Gale a force to be reckoned with in AFL National Under-18s Champs

Freshly-announced AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys co-captain George Gale wants to use his lessons learned a bottom-ager when he leads the Black Swans into battle in the upcoming AFL National Under-18s Championship.

The Claremont son of a gun was voted in as co-captain by his teammates alongside Swan Districts midfielder-forward Leo Steed in something he described as “a real honour”.

“It’s a real honour to be voted in by my peers as co-captain, I feel like we have a really great culture building this year and I’m very excited to help lead the team into the champs games,” Gale said.

Gale is one of several bottom-agers from last year’s National Championships squad back for a second crack.

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He explained how much he learned from WA 18s leaders turned draftees Charlie Banfield (now at St Kilda) and Fred Rodriguez (West Coast).

“Last year was huge for me to learn off the older boys,” Gale said.

“Charlie Banfield and Fred Rodriguez were great role models for me, portraying how to be professional and as a younger player this is something that I want to try and emulate this year for the next year group.”

The AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys leadership group: Lucas Robinson, Benji van Rooyen, Leo Steed, George Gale, Harper Banfield, Finlay Yeo and Harvey Spawton-Guy. Picture: Michael Bain

Gale, who won a Colts premiership last season, has taken his game to another level this season, averaging 31 disposals for the Tigers as a big-bodied midfielder to be one of the most consistent players in the competition.

“I think it has really come down to my belief,” he said.

“Last year at times I doubted myself being younger and less developed, however this year I really believe that I can compete against the best and this is something that has helped me perform well consistently.”

The 190cm talent, who can play inside midfield and on a wing, said he had been impressed by his co-captain Steed, who’s been playing some excellent senior football for Swan Districts this season.

“I think Leo has seriously impressed through the summer squad and his time at Swan Districts playing league football and not looking out of place at all,” Gale said.

“His competitiveness and ruthlessness is something that is inspiring for the rest of our teammates and he is a great leader within the group.”

A couple of Gale’s Claremont teammates, ruck Benji van Rooyen and midfielder Harper Banfield, were also voted into the seven-player leadership group alongside West Perth forward Harvey Spawton-Guy, South Fremantle midfielder Lucas Robinson and East Fremantle speedster Finlay Yeo.

“Those boys are also great leaders among the group,” Gale said.

“Harper has really impressed everyone with his fierce competitiveness and great personality, while Benji has also continued from his strong under-age season and then time with the National Academy, by setting a great example for other boys in the squad and pushing us to train and compete at a high level.”

WA had just one win in their 2025 campaign but with an extended preparation this time around, playing six trial games, Gale believes his team are primed for a big improvement.

“I believe that we are very well prepared for the carnival as a State,” Gale said.

Claremont first-round draft prospect Heath Mellody starred with 30 disposals and three goals as the WA State 18s defeat East Fremantle Reserves in their fifth of six trial games ahead of the AFL National Under-18s Championship.
It comes as fellow Claremont player and son of a gun…

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) May 25, 2026

“We’ve played more games together this year than before and we have some serious talent that can hold us in good stead when we get tested.

“Personally, I want to continue my consistent form and be a real leader for less experienced boys in the champs games.”

Gale doesn’t have to look too far for advice, with his father Mark playing 71 games for Fremantle and another 13 at St Kilda.

While he’s a life-long Dockers fan, the 17-year-old admits he’s got a soft spot for the Saints after seeing fellow Scotch College products Banfield and Hugh Boxshall get drafted there in recent years.

“While both my parents and family have played significant roles in my footy journey, my dad has definitely been the most influential figure,” Gale said.

“He has always kept me grounded and keeps me focused on areas where I can improve my game which I strongly believe has helped me continue to grow.

“I’ve been a Dockers fan forever and in a huge fan as a result of his playing days, however with a couple of Scotch boys getting drafted to St Kilda I definitely have a soft spot for them.”

WA’s AFL National Under-18s Championship gets underway against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, June 13.

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, Noah Braun

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 Perera, Frazer Rickson, Sam O’Brien

Swan Districts: Taj Allan, 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)

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)