IT IS the time of year where an influx of junior talent begins filtering into the senior grades, and that is no exception in Western Australia. A year after elder brother Charlie did so, Harper Banfield made his League debut for West Coast on Saturday, where he is father-son eligible via father Drew‘s 265 AFL games.

While the Eagles failed to match a bid for Charlie, who instead landed at St Kilda, Harper is just as firmly on the radar. The lively midfielder, who models his game on Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw, was adjudged West Coast’s best player in the 12-point win over West Perth in Joondalup.

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Lining up on the opposite side was West Australian teammate Harvey Spawton-Guy, also on debut. The high-marking forward earned a call-up to the top flight after notching seven marks and 3.2 in his maiden Reserves outing, fresh off a strong National Championships campaign for the Black Swans.

He also has ties to the elite level, with former Falcons Jacob Farrow and Sam Swadling having paved the way before him. Spawton-Guy also looks for inspiration from athletic key forwards like Nate Caddy and Charlie Curnow. Fittingly, he’s a supporter of the Saints, where Banfield’s brother is staking his claim.

The bottom-placed Falcons put up a good fight against West Coast and its several AFL-listed players in Round 16, drawing level at half time but being overrun thereafter. We put the performances of Banfield and Spawton-Guy under the Player Focus microscope.

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Midfielder

Harper Banfield

181cm

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18-12-2008

Key Forward

Harvey Spawton-Guy

194cm

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08-09-2008

STRENGTHS

IMPROVEMENTS

PLAYER FOCUS

2026 WAFL League Round 16
West Perth 13.12 (90) def. by West Coast 15.12 (102)

#13 Harper Banfield (West Coast)

Banfield was full of energy from the outset and made an early impression, racking up 10 disposals in the opening term. His gut-running up and down the wing was phenomenal, able to either support in defensive transition or help drive the ball towards attacking 50 with his speed on the outside.

Having cut his teeth as an inside midfielder this year, the teenager’s discipline to hold width at stoppage was terrific and highlighted his understanding of role. He often received on the perimeter of packs and used his quick feet to evade pressure, and his hands were just as effective.

While always bursting with intent, Banfield can be a little erratic at times. He acts quickly with ball in hand and is capable of absolutely nailing kicks on the run, but had to shake off the cobwebs of a few turnovers early in the piece. Still, his work rate remained strong and he had no trouble finding the footy.

Despite having spent plenty of tickets in the early exchanges, Banfield continued to dip into his endurance tank with repeat efforts from contest to contest. One passage saw him apply pressure on a West Perth rebound, only to follow the play and win the ball back via a free kick at half-forward.

That same ability to cover the ground saw Banfield consistently find space to either mark uncontested or open up pockets for teammates to run into. He said during preseason that he has sought to improve his running patterns, making them more intelligent and economical. A job well done on that.

As the game wore on, Banfield got to showcase more of his quick and clean handling around stoppage, while folding in and using his turn of foot to then escape to the outside. His kicking also became more refined when given the opportunity, lowering his eyes to hit up short targets.

In all, it was an extremely positive first-up performance from Banfield in the top flight. His running was up to standard, as was his willingness to play a team role out on the wing. The youngster’s energy and intent gave West Coast a lift when the Falcons began to push and he looked more than comfortable at the level.

#22 Harvey Spawton-Guy (West Perth)

Slotting into the forwardline of a one-win team with indifferent ball movement is no easy task, but Spawton-Guy was sure to compete. The Falcons registered 44 inside 50s and when delivery to their marking forwards was effective, it usually landed in the lap of attacking focal point, Tyler Keitel (6.4).

Spawton-Guy did all he could to provide a contest, whether that be when presenting up the ground or closer to goal. A prime example of that came in the second quarter, where he desperately closed in to spoil an easy West Coast intercept, before following to lay a holding-the-ball tackle.

He was even more effective when hitting up on the lead, using his mobility to gain separation rather than having to jostle for position or leap into packs. His direct opponent Jake Miles-Wrency (199cm, 20yo) fared best when able to engage and intercept long balls into the defensive 50.

Having spent plenty of time offering a connective target up the ground, Spawton-Guy took his moments when situated deeper. He took two clean overhead marks at full extension over the back for both his goals, the first being an outstanding set shot finish from the boundary line.

The teenage tall’s second goal came just before the final siren, ensuring he would leave a lasting impression on onlookers. His ability to compete in the air and follow up with tackle efforts allowed him to double up on his impact, while he importantly hit the scoreboard as usual.