East Perth and State 18s talent officially joins Tasmania

Highly-rated East Perth teenager Axel Walsh has officially been unveiled as Tasmania’s first ever signing.

Just weeks after making his Sullivan Logistics WAFL debut for the Royals during their finals campaign, the athletic 203cm ruck was announced as part of AFL expansion side Tasmania’s first crop of seven signings.

The 17-year-old has long been linked to the Devils, with the club getting access to the best bottom-aged talent as part of their list concessions package.

Under list concessions granted by the AFL ahead of the club’s entry in 2028, the Devils are allowed to pre-list up to 12 potential draft picks over the next two seasons.

PLAYER 1: AXEL WALSH

17-year-old West Australian

202cm Ruck/Forward

Would’ve been the likely number one pick in next year’s AFL Draft

Made senior debut for East Perth this year

Under 16 All-Australian (averaged 21.5 disposals and 27 hit-outs.) pic.twitter.com/Ih9FsRrlzE

— Brent Costelloe (@brentcostelloe) September 29, 2026

Walsh is set to feature for Tasmania’s VFL side in 2027 along with fellow draftees Jake Miller (Western Jets), Angus Brown (Sandringham Dragons), Riley Stratford (Sandringham Dragons), Baxter Sruk (Eastern Ranges), Griffin Barker (Western Jets), Nate Jenkins (Calder Cannons) and Tasmania local Hugh McCallum who were also revealed by the club on Tuesday evening.

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Walsh impressed as a bottom-ager for the AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys this season, playing a variety of roles including ruck, forward and defence.

He was also named in the AFL Under-16s All-Australian Team last year.

“We’re incredibly proud of Axel, he deserves this opportunity after showing what he’s capable of over the past few years,” WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones said.

“He’s not only got the natural talent, but works so hard on improving his game and is a very coachable young man who’s been a pleasure to work with as part of the AAMI WA Football Talent Program.

“Tasmania have got a beauty in Axel and we’re looking forward to witnessing the next chapter of what’s going to be a long and exciting career.”

Tasmania announced that the new crop of signings would move to the Apple Isle in November.