Tall timber to be unleashed in final State 18s trial game before National Champs

The AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys side for Saturday’s final trial match against Claremont Reserves at Revo Fitness Stadium will feature a quartet of ruck prospects for the first time.

Claremont and AFL Academy talent Benji van Rooyen, coming off a massive performance in the Colts last round, is set to lead the ruck like he will in the AFL National Under-18s Championship which kicks off against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, June 13.

Van Rooyen will have plenty of back-up with 2027 No.1 draft fancy – East Perth’s Axel Walsh and over-aged pair Frazer Rickson (Subiaco) and Cooper Ramsay (East Fremantle) also in the side.

Rickson has been the main ruck for the Lions seniors this season and doing an admirable job, while Ramsay was recently cleared of serious injury and will play managed minutes in the trial hit-out.

East Fremantle and Fremantle Next Generation Academy livewire Finlay Yeo returns from an ankle injury on managed gametime, likewise with West Perth tall forward Harvey Spawton-Guy.

Fellow Dockers NGA prospect, big-bodied South Fremantle midfielder Lucas Robinson, is set to play a half in his first appearance for the State 18s this season.

Robinson has played every game for the Bulldogs senior this season in a promising sign ahead of the championships.

Swan Districts young gun and State 18s co-captain Leo Steed is getting a rest after a heavy workload in the seniors, while his fellow co-captain – Claremont ball magnet Geroge Gale – is out with PSA duties for Scotch College.

Several players will feature in the EGT WAFL Colts instead including West Coast Next Generation Academy talent Garrison Kenh (East Perth), Swan Districts forward-winger Sheldon Pickett and exciting bottom-aged Subiaco midfielder Sam O’Brien.

The clash against Claremont Reserves kicks off at 10.35am ahead of the Sullivan Logistics WAFL match between Claremont and West Coast.