WEST Coast father-son prospect Harper Banfield and state teammate Harvey Spawton-Guy were among the next wave of state league debutants over the weekend. Banfield claimed bragging rights in that WAFL matchup, while Jake Medved helped the Swans claim bragging rights over their local rivals.

Elsewhere, Allies MVP Caylen Murray was back in action for Brisbane in the VFL, playing alongside a decreasingly rare dual-club tied prospect. The SANFL was on a week-long hiatus, but plenty more junior stars continued to climb the grades over the weekend. We take you around the grounds.

VFL

2026 VFL Round 18

A Sydney debutant was among the best of a talented junior bunch in Round 18 of the VFL. Swans Academy product Jake Medved stepped up for his maiden appearance, gathering 18 disposals, eight intercept possessions and one goal in an impressive start to his senior state league career.

The emerging defender, standing at 191cm, played his way into the Allies squad this year having come into his top-age campaign as a relative unknown. Medved’s raw pace out of defence, as well as the versatility to play tall make him a prospect recruiters have been monitoring closely.

Kicking has been a growth area for the athletic phenom, so it was positive to see him run at 83 per cent efficiency. Teammate and fellow Academy prospect Henry Meaney matched that rating among his 18 disposals. The smooth moving midfielder also had nine score involvements in his second appearance.

The pair helped their Swans beat Greater Western Sydney by 78 points at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Giants fielded competitive ruck Reeve Simmons (12 disposals, 15 hitouts, four clearances) and craft forward Brody Kane (12 disposals, five tackles, two goals) in the loss.

Allies MVP Caylen Murray was back in Lions colours over the weekend as Brisbane saluted to the tune of 13 points against North Melbourne. The dashing defender picked up 13 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, showcasing more of the playmaking nous he is renowned for.

Not to be outdone was fellow Academy star Cooper Hodge. The son of Hawthorn champion Luke booted two goals from his 16 disposals and three clearances, impressing with his hardness at senior level. Ethan Duke also contributed well with 15 touches and four clearances at Brighton Homes Arena.

Gold Coast travelled down to Melbourne to take on Carlton, fielding a quartet of current Academy prospects in the 18-point loss. Over-ager Cooper Collins (22 disposals) and smooth moving utility Isaac Mayne (21 disposals, one goal) were at the forefront, while Archie Hill and Leroy Kaesler had four touches apiece.

Elsewhere, Sandringham’s Ricky Theodoropoulos continues to swap the Dragons outfit for Zebra stripes. The diminutive over-ager followed on strongly from his breakout performance last week, notching 15 disposals, five marks and four inside 50s as Sandy went down by 14 points to Coburg.

WAFL

2026 WAFL League & Reserves Round 16

West Coast father-son hopeful Harper Banfield won bragging rights over state teammate Harvey Spawton-Guy, as the pair made their WAFL League debuts on Saturday. Banfield’s Eagles beat Spawton-Guy’s West Perth by 12 points on the road, with both players making positive contributions.

Energetic midfielder Banfield was named his side’s best player after collecting 20 disposals. The son of two-time premiership Eagle Drew will be hoping to follow brother Charlie into the big leagues. The Eagles failed to match a bid for the elder Banfield brother last year, but may have Harper in their sights.

Meanwhile, Spawton-Guy backed up his productive Reserves debut with a promising first-up showing in the top flight. The high-marking tall forward slotted two goals from six disposals and three marks to hold up his end of the bargain. His draft stocks continue to rise after a strong state campaign.

Also at League level, Subiaco ruck Frazer Rickson did his best to combat Fremantle-listed bigman Sean Darcy in the Lions’ eight-point home loss to Peel. Conceding a good amount of height, the over-ager posted only nine hitouts, but brought his usual competitiveness with 12 disposals and six tackles.

There was another family affair down in the Reserves on Saturday, as state ruckman Benji van Rooyen debuted for Claremont. Joining brother Sam in the side, the 203cm fared well with 12 disposals, 12 hitouts and two goals in the 27-point loss to East Perth.

van Rooyen was named in the Under 18 All-Australian side and continues to push his case as a long-term ruck prospect. Eagles-tied prospect Elijah Williams also made his maiden Reserves appearance, posting 13 disposals and three marks in the clash at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.