State Talent and DraftAAMI WA Football State 16s Girls finish carnival on a high
Jordan McArdle
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16 Apr 2026
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Sullivan Logistics WAFL and WAFLW teams took another step towards the 2026 season in the second week of official practice matches. Here’s what caught the eye:
Subi on the rise?
It’s only pre-season, but things have started well for Subiaco under returning premiership mentor Jarrad Schofield as they plot a rise up the ladder.
The new-look Lions have won two from two so far, knocking off preliminary finallists Claremont at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday after beating Swan Districts the previous week.
Captain Greg Clark led from the front, Taj Schofield continued his strong pre-season, uncapped teenage ruckman Frazer Rickson went a step closer to securing an opening-round debut and two-time Bernie Naylor Medal winner Ben Sokol made it five goals in two appearances as his WAFL comeback tour gains momentum.
At the other end, sharpshooter Jaiden Hunter had a game-high four goals after three the previous weekend in another eye-catching display for the Tigers in their narrow 10-point loss.
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Super Cooper
Grand finallists East Perth had the better of arch-rivals West Perth at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup on Saturday with prized recruit Cooper Stephens building nicely after a season-ending ACL injury last year.
The former Hawthorn and Geelong midfielder led the Royals to a 48-point win over the Falcons with a strong midfield performance.
East Perth’s forwards also fired with Tom Medhat kicking three and five others booting two including ex-Docker Sebit Kuek, SANFL recruit Damon Freitag and last season’s reserves grand final best on ground Tyler Lindberg.
Mid-season draft hopeful Kane Bevan stood tall in the Falcons’ midfield while reigning Bernie Naylor Medal winner Tyler Keitel contributed three goals.
New Dog up to old tricks
Mikayla Hyde made an impressive start to her time as South Fremantle player, starring in her new team’s victory over East Perth at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.
The former Collingwood and Fremantle player, who tallied 40 AFLW appearances before signing with the Bulldogs over the off-season, was excellent across half-back in the 19-point win.
Former East Fremantle young guns Natasha Entwistle and Madison Evans also caught the eye for Souths as they went a step closer to locking away their spots for round one.
Mikayla Hyde impressed on debut for South Fremantle. Picture: Peter Keleman Photography
Noble Steed
Swan Districts draft prospect Leo Steed is pushing for an early-season debut after a strong showing in Saturday’s pre-season defeat to East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park.
Steed, who was part of the AAMI WA Football Talent Summer Squad, was named among the Black Ducks’ best after showing plenty in a split half-forward/midfield role.
His performance was a real positive for the injury-hit Swan Districts side, still missing plenty of best-22 members including Jake Pasini, Will Collins, Jehb O’Donoghue, Jovan Petric and Leigh Kohlmann.
Off-season recruit Jez Rigoni, a running machine from the VFL, was another to impress.
The Sharks also had some new faces shining with former SANFL player Liam Robinson kicking three majors and ex-Dockers tall Eric Benning among the best.
Pick me! Champion puts hand up for AFL recall
West Coast youngster Malakai Champion put his hand up for a return to the seniors with a big performance in his team’s loss to reigning champs South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.
The classy small forward booted 3.2 to be one of the Eagles’ best, sending a reminder to selectors about his talents.
Despite missing a host of premiership players, the Bulldogs prevailed comfortably with 20-year-old forward Mitchell Geier doing his chances of a senior debut no harm with a game-high five goals.
Midfield duo lead the way for reigning WAFLW champs
Claremont completed an unbeaten WAFLW pre-season with a 45-point win over Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday.
Juliet Kelly and Tildi Sergeant, who both played full games, led the way for the two-time defending champs, dominating in the midfield.
Bec Anderson booted three goals and moved incredibly well, while Megan Green showed her athleticism across the field.
A number of graduating Rogers Cup talents put their hand up for early-season debuts including Mabel Markey, Jemimah Port and Evie Edwards.
Teenager Sienna Timmermans, Dhara Kerr Medal fancy Isabella Shannon and recruit Evie Gooch were among the standouts for the Demons.
Ryan-less Peel start on a high
Peel Thunder recovered from dual All-Australian Luke Ryan’s late withdrawal to defeat Perth at Mandurah’s Lane Group Stadium on Saturday.
Ryan was named to play his first WAFL match since winning the Simpson Medal in the 2017 grand final victory over Subiaco before being a late out due to illness.
Fellow Dockers-listed pair Jeremy Sharp and Chris Scerri were among the Thunder’s best in their 19-point win, while premiership tall Corey Tregenza (three goals) and highly-rated recruit Floyd Burmeister (two) combined for five majors.
Dangerous Demons forward Aaron Clarke did his bit at the other end with a game-high four goals.
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