WESTERN Australia’s brightest footballing prospects over the next couple of years will be put through their paces in the coming months after the state named both its male and female Under 18s Summer squads.

The squads, comprised of 84 athletes will take part in a three-month program that runs from the end of November – once school exams are completed – until February. For the boys, a 42-plus squad – including three additional train-ons and three development players (double bottom-agers next year) were named, while 36 girls were included in the female Summer squad.

WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones said it was an exciting time to add the newest group of young stars.

“We want the state’s best players training together for longer working with our full-time coach and strength and conditioning staff,” he said.

“This will allow us to drive standards and behaviour that will improve a player’s development and prepare them for football at higher levels.”

Among the West Australian boys are a number of Under 18s representatives from this year including Charlie Banfield, Cody Curtin, Wesley Walley and Fred Rodriguez, as well as the past two Under 16s MVPs for the state in Basil Hart (top-age) and Lucas Robinson (bottom-age).

18’S MALE SUMMER SQUAD

Meanwhile looking at the girls’ squad of 36, the Sandgropers have a balance of top and bottom-agers in 2025. Among the top-agers to keep an eye on are Under 18s back-to-back MVP Evie Cowcher, Under 16s MVP from 2023, Mia Russo and Under 17 Futures best on ground Olivia Wolmarans.

Additionally the likes of Olivia Crane (missed 2024 due to an ACL injury), Renee Morgan, Lucy Greenwood, Alicia Blizard, Juliet Kelly and Carys D’Addario are other names to remember.

Manager Female Talent Programs and Coaching Specialist at the WAFC Trent Cooper said providing the three-month program will assist in preparing the athletes for a huge 2025.

“We are aiming to give the players the best preparation possible for the upcoming season,” Cooper said.

“Training with the best footballers of their age will ensure they are challenged at every session and are ready to impact the WAFLW competition when they return to their clubs before the start of that season.”

18’S FEMALE SUMMER SQUAD