WAFL talents invited to train with AFL clubs

Emerging WAFL talents Wes Walley and Mitch Zadow have been invited to train with AFL clubs this pre-season in the hope of earning a rookie spot.

Subiaco young gun Walley was overlooked in last week’s AFL National and Rookie Drafts, despite being invited to the National Combine in Melbourne.

But he will get the chance to train with Carlton over the pre-season in a boost to his hopes of an AFL lifeline.

While the Blues currently don’t have a list spot available, a long-term injury could open the door for the 18-year-old small forward to be promoted onto the club’s AFL list during the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

Walley battled through a shoulder injury in 2025 but still managed to break through for a pair of senior games at the Lions.

The West Coast Next Generation Academy produced also featured for WA in the AFL National Under-18s Championship and was part of the AFL Academy.

East Fremantle goalsneak Mitch Zadow was rewarded for his breakout WAFL season with a train-on opportunity with Port Adelaide.

The 21-year-old booted 18 goals in 14 senior appearances for the Sharks last season including a dozen in his last six games.

The Power have two list spots available, with Zadow and former Collingwood and North Melbourne forward Jaidyn Stephenson among those invited to trial.

Several more WAFL players are expected to get train-on invitations throughout the pre-season.