Mia Russo at the Championships.

The prolific Tigers product has averaged 21.9 disposals and 9.5 tackles at WAFLW level this season, and earlier in the year broke the all-time record for disposals in a game against the Royals with 48.

She also laid 10 tackles, took four marks and booted a goal in that match, which can be considered one of the greatest individual performances of all time.

Expect Kelly to be at her ball-winning best during the finals series as Claremont’s midfield attempts to quell the three-headed Lions beast that is Krstel Petrevski, Lisa Steane and Paige Sheppard.

Maya Louvel-Finn (Defender, East Fremantle)

Another rising prospect who returned to the competition last weekend, Louvel-Finn is a bolter who excelled at the National Championships for WA.

The often unheralded defender was outstanding at the State 18s, performing extremely well against top rated prospects to help WA to victory on multiple occasions.

Her football smarts, versatility at both ground level and overhead and ball use are all traits that make her an exciting prospect, and her impressive athleticism is another positive attribute.

Louvel-Finn has averaged 13.7 disposals and almost five tackles per game at WAFLW level, and was a welcome sight for Sharks fans against Swan Districts on the weekend.

Olivia Crane (Wing/Defender, Subiaco)

A reliable and talented Wanneroo product, Crane made her WAFLW debut at just 15 years old.

The now 17-year-old made an impressive return to the competition earlier this year after rupturing her ACL in her bottom-age season and recently returned from the National Champions against East Perth, posting 20 disposals, four marks and three tackles in her first game back.

Crane was named one of WA’s three captains for the carnival earlier this year, a testament to her work ethic and leadership, and she will be an important piece in the Lions’ side in the upcoming finals campaign.

Ella Gilbey (Small Forward, Claremont)

Goalsneak Gilbey has quietly climbed up to 11 goals for the season at WAFLW level, contributing greatly to Claremont’s rise to minor premiers this year.

The Tigers draft prospect has elite pace and has used that attribute to hit the scoreboard in all but two games this season.

Gilbey played her best game of the National Championships against Vic Metro and is set to be imperative in Claremont’s forward 50 in the finals series.

Other impressive youngsters to watch

Emma Henderson (Claremont), Sunni-Quay Peters (Subiaco), Layla Quinn-Schofield (Subiaco), Sienna Gerardi (Swan Districts) and Ava Stewart (Swan Districts) all played in Round 18 of the home-and-away season and impressed at the National Championships earlier this year with the WA State 18s side.

Keep an eye out for some of Western Australia’s best talent this weekend as the WAFLW Finals begin with two Sunday afternoon blockbusters.

WAFLW finals - week one

Claremont v Subiaco (12:30pm, Revo Fitness Stadium)

Swan Districts v East Fremantle (1:30pm, Steel Blue Oval)