WAFLSullivan Logistics WAFL Trophy Tour hits Dongara
Jordan McArdle
|
6 May 2026
Read
more
Claremont midfield trio George Gale, Heath Mellody and Harper Banfield starred in their return to the AAMI WA Football State 18s as they defeated reigning WAFL Reserves premiers East Perth by 44 points in Saturday’s trial game at Mineral Resources Park.
Gale led the way with a game-high 36 disposals, five inside 50s and three clearances to continue his hot start to the season as the WA under-18s made it two wins from as many trial games.
AFL Academy talent Mellody, who’s had an interrupted start to the season, also impressed with 29 disposals, four clearances and four rebound 50s.
Banfield, who was also a member of the Tigers’ 2025 EGT WAFL Colts premiership team, chimed in with 22 touches, six tackles, five marks and a goal.
RELATED ARTICLES
Tigers big man Benji van Rooyen carried on from his standout opening trial game in the ruck with another 21 hit-outs, 16 disposals, six clearances and a goal.
Swan Districts over-ager Sheldon Pickett, who caught the eye in game one on the wing, showed his forward-line traits with an exciting three-goal display.
Claremont Robby Farmer also chimed in with three goals to go with four score assists, while West Perth tall Harvey Spawton-Guy had an almost game with 2.4.
Bottom-aged Falcon Campbell Creyk was among the leading ball winners for the Black Swans with 24, a game-high six tackles and three clearances, while East Perth and West Coast Next Generation Academy talent Lachlan McGlade (15 disposals, four clearances and a goal) had some nice moments.
East Perth ruck Axel Walsh made his return from a long-term knee injury as he builds towards the AFL National Under-18s Championship, finishing with 13 touches, seven hit-outs and four inside 50s in managed minutes.
West Perth utility Koby LeCras (knee) missed with a knee injury, while Swan Districts midfielder Leo Steed, South Fremantle on-baller Lucas Robinson and Subiaco ruck Frazer Rickson all played WAFL seniors for their respective clubs.
The State 18s are back in action against South Fremantle Reserves this weekend in their third of six trial games.
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)
"*" indicates required fields
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.
"*" indicates required fields
