STATE Under 18 squad members were among those to impress across the three games in Round 5 of the 2024 WAFL Colts season. While undefeated ladder leader Claremont enjoyed a bye alongside its Round 4 adversary Subiaco, six other sides went to battle across the Anzac Day weekend.

Among the winners was West Perth, who kept South Fremantle rooted to the bottom of the ladder with a 40-point victory at Pentanet Stadium on Saturday. The Falcons booted five goals to one in term two to make up much of the difference in the 12.9 (81) to 5.11 (41) result.

Jacob Farrow was the only Falcon to have over 20 touches, while Sam Swadling snared three goals. State squad members Trent Hiscock (16 disposals, seven marks) and Kayle Gerreyn (seven marks, 17 hitouts) were also prominent, and Fred Rodriguez led the way for South Fremantle with 23 disposals.

Earlier, Perth kicked off the round on Thursday with a 16-point win over East Perth at Mineral Resources Park. The Demons led at every break and held off a third quarter fightback to come away 10.11 (71) to 8.7 (55) victors, moving half a game clear in second spot as East Perth remains in the top five.

Robert Warrell spearheaded the victory on home turf with five majors from 14 disposals and five marks, while Jadd Hill racked up 30 touches in the red and black. Adam De Masi was again a standout for the Royals, racking up 30 disposals of his own to go with seven tackles and a goal.

Bookending the three-game allotment of Colts action was East Fremantle’s 18-point win over Swan Districts. Both sides remain planted in the top five with 2-1 records, but the Sharks were in control at Steel Blue Oval on Sunday to salute 11.3 (69) to 7.9 (51).

Declan Pauline was again prolific for the victors, collecting 27 disposals and 10 marks. Ned Reiger (20 disposals, five inside 50s, one goal) also stuffed the stats sheet for Swan Districts, while Sharks Jake Austin and Joshua Nomlatyu bagged three goals apiece.

Regular programming resumes this coming weekend in the WAFL Colts, with a full four games slated for a super Saturday of action at Pentanet Stadium. Both Claremont and Subiaco will return to action, while East Perth enjoys a bye.

Some of Western Australia’s top prospects may be in line to return to their club sides after representing the AFL Academy. Peel Thunder’s Bo Allan and Basil Hart suited up in national colours alongside Subiaco forward Malakai Champion in a 55-point loss to VFL outfit, Footscray at Whitten Oval.