State Talent and DraftCTF Catch-Up: WA 18s Boys win thriller over fast-finishing SA
Jordan McArdle
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13 Jun 2026
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The AAMI WA Football State 18s Girls went down to South Australia in their AFLW National Under-18s Championship opener at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday afternoon.
The injury-hit Black Swans fought hard in the second half after conceding the first nine goals of the match but couldn’t reel in the deficit with SA finishing 52-point victors.
Athletic West Perth ruck Cara Dziegielewski battled hard all afternoon for WA, finishing with a game-high 34 hit-outs to go with 14 disposals, seven marks and five tackles.
Dziegielewski, who was All-Australian ruck in last year’s champs, is shaping up to be the State’s top draft prospect.
Fellow Falcon and double bottom-ager Arybella Nelson was brilliant in her State 18s debut, amassing 16 disposals, taking 12 marks and laying five tackles in an under-siege defence.
Claremont’s India Bonadeo was also among WA’s best with nine intercept possessions in her 21-disposal performance.
Dashing Perth half-back Mia Carlshausen (19 disposals and 11 marks) and East Perth midfielder Charli Bassett (12 disposals and seven clearances) also did their bit.
East Fremantle tall forward Avuya Nomlatyu had some nice moments up forward, booting two second-half goals.
WA won the second half in a positive to take out of the match but the damage was already done.
It was one win apiece against the Croweaters in Saturday’s talent double-header, with the State 18s Boys getting over the line by 12 points in a thrilling contest to start the day.
WA’s 18s Girls get an opportunity to bounce back next Saturday when they host Vic Metro at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup.
WA’s AFLW National Under-18s Championship fixtures
Saturday, June 13: WA v South Australia (Mineral Resources Park, 1pm).
Saturday, June 20: WA v Vic Metro (HIF Health Insurance Oval,12.45pm).
Friday, July 3: WA v Vic Country (Kennedy Community Centre, 9am WST).
Wednesday, July 8: WA v Allies (Kennedy Community Centre, 10.30am WST).
Brought to you by Construction Training Fund – Major Partner of the WA Football Talent Program
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