State Talent and DraftWho caught the eye in first State 18s trial game
Jordan McArdle
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28 Apr 2026
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Western Australia’s State 18s have shifted their focus to this Saturday’s game against Victoria Metro after an opening round loss to South Australia on the weekend.
WA play Vic Metro at 11am this Saturday, May 31 at Medibank Stadium.
WA will be aiming to bounce back from a loss to South Australia in their opening game of the NAB AFL National 18s Championships in Adelaide on the weekend.
Clem Smith did his best to keep WA in the game against SA, displaying pace and a strong attack on the ball with 23 touches.
He received strong support from Swan Districts midfielder Connor Blakely, who had 26 disposals, nine clearances and seven inside 50s.
Blakely has averaged 18 disposals in seven senior games at WAFL level this season and carried that form into Saturday’s State 18s game.
Likely top-five 2015 draft choice Ryan Burton starred for South Australia with five goals.
SCOREBOARD
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5.2 9.2 13.4 14.8 (92)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.4 4.5 6.9 8.13 (61)
GOALS: South Australia: Burton 5, Johansen, Gregson, Wigg, Gore, Rose, Wilkie, Read, Miller, Neal-Bullen
Western Australia: Bevan 2, Anderson, Garlett, Hille, Pickett, Walsh, Frampton
BEST: South Australia: Gore, Johansen, Hamilton, Wigg, Burton, Durdin, Gregson
Western Australia: Blakely, Keitel, Bevan, Garlett, Smith
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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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