YOUNG talent continues to turn heads at state league level around the nation, and it has been no different across all three WAFL grades upon the competition’s resumption in 2020. As we roll into Round 7, Draft Central continues its new weekly preview format, highlighting some of the best up-and-comers who will be out to impress with each passing game. In our latest edition, a familiar name could finally be in for his League debut with Subiaco, while Peel continues to blood its youth.

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Son of a gun Liam Hickmott is finally set to make his League debut for Subiaco this week, but younger brother Wil comes the other way as part of five changes for the reigning premiers. Liam slots straight into the midfield, while fellow debutant Aaron Breman assumes a spot on the bench to start. The Lions take on Perth in all three grades, with Conor McPartland headlining the Demons’ promotions in his Reserves berth. The 19-year-old is a readymade ball winner who has made a prolific start to the season at Colts level.

Nathan O’Driscoll not only retains his spot in Perth’s League line-up, but looks like gaining some more midfield minutes with 2018 West Coast premiership player Chris Masten out of the team. Key forward Logan McDonald will continue his push for top five AFL draft contender-ship, while 22-year-old Ethan Hansen comes into the side for his sixth League game, and first since Round 2.

Undefeated ladder leader South Fremantle takes on winless cellar dweller Peel Thunder on Saturday, with a couple of exciting inclusions made to both teams. In line with Peel’s promotion of its youth, leading draft prospect Isiah Winder returns to the top flight fold after averaging 27 disposals at Colts level since being dropped. Unfortunately, Ryan Bennell comes out of the team, while David Yaccob‘s Colts form has been rewarded with a Reserves dig. 22-year-old Jacob Warne is also poised to make his League debut for South Fremantle, having made the cut on the interchange bench.

Bottom-age gun Richard Bartlett‘s Colts return may be short-lived, but East Fremantle’s Colts side should remain well stocked as the likes of Brandon Walker, Finn Gorringe, and Jack Carroll still battle to climb the grades. 202cm 20-year-old Brynn Teakle has been named among the Sharks’ extended League bench, looking to make his second appearance at the level.

Claremont shapes up as a fearsome opponent for the Sharks across the League and Colts competitions, though the sides are relatively even at the Reserves level. Tyron Smallwood and Jeremy Goddard missed the League cut and should boost the Tigers’ two’s stocks, which already includes the likes of Jack Buller, Jye Clark, and Cameron Anderson.

The round’s final set of fixtures sees East Perth take on Swan Districts, with the Swans fresh off their maiden League win. They can move level on points with the Royals should consecutive wins be in the offing, with help from Denver Grainger-Barras down back. Up the other end, Victorian Corey Watts remains for the Royals, though they will still be without AFL recruit Angus Schumacher due to injury. Youngsters Harley Sparks and Sebit Keuk were named on an extended Royals bench, though they look set to remain unchanged.

Victorian Deven Costigan comes out of Swan Districts’ League team and remains doubtful with a hamstring niggle, while the likes of Zane Trew, Ty Sears, and Jamison Ugle continue to push for senior selection.

This week, Draft Central will have eyes on the Claremont vs. East Fremantle Colts fixture. Keep an eye out for our scouting notes and weekly wraps early next week.

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FIXTURES

League:

Perth vs. Subiaco | Saturday August 29, 12:05pm @ Mineral Resources Park
Peel Thunder vs. South Fremantle | Saturday August 29, 2:00pm @ David Grays Arena
East Fremantle vs. Claremont | Saturday August 29, 2:30pm @ New Choices Homes Park
East Perth vs. Swan Districts | Saturday August 29, 2:35pm @ Leederville Oval

Reserves:

East Perth vs. Swan Districts | Saturday August 29, 12:00pm @ Leederville Oval
East Fremantle vs. Claremont | Saturday August 29, 12:00pm @ New Choices Homes Park
Perth vs. Subiaco | Saturday August 29, 2:40pm @ Mineral Resources Park

Colts:

Perth vs. Subiaco | Saturday August 29, 9:25am @ Mineral Resources Park
East Perth vs. Swan Districts | Saturday August 29, 9:30am @ Leederville Oval
East Fremantle vs. Claremont | Saturday August 29, 9:30am @ New Choices Homes Park
Peel Thunder vs. South Fremantle | Saturday August 29, 4:30pm @ David Grays Arena

Bye: West Perth

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LEAGUE TEAMS

Teams are in for Round 7 of the @Optus WAFL ? pic.twitter.com/S7s1m5VmO4

— WAFL (@WAFLOfficial) August 28, 2020

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Featured Image: Owen Davies/Peel Thunder