WAFLHistoric Kia State Game triple-header locked in
Jordan McArdle
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17 Apr 2026
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SOME of Western Australia’s most talented young female players have the chance to impress AFLW recruiters when a WAFLW All Stars side plays the State 18s at the Cockburn ARC on Thursday night.
Trent Cooper, Coaching Specialist – Talent Pathways at the West Australian Football Commission, has described the match as a great launching pad for 2023.
“It’s multi-faceted in that we’re looking for a tough fixture as the 18’s prepare for their opening game of the National Championships against South Australia,” Cooper said.
“It’s also the first opportunity for our girls to play together and learn the game plan being implemented by Head Coach Beau McDonald.
“As for the All Stars, it’s a reward for their early season form and another chance to impress AFLW clubs.”
The selection criteria for the match met specific objectives.
“For the State 18s, we’re working with players who have the potential to fill the needs of AFLW clubs in the future,” he said.
“We are balancing this out with players who can help us compete in the National Championships.
“WAFLW clubs nominated players for the All Stars side and we worked with the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers to select a team that had players who could join an AFLW club or who have been in good form in the WAFLW.”
Cooper has praised the effort of players who’ve demanded selection.
“For the 18s, Charlotte Newland wasn’t in the initial squad but has been performing really well in the backline for Subiaco,” he said.
West Perth’s impressive form has seen five Falcons named in the side, with Tia Bergin and Grace Betti impressing many observers.
This match could be the launching pad for several players to earn AFLW promotion.
“It’s an important fixture because it’s a chance to see how the younger players handle themselves against mature opposition, with AFL clubs assessing their draft potential,” Cooper said.
Credit – Paul Kane (AFL Photos)
Link to All Stars game coverage:
https://streamer.com.au/club/waflwallstars/event/all-stars-v-wa-u18s
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WA Football acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands across Western Australia where we train, play, and come together through football. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people. We recognise the deep and continuing contribution First Nations peoples make to our game and our communities.
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