State teammates single Steed as one to watch
SWAN Districts midfielder Leo Steed has been the talk of the preseason out west, with several of his state summer squad teammates expecting big things in 2026. Steed missed out on last year’s winter squad, which he says has added “fuel to the fire” as he looks to impress during his top-age campaign. Having already […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Tayah Nicholson
NAMED best on ground in last year’s Rogers Cup Grand Final, Tayah Nicholson is hoping that can propel her into an even bigger 2026 campaign. The top-ager started her West Australian pathway journey at local level, but has become a big feature of the Falcons’ three-peat at Rogers Cup level, and now her sights are […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Heidi Ireland
PEEL Thunder prospect Heidi Ireland had a memorable bottom-age season in 2025, predominantly playing WAFL Women’s League football, while also making the West Australian Under 18s state side. Mostly deployed as a defender who could also be a stronger body in the midfield, Ireland has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits. We spoke […]
TOP 5s | 2026 West Australian Boys Preseason Testing
WESTERN Australia’s speedsters showed out at the recent preseason testing combine, with state squad member Finlay Yeo setting a new AFL agility test record. The East Fremantle and Dockers Next Generation Academy (NGA) member stopped the clock at 7.642 seconds to break new ground ahead of his top-age season. >> SCROLL to see the Top […]
TOP 5s | 2026 West Australian Girls Preseason Testing
THE FIRST of many state-based preseason testing events is in the books with the top West Australian talent taking to the courts of the Gold Netball Centre. The youth-focused WAFL Women’s event centred around those over-agers and below with plenty of outstanding results. >> SCROLL for the Top 5 in each test One of the […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Scarlet Gallo
SUBIACO top-ager Scarlet Gallo got a taste for WAFL Women’s League action last season when she played six matches at the top West Australian flight, while also building her game through the Rogers Cup (10 matches). The forward/midfielder was elevated into the WA summer squad leading into 2026, and is hoping to go to another […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Cara Dziegielewski
AN ALL-AUSTRALIAN at bottom-age level, Cara Dziegielewski is one of the leading West Australians in this year’s AFLW Draft. Alongside close friend Lexi Strachan, the West Perth duo form two thirds of the Sandgropers’ National AFLW Academy talent. We spoke to Dziegielewski at the WAFLW Preseason Testing day about her football journey, experiences through the […]
Preseason Q&A: Benji van Rooyen (Claremont)
CLAREMONT ruck Benji van Rooyen continues to grow heading into his top-age season, both on and off the field. Now standing at an imposing 203cm, he will hope to follow in the footsteps of his two elder brothers who traversed the same footballing pathway before him. With brother Jacob currently on Melbourne’s books, van Rooyen […]
Preseason Q&A: Garrison Kenh (East Perth)
HAVING seen its club-tied talent spread across the competition in last year’s draft, West Coast will hope to hold onto its latest Next Generation Academy (NGA) star in Garrison Kenh. The soccer convert is a Carlton fan who models his game on Adam Saad, boasting similar speed and dare off half-back. The 182cm athletic phenom […]
Preseason Q&A: Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle)
A RICHMOND supporter initially in West Coast’s zone, but now a Fremantle Next Generation Academy (NGA) member who idolises Nat Fyfe. That’s the unique journey Lake Grace native Lucas Robinson hopes to take to the top as he embarks on his top-age season in 2026. The midfielder helped Hale School take out the Alcock Cup […]
