AFL Draft prospects in action during WAFL finals

We take a look at the most exciting AFL Draft prospect in action across Sullivan Logistics WAFL, Reserves and EGT Colts finals.

Heath Mellody (Claremont)

It’s hard to believe Mellody is just three games into his senior WAFL career, such is the impact he’s having.

After a stunning 34-disposal, 10-clearance performance against West Coast in the final round of the home-and-away season, Mellody adjusted to the step up in finals intensity with ease as the Tigers knocked off Perth in Saturday’s Qualifying Final at Revo Fitness Stadium.

The smooth-moving midfielder/half-back can do no wrong since winning the Larke Medal as the best player in the AFL National Under-18s Championships.

After recovering from a minor hip issue, Mellody has burst onto the league scene with an impressive three-game run as his draft stocks continue to rise.

Axel Walsh (East Perth)

Don’t be surprised to see Axel Walsh get a senior berth this weekend after starring in the Reserves over the past fortnight.

The highly-rated 17-year-old isn’t draft eligible until next year but is firming as Tasmania’s first ever signing.

The 203cm ruck-forward is a special talent with Luke Jackson traits who’s averaging three goals, 19 disposals, 22 hit-outs and six marks per game in the twos.

Harvey Spawton-Guy (West Perth)

The West Perth key forward looks full of confidence on the back of a successful stint in the seniors.

Spawton-Guy starred in his return to the Colts last weekend, booting a game-high four goals to lead his team to an upset Elimination Final win over Subiaco.

It came after he kicked nine goals during a five-game period in the league side, including four consecutive multiple-goal hauls.

If the Falcons are to go deep into finals, their 196cm spearhead will be at the forefront of the action no doubt.

Harper Banfield (Claremont)

Banfield put the Tigers on his back during their upset Colts Qualifying Final victory over South Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday.

Like Spawton-Guy, Banfield has benefitted from a stint in the seniors with West Coast and ready to tear the finals apart.

He produced a statement performance in the midfield in his return to Colts action, amassing 28 disposals, 12 clearances ana kicking a goal.

No doubt West Coast recruiters will be keeping a close eye on Banfield’s finals series as he looks to follow in his father’s footsteps to the Eagles.

Jake Soutar (East Perth)

The mature-aged AFL Draft prospect has done his chances no harm with a breakout season down back for the Royals.

Soutar’s efforts in 2026 have earned him a State Draft Combine invitation.

The 20-year-old is averaging more than 16 disposals and a touch under seven marks per game in a career-best season.

He was again among the Royals’ best in their Elimination Final win over South Fremantle on Sunday and will loom large against the Demons this weekend.

George Gale (Claremont)

While all the hype has been on his State 18s teammate Heath Mellody, WA co-captain George Gale has been quietly going about his business.

The son of former Docker and Saint Mark Gale has shown plenty on the wing before the Tigers and didn’t look overawed by his first taste of senior finals action over the weekend.

He’s averaging 19 disposals and four marks across his first three games in the seniors including a best of 22 to go with a magnificent goal from the pocket against West Coast in Round 20.

Benji van Rooyen (Claremont)

Van Rooyen is back in the Colts after getting a taste of senior action alongside Gale and Mellody.

The younger brother of Melbourne spearhead Jacob and Claremont league player Sam impressed in the Tigers’ Qualifying Final win on Saturday, with 15 disposals, 37 hit-outs, six clearances and a goal.

The Under-18s All-Australian is the dominant ruckman in the Colts when he’s back and also has the ability to drift forward and kick goals.

Finlay Yeo (East Fremantle)

The East Fremantle heads into his side’s first game of the Colts finals in blistering form after a staggering 30-disposal, four-goal performance against Swan Districts in the final round of the home-and-away season.

The Fremantle Next Generation Academy talent is only small at 172cm, but makes up for it with blistering pace, defensive pressure and x-factor.

Averaging 23 disposals and a goal per game in 2026, Yeo can play in the midfield or up forward and would be an exciting addition for the Dockers if they decide to pick him up.

Garrison Kenh (East Perth)

Another exciting prospect who featured for East Perth’s Reserves at the weekend, Kenh is a smooth-moving half-back with a damaging left foot.

The West Coast Next Generation Academy member featured in two games for the Eagles’ WAFL side and didn’t look out of place.

He’s since returned to the Royals and will be one of the key to their finals ambitions.

James Artemis (East Fremantle)

Like Walsh, James Artemis is one of WA’s most talented 2027 draft prospects.

And also like Walsh, Artemis is a player of interest for AFL expansion team Tasmania and could end up getting snapped up later this year as a priority selection.

The WA State 16s MVP from last year is putting together a fantastic back end of the season for the Sharks to help his team claim the minor premiership.

Artemis is a hard-running wingman who finds plenty of the footy and uses it well going inside 50.