Five WA Players to Watch in AFL National Under-18s Champs opener v SA

The AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys get their AFL National Under-18s Championship campaign underway against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday morning. We take a look at some of the players set to shine in the carnival.

Leo Steed (Swan Districts/midfielder)

Steed is arguably WA’s biggest draft riser in 2026, predicted to go as high as the first round after improving out of sight.

The Bunbury product has impressed as senior level for Swan Districts with his two-way running, tackling pressure and silky foot skills.

He’s been a regular among the Black Ducks’ best and is set to be used in the midfield for the State 18s.

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Heath Mellody (Claremont/midfielder, half-back)

The versatile talent is rivalling Leo Steed to be the first West Aussie called out in the AFL National Draft later in the year.

The AFL Academy member has played a mix of half-back and midfield this season and has caught the eye with his elite skills, run and ball-winning ability.

The Claremont colts premiership player is likely to play mainly across half-back in the champs with bursts in the midfield.

Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle/midfielder)

The big-bodied midfielder made his league debut for the reigning premiers in Round 1 and held his spot ever since.

He’s produced some big performances in the seniors, both as an inside midfielder and up forward.

The Fremantle Next Generation Academy talent looks primed for a massive carnival.

Axel Walsh (East Perth/ruck)

There’s a reason why this kid is touted to be future AFL club Tasmania’s first ever selection.

The smooth-moving ruck isn’t draft eligible until next year but is a strong chance to be pre-selected by the Devils earlier.

He’s bounced back from injury in style in recent weeks, putting together an eye-catching display around the ground as the State 18s got over the line in a tight one against the WAFL Under-20s last month.

Is likely to play a variety of positions in the carnival including ruck, key forward and even on a wing.

George Gale (Claremont/midfielder)

The State 18s co-captain heads into the match in unbelievable touch and has rarely had a game below 30 touches this season.

Has bulked up over the pre-season and taken his game to another level.

Expect Gale to play a mix of inside midfield and wing and find plenty of the footy in both positions.