WA quartet shine for Australia as AFL Academy camp concludes

Four WA talents made their mark for Australia over the weekend, taking on Richmond’s VFL side in Melbourne as part of their AFL Academy duties.

West Perth forward Koby LeCras was one of the Australian Under-18s’ best against Richmond VFL at Punt Road Oval on Saturday, while fellow AAMI Football State 18s squad member Heath Mellody made a successful return from injury.

Playing a mix of half-forward and wing, LeCras was in the conversation to win his team’s best-on-ground medal, booting an equal game-high three goals to go with 18 disposals and seven marks in the loss to the Tigers.

RELATED ARTICLES

• All-Australian honours for WA quartet
• AAMI WA Football State 16s Girls finish carnival on a high
• AAMI WA Football State 16s Boys Squad selected
• State 18s Boys Squad picked for expanded winter program

The son of former North Melbourne player and West Perth champion Brent is among the State’s top AFL Draft prospects for 2026.

Claremont young gun Mellody also impressed in his return from a minor hamstring injury, amassing 15 disposals, five marks and three inside 50s across half-back.

Mellody’s Tigers teammate Benji van Rooyen had his best game of the camp after moving into the ruck.

Van Rooyen’s work rate around the ground was particularly encouraging, finishing with 15 disposals, three hit-outs and two marks.

East Perth and West Coast Next Generation Academy speedster Garrison Kenh also had an impact, playing mainly across half-back where he showcased his rebound and damaging left foot.

Kenh had 15 disposals, four marks and four rebound 50s in a fine performance.

The game was part of a week-long AFL Academy camp in Melbourne, with the West Aussie quartet getting access to high-performance facilities and AFL-like preparation.

All four were selected in the AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys squad as preparations ramp up for the upcoming AFL National Under-18s Championship.