AAMI WA Football State 18s squad picked for expanded winter program

The initial AAMI WA Football State 18s squad has been selected ahead of the first of six trial games this weekend.

Training kicks off this week for the Black Swans in an expanded AAMI WA Football Talent Program.

The Black Swans will take on Swan Districts Reserves on Sunday, one of six hit-outs over the next seven weeks ahead of the AFL National Under-18s Championship opener against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, June 13.

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Five of the six trial games will be against WAFL Reserves sides, while the other against a WAFL Under-20s Select team forms part of a State representative triple-header at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday, May 16.

Several players in the squad of 39 have already tasted Sullivan Logistics WAFL football including South Fremantle on-baller Lucas Robinson, Swan Districts midfielder Leo Steed and emerging Subiaco ruckman Frazer Rickson who’s been picked as an over-ager.

Subiaco ruckman Frazer Rickson has been picked as an over-ager after a broken leg ruined his hopes last season.

Last season’s premiers Claremont have the most representatives in the squad with nine including AFL Academy pair Benji van Rooyen and Heath Mellody, while fellow grand finalists South Fremantle are equal-second alongside East Fremantle with six apiece.

Four bottom-aged colts and Claremont small forward Damien Newry have also been invited as train-on players.

“We’re looking forward to coming together as a group ahead of what’s a big couple of months before our AFL National Under-18s Championship opener against South Australia on June 13,” AAMI WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones said.

“It’s an expanded program this year, with the squad playing six trial games, up from two in previous years, which we think will greatly benefit our players and the cohesion among the group.

“We’ve been encouraged by the players have produced at EGT WAFL Colts level, with several stepping up to senior ranks and performing strongly.

“We’re bullish about what this group and achieve and believe we have the balance and depth of talent to compete with all states.

“For those who didn’t make it, there will be additional opportunities for players to be added over the coming weeks.”

There are seven players tied to West Coast’s Next Generation Academy – Robby Farmer, Harper Banfield (father-son), Elijah Williams, Garrison Kenh, Lachlan McGlade, Cody Lee and Kyan Perrera – while Finlay Yeo, Robinson and train-on Newry are part of Fremantle’s NGA.

AAMI WA Football State 18s squad

Claremont: Benji van Rooyen, George Gale, Heath Mellody, Robby Farmer, Elijah Dennis, Harper Banfield, Elijah Williams, Jacob Kee, Tom Brown

East Fremantle: Cooper Ramsay, Finlay Yeo, James Artemis, Oscar Richardson, Marcus Motton, Ben Wood

East Perth: Garrison Kenh, Axel Walsh, Lachlan McGlade, Ethan Turner

Peel Thunder: Mitch Stirling

Perth: Jayden Clarke, Fynn Tomasini, Cody Lee

South Fremantle: Heath Wilson, Byron Foster, Lucas Robinson, Cam Maynard, Conor Bushe-Jones, Hudson Graham

Subiaco: Kyan Perrera, Frazer Rickson, Sam O’Brien

Swan Districts: Leo Steed, Sheldon Pickett

West Perth: Koby LeCras, Harvey Spawton-Guy, Rafe Williamson, Maxim Collins, Campbell Creyk

Train-on players: Lachlan Sheldrick (Claremont), Damien Newry (Claremont), Noah Hannaford (East Fremantle), Hunter Hearn (East Fremantle), Taj Allan (Swan Districts)

WA’s AFL National Under-18s Championship fixtures

Saturday, June 13: v South Australia at Mineral Resources Park (10.30am)

Saturday, June 20: v Vic Metro at Cockburn ARC (11am)

Friday, July 3: v Vic Country in Melbourne (venue and time TBC)

Wednesday, July 8: v Allies in Melbourne (venue and time TBC)