WA under-18s tune up for national carnival with big win over West Perth

WA tuned up for next month’s AFL National Under-18s Championship opener against Vic Country with an impressive win over West Perth reserves at Joondalup’s HIF Health Insurance Oval on Saturday.

The Black Swans’ recently-announced leaders stood tall with skipper and South Fremantle young gun Fred Rodriguez continued his strong form with a game-high 33 disposals to go with six clearances, five inside 50s and a goal.

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His deputy, Claremont tall Cody Curtin, was the star up forward with five majors from 14 possessions and seven marks in the 58-point win – 14.14 (98) to 6.4 (40).

Curtin also spent time in the ruck, amassing a team-high 12 hit-outs.

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West Perth ball magnet Sam Swadling was another top performer for WA with 30 disposals, four clearances and two goals after 21 touches in the first trial game against the WAFL Under-21s.

South Fremantle midfielder and Fremantle Next Generation Academy prospect Toby Whan was excellent in his return from a minor injury, collecting 24 disposals, while Swan Districts on-baller and leadership group member Blake Kelly chipped in with 23 and five clearances.

WA’s first assignment of the national carnival is against Vic Country at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday 7 June.