WESTERN Australia finished its 2025 AFL Women’s Under 16s Development Championships with an even win-loss record of 1-1. The Sandgropers went down to South Australia at home, before bouncing back to post a comprehensive victory over Gold Coast Suns Academy in Queensland. We review their carnival and names to remember.

RESULTS:

Western Australia 6.4 (40) def. by South Australia 8.5 (53) | Scouting Notes
Western Australia 12.7 (79) def. Gold Coast Suns Academy 4.6 (30) | Scouting Notes

TOP TALENT:

#31 Bella Nelson (West Perth)
Defender | 172cm | 10/03/2010

In her second AFLW Under 16s Development Championships, Nelson continued her eye-catching efforts with a dominant campaign out of defence. She already possesses a strong frame, competes hard in the air or at ground level, and has outstanding athletic traits that include exploding off half-back or weaving between opponents. She showed she could kick on either foot, and while her efficiency is better over short and medium distances, can have a raking kick to clear the danger zone. Capable of playing on all three lines, but reads the play so well in defence. Incredible to think she is eligible to be back next year.

NAMES TO REMEMBER:

#2 Caitlin Boss (Subiaco)
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 07/12/2010

Her game against Gold Coast Suns Academy really stood out across the board as the Subiaco talent showed her potential to get into the right spots and transition the ball from midfield to attack. Playing a purely forward role in game one, she was able to kick a couple of majors to finish the two-game carnival with 3.3 to her name. Also averaging six tackles per match, Boss has that defensive pressure that coaches love, and though not age eligible to play League level in the WAFLW, will be a Rogers Cup prospect to watch. Like Nelson she will be eligible to be back next year.

#16 Tiama Collard (Peel Thunder)
Midfielder/Forward | 163cm | 08/04/2009

The Peel Thunder prospect had a quieter second game but still got her hands on it around the stoppages and applied great defensive pressure. In game one, Collard was near best-afield for her side with 27 disposals, four clearances and seven tackles, really taking it up to the Croweaters. Though she can win the contested ball, Collard is that classy player you want kicking inside 50, and when forward, is capable of hitting the scoreboard as she has already shown for the Thunder during her Round 1 debut. Given the age profile of Peel, Collard should get plenty of games and will get the opportunity to develop faster than a number of peers thanks to that exposure.

#17 Charlie Fletcher (Peel Thunder)
Utility | 167cm | 02/04/2009

Fletcher is the type of player who can play across any position thanks to her balance of smarts and skill. She has explosive speed and knows where to run, really stepping it up across the Under 16s carnivla. Already a debutant at League level for Peel Thunder, Fletcher averaged 23 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances, two inside 50s and three rebound 50s for the Sandgropers. Looms as a wing/forward option at the Thunder, but showed she can run off half-back or play on-ball as well. Will be a highlight reel waiting to happen in the coming years with her multi-bounce runs down the outside.

#32 Hannah Seaborn (Claremont)
Midfielder | 177cm | 16/04/2009

A modern day midfielder at 177cm, Seaborn is the prototype that clubs love to look for when stocking up on contested ball-winners. Standing at 177cm, Seaborn is the height of smaller rucks, and has both the athleticism and strength to play as a key position player too. She will no doubt fill out that inside midfield role though, and while the Tigers are not likely to have any easy openings at League level, Seaborn has a future in the grade over the coming seasons. Averaged 18.5 disposals, 7.5 tackles, 4.5 clearances and 3.5 inside 50s from her two matches.

OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED

Western Australia had a really even squad that will be held in good stead for the future when the Sandgropers progress through to the Under 18s program. Players such as forwards Marley Kelman (four goals against the Suns), Trista Smoker, Vienna Matera and Monet Cannon all caught the eye at different stages in the carnival. A fair few of these names will push for League spots in the next 18 months. Indi Slocombe – sister of North Melbourne’s Ella – bears some similar athletic traits and is a name to remember as well.