Who impressed in WA’s final tune-up ahead of AFL National Under-18s Championship

The AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys won their final trial game against a fast-finishing Claremont Reserves at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday.

The Black Swans made it five wins from six trial games ahead of Saturday’s AFL National Under-18s Championship opener against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park, prevailing by just one point.

South Fremantle midfielder Lucas Robinson tuned up for the carnival in style, racking up 16 disposals, six clearances and five inside 50s in the first half before being put on ice.

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East Fremantle and Fremantle Next Generation Academy speedster Finlay Yeo impressed in his return from an ankle injury, booting two goals to go with three score assists from his 12 disposals across the first three quarters.

Claremont midfielder and West Coast father-son prospect Harper Banfield was prominent in his half of footy, racking up 18 disposals, four clearances and four inside 50s.

 

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East Fremantle forward Oscar Richardson also only played the first half but still managed to kick a game-high three majors in an eye-catching display.

Bottom-aged Shark and last year’s State 16s MVP James Artemis, the cousin of recent No.1 AFL Mid-Season Draft selection Jaxon Artemis, was the leading ball winner for WA, finishing with 20 disposals, six clearances and six tackles.

Claremont defender Elijah Dennis was another major contributor with 16 disposals, six marks and four intercept possessions down back.

Co-captains – Swan Districts midfielder Leo Steed (rested) and Claremont on-baller George Gale (PSA duties) – both didn’t play but are set to feature in game one, while East Perth and West Coast NGA talent Garrison Kenh played Colts for the Royals over the weekend where he impressed across half-back.

WA’s carnival opener kicks off at 10.30am on Saturday and can be watched live and free on AFL.com.au and the AFL App.

AAMI WA Football State 18s squad

Claremont: Benji van Rooyen, George Gale, Heath Mellody, Robby Farmer, Elijah Dennis, Harper Banfield, Elijah Williams, Jacob Kee, Tom Brown, Noah Braun

East Fremantle: Cooper Ramsay, Finlay Yeo, James Artemis, Oscar Richardson, Marcus Motton, Ben Wood

East Perth: Garrison Kenh, Axel Walsh, Lachlan McGlade, Ethan Turner

Peel Thunder: Mitch Stirling

Perth: Jayden Clarke, Fynn Tomasini, Cody Lee

South Fremantle: Heath Wilson, Byron Foster, Lucas Robinson, Cam Maynard, Conor Bushe-Jones, Hudson Graham

Subiaco: Kyan Perera, Frazer Rickson, Sam O’Brien

Swan Districts: Taj Allan, Leo Steed, Sheldon Pickett

West Perth: Koby LeCras, Harvey Spawton-Guy, Rafe Williamson, Maxim Collins, Campbell Creyk

Train-on players: Lachlan Sheldrick (Claremont), Damien Newry (Claremont), Noah Hannaford (East Fremantle), Hunter Hearn (East Fremantle)

WA’s AFL National Under-18s Championship fixtures

Saturday, June 13: v South Australia at Mineral Resources Park (10.30am)

Saturday, June 20: v Vic Metro at Cockburn ARC (11am)

Friday, July 3: v Vic Country in Melbourne (Marvel Stadium, time TBC)

Wednesday, July 8: v Allies in Melbourne (venue and time TBC)