Preseason Q&A: Heath Mellody (Claremont)
AMONG a promising West Australian state squad this year is National Academy member Heath Mellody, a Colts premiership player out of Claremont. The 184cm midfielder/defender is renowned for his foot skills and decision making, which helped him establish a place in WA’s state side as a bottom-ager. We sat down for an interview with Mellody […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Lunay Van Den Heever
FOLLOWING in the footsteps of her older sister Kayla, Lunay Van Den Heever is the latest of the West Perth family to don the yellow and black at state level as well as the red and blue for her beloved club. Van Den Heever got a taste of WAFLW action last season, and is one […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Mia Carlshausen
ONE OF only three National Academy members from her state, Perth’s Mia Carlshausen is a highly touted prospect. An All-Australian member at Under 15s level, Carlshausen provides plenty of run and carry, and had a breakout season at League level last year for the Demons’ inaugural WAFLW team. >> AFLW Draft Q&A: Mia Carlshausen We […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Macy Fair
AFTER a heartbreaking early end to her top-age season, returning over-ager Macy Fair is determined not to dwell on the past. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on the eve of her 18th year put any future development on hold for a while, but after plenty of reflection and advice from others, the 2007-born Fair […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Lexi Strachan
NATIONAL Academy member Lexi Strachan is a name to remember for this year’s AFLW Draft, and alongside fellow Falcon Cara Dziegielewski, headline Western Australia’s top-age brigade. Strachan is a powerful midfielder who can also roll forward and hit the scoreboard, and has plenty of upside to-boot. We spoke to Strachan at the recent Western Australia […]
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 […]
Preseason Q&A: George Gale (Claremont)
CLAREMONT heads into 2026 on the back of a third-consecutive WAFL Colts flag, still possessing a wealth of exciting prospects. Among them is stylish outside utility George Gale. The wingman/defender averaged 20.1 disposals and 5.3 marks per game in last year’s premiership side, utilising his sharp foot skills and composed decision making along the way. […]
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: Summer Ajduk
A BREAKOUT season in her debut year for Swan Districts’ WAFL Women’s side, Summer Ajduk forced her way back into the state program and could be a notable eye-catcher for the Black Ducks. Ajduk has taken each opportunity as it has come, and will be a key link between midfield and attack in 2026. We […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Cienna Leslie
EAST Fremantle top-ager Cienna Leslie has played across all thirds of the ground, and the young Shark is ready to make those experiences count in 2026. A member of the West Australian summer squad, the Carlton supporter is chasing her dream of reaching the big time. We spoke to Leslie at the recent West Australian […]
