WESTERN Australia endured an inconsistent Under 18 National Championships campaign, having two thrilling results countered by a couple of heavy losses. The Sandgropers got on the board in game one before ending with a 1-3 record, led by their fearless leader and a depth of emerging prospects.

>> FULL SQUAD: 2025 Western Australia Under 18s

RESULTS

RECORD: 1-3 | 67.7% | WLLL

Game 1: def. Vic Country 12.9 (81) to 11.12 (78)
Game 2: def. by South Australia 6.4 (40) to 17.14 (116)
Game 3: def. by Allies 11.8 (74) to 10.19 (79)
Game 4: def. by Vic Metro 5.12 (42) to 11.11 (77)

HOW IT HAPPENED

An up-and-down campaign saw WA have two games decided by less than a goal, juxtaposed by a pair of comprehensive losses. The highlight came in game one as, Hudson Walker snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with the last kick of the game against Vic Country. Eventual champions South Australia then gave the Sandgropers a touch-up, before it was the Allies’ turn to win at the death. In blustery conditions for game four, WA made a poor start to hand Vic Metro its first win of the series.

WHAT WORKED

Western Australia boasted a strong midfield core, with skipper Fred Rodriguez proving a mainstay alongside Toby Whan, and rotating forwards Hudson Walker and Sam Swadling. Rising prospect Jacob Farrow also got an early run in there before reverting back to defence, while Blake Kelly and Will York were afforded more on-ball time as the series progressed. Farrow was also part of a solid mix of rebound defenders. Peel’s Matthew Becker offered a similarly athletic playmaking archetype, while Max Thomas and Dale Sutherland were also able to impact with daring transitional run.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle)
Midfielder | 184cm | 10/07/2007

Averages: 18.0 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 4.3 clearances, 4.0 inside 50s

Officially crowned MVP at the end of WA’s campaign, Rodriguez led from the front. He was a consistent performer throughout the four games and rallied his side in game one with 17 disposals, six tackles, and two very important goals. The South Fremantle midfielder showcased his toughness in the clinches but was also able to provide connection with his work rate in transition. He bookended his series well with a high of 23 touches against Vic Metro, and remains one of the state’s top prospects.

LEADING GOALKICKER

Cody Curtin (Claremont)
Key Forward/Ruck | 200cm | 18/05/2007

Averages: 8.5 disposals, 4.3 marks, 8.0 hitouts, 1.5 goals

Curtin booted six goals across four games for the series, ranking seventh overall at the time of writing – with Vic Country, Metro, and the Allies yet to complete their campaigns. He split his hauls evenly with three majors in games one and four, against both Victorian sides. Curtin’s hat-trick against Vic Country came from a personal-best six marks, while he plucked four contested grabs en route to another three goals against Metro. The brother of Dan proved a real team-booster when on song.

RISING PROSPECT

Jacob Farrow (West Perth)
Defender | 188cm | 21/09/2007

Averages: 19.0 disposals (88.8% efficiency), 4.8 marks, 464.3 metres gained

There’s a belief that Farrow may be Western Australia’s leading prospect after delivering a promising state campaign. Drawing comparisons to Fremantle star Hayden Young for his size, power, and penetrating left foot, Farrow became the Sandgropers’ most trusted and effective ball user out of defence. He also proved a capable interceptor and has the potential to enhance his midfield craft. While WA likely won’t have too many drafted at the pointy end, Farrow shapes as a first round fancy.

>> Player Focus: Jacob Farrow (vs. Vic Country)

ONES TO WATCH

With plenty of club-tied talent in the squad, potentially the best of the lot, Koby Evans didn’t get to show his wares through injury. Watch out for a potential return during the back-end of the year. Fellow Eagles-tied forwards Tylah Williams and Wesley Walley showed flashes of brilliance, while father-son hopeful Charlie Banfield was terrific with his overhead marking as a wing/forward. Fremantle NGA member Ryda Luke is one to watch with his goalkicking form, and Subiaco small Hudson Walker boosted his stocks as a pressure machine. Powerful East Perth midfielder Luke Hallett also has some nice traits and was made to ply his trade up forward in representative colours, booting five goals in three games.

THE FUTURE

Western Australia had quite a few bottom-agers rotate through the squad, though arguably only one consistently played a key role in ruckman Benji van Rooyen. Claremont teammate Heath Mellody was arguably the best performed with his hard running and slick kicking on the wing, while South Fremantle midfielder Lucas Robinson proved a beast at the contest in game four. Uncapped ones to watch for next year include Eagles-tied defender Garrison Kenh and rangy forward Koby LeCras, both of whom certainly had the talent to crack a debut but will have to wait until their top-age campaigns.