WHILST plenty of eyes will be on Adelaide Oval for the South Australia and Vic Country AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships clash, Western Australia will also have another game, taking on the West Australian Football League Women’s (WAFLW) All-Stars. The match, set to take place from 2pm local time, will see a host of draftable mature-age talents take on the Under 18s side that went down to South Australia last weekend.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA CHANGES

After an 84-point loss, there were always going to be changes, but the two made have been forced, with AFLW Academy member Georgie Cleaver (netball) and talented winger Tara Stribley (injured) among the outs. The two key ins are West Perth’s Liliana Grassenis who will strengthen the defence, and Swan Districts’ Abbygail Bushby into the onball brigade. The one other change was Jorjina Kean (Swan Districts) replacing late inclusion last week, Peel Thunder’s Megan Bain.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA ONES TO WATCH

Ella Roberts (Peel Thunder)

The potential top player in the draft pool and reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the AFLW Under 18 Championships is the clear standout from the west. Possessing great athletic skills, a high level offensive and defensive pressure, Roberts can hit the scoreboard or play further afield. With an extra match under her belt now, expect her to increase her impact back home against the best of the WAFLW.

Lauren Wakfer (South Fremantle)

Back against some familiar faces in the WAFLW, Wakfer should have the advantage of experience against them, but will be without Cleaver this week up against a tag team of Tess Lyons and Marni Alston. Her ruck work and athleticism should help her out and give the West Australian midfield a big boost, but there are plenty of clever players on the opposition.

Abbygail Bushby (Swan Districts)

An exciting inclusion with plenty of upside, the talented midfielder-forward was coming off her best WAFLW game to-date prior to the championships. She will add a bit more athleticism to the midfield group, and can get forward and hit the scoreboard as well. One who could be good for a goal or two in the game, after pushing fown from the midfield.

Jaime Henry (Swan Districts)

A standout bottom-age prospect, Henry has the strength to do well on the inside midfield, and will be a different role for the Swan Districts youngster. Often playing deep in defence because of her strength one-on-one, Henry will get a great test up against the experienced All Stars midfield.

WAFLW ALL STARS

The WAFLW All Stars is made up of a combination of young talents who have come through the recent State Academy programs, as well as some mature-age prospects hoping to crack onto an AFLW list. Interestingly, Fremantle’s Ashley Sharp – who sat out the AFLW season due to pregnancy but is playing the WAFLW season – is also in the side.

WAFLW ALL STARS ONES TO WATCH

Mikayla Western (Claremont)

If the name sounds familiar, AFL Women’s fans will remember the speedster from her debut as a top-age player for Fremantle in that heavy loss to Melbourne. Western picked up nine touches in that game and looked pretty good on the big stage, and her speed and goal sense will hold her in good stead here. She’s an exciting player and of course linked with Fremantle due to her brother Joel being on the list there.

Julia Teakle (East Fremantle)

The over-age forward is making waves in the WAFLW having kicked a bag of six goals only a couple of weeks back. The Sharks teenager moved down to Perth for studies and has been a revelation in 2022. She is one who could be a big factor in this game, particularly with the quality kicking to her inside 50.

Jaide Britton (Peel Thunder)

Playing against the side she captained at the 2021 AFLW Under 19 Championships, Britton has found a home on the wing and has taken impressive strides in 2022. Improving her efficiency by foot and willingness to break the game open, the outside runner has caught the attention of a number of clubs, including outside Western Australia. One to watch for her relentless running.

Ella Smith (Claremont)

The reigning Dhara Kerr Medallist as the league’s best and fairest player, Smith is only freshly back from injury. Another product of the State Academy system in recent years, Smith is a natural leader, captain of Claremont and an incredible hard nut. She thrives on the contested ball and leads by example with her attack on the footy and ability to get it forward.

Jayme Harken (Subiaco)

An experienced midfielder who can play in just about any position, Harken has been consistent in a side that has struggled compared to previous years. Always able to find the ball wherever she plays, Harken can use it neatly, and is able to mop up in defence with strong footy smarts and an ability to drive the ball in transition.

OTHERS

The likes of Ashleigh Gomes, Jessica Cox and Sasha Goranova will form a strong midfield group with great depth, whilst competition leading goalkicker – and ex-Eagle and Bulldog – Kate Bartlett will be looking to impress for another chance at the top level. Of some up-and-comers, Jade Briggs, Hope Ugle-Hayward and Hayley Corlett have all impressed in their respective sides this season.

TIP

The WAFLW All Stars should be too strong here, with an abundance of talent across the board both young and experienced, it is hard to see the Under 18s – of whom a number are still cutting their teeth at Rogers Cup level – will cause a major upset. For the Sandgropers, it is about making sure they are competitive and do all the right things to prove they can step up to the next level, whilst for the All Stars, it is a great opportunity for the AFLW clubs to see them against the best youth in the state.