Preseason Q&A: Koby LeCras (West Perth)
WEST Australian draft prospect Koby LeCras grew up a West Coast supporter, where his uncle Mark forged an impressive 219-game career. His father Brent also played six games at North Melbourne, though the 192cm forward is not officially tied to either club.
LeCras possesses similar goalkicking prowess to his uncle, presenting as a mobile marking target who takes the ball cleanly overhead. His versatility has been explored with time on the wing where his aerial ability and raking left-foot kicking shine just as bright.
As a top-ager in 2026, the 17-year-old is seeking to find consistency in his game. He spent part of the preseason training with the Eagles as part of his National Academy commitments, and will inevitably be an integral part of Western Australia’s Under 18 side.
We sat down for an interview with LeCras at WA’s preseason testing combine in Perth on Sunday.
>> AFL Draft | State in Focus: Western Australia
Q&A
Q: Koby, what’s it been like growing up with your dad and your uncle having played AFL?
KL: I think it’s pretty handy having them. Obviously they’ve been through it all and know what it’s like, so I can always lean on them for a little bit of advice and help. Or if footy gets too much as well, it’s just good to not talk about footy with them. But I definitely watch lots of vision with my uncle Mark and try to have a kick with him once or twice a week.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve recieved from them?
KL: A little quote that dad always likes to say is ‘you don’t get put on top of the mountain, you climb it’. That’s just a little thing we say in our house and it’s just a bit of advice I like to take from him.
Q: Which AFL club do support?
KL: West Coast. Uncle Mark got me in their rooms as a kid so I got around them.
Q: You spent a bit of time with the Eagles over preseason, how was that?
KL: Obviously an unreal experience to see what they’re like and see what all the boys are like. Their professionalism on and off the field. That was just an awesome experience to get to know everyone and have a kick around.
Q: Did anyone in particular take you under their wing?
KL: Matt Owies was really good to me… [and] Jake Waterman took me under his wing as well.
Q: How has preseason been otherwise, are you fit and firing?
KL: Yeah, I’m feeling good. I’ve got the 2km next week and obviously testing today, so it should be good to get that done.
Q: Where do you think you’ll fit in with your role this year?
KL: I think I’m a natural forward. Speaking with the state guys they seem to agree and think I’ll be playing most of the year forward. But I’m also really open to having a little go on the wing and seeing if I can get my versatility up there.
Q: What are some of your strengths?
KL: I think the work rate side of my game is really strong. I’m pretty good aerially as well. They’re two of my strengths that I like to implement into my game as much as I can.
Q: And what are you looking to improve on?
KL: I’m always just trying to work on every bit of my game. I don’t think there are any bits in particular that I’m trying to work on, it’s just the learning of the whole game because obviously I’m not a complete player yet. I think just working on everything I can at the moment [will] benefit me for this year and hopefully in the long run as well.
Q: What sort of goals have you set up to achieve this year?
KL: The consistency piece is something that I really want to work on, just trying to be as consistent as I can no matter where I play. And obviously getting drafted is the ultimate goal.
Q: Which teammate do you think we should look out for to have a big year?
KL: I think Harvey Spawton-Guy. Obviously I’ve gone through the whole journey with him and he’s hoping to get drafted as well. He’s had a really good preseason so he’s one to look out for in 2026.
