Rising Stocks: Steed, Matthews stake first round case
LEO Steed and Ethan Matthews were the stories of the weekend as the Under 18 National Championships got underway. The former co-captained Western Australia to an upset win over title-holders South Australia, while the latter was outstanding as his Allies went down to Vic Country. With both players strengthening their top 15 chances, we highlight […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL U18s – Western Australia vs. South Australia
WESTERN Australia has caused a major boilover to kick off the Under 18 National Championships, defeating South Australia by 12 points at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday. The hosts burst out of the blocks with five unanswered goals in the opening term and led all day, but had their buffer cut down to less than […]
PREVIEW | 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships
THE 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships are set to get underway tomorrow, as South Australia begins its title defence over in Western Australia. Before the action gets underway, get the lowdown on how each squad is shaping up, and which players you should be keeping a close eye on. >> NEED TO KNOW: 2026 […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Western Australia U18 vs. U20
GEORGE Gale‘s last gasp goal handed the West Australian Under 18s a six-point win over their Under 20 counterparts on Saturday morning. In the last of the younger side’s six trial games, they were made to fight back from deficits at the first two breaks and late lead chances in a thrilling finish at Leederville […]
WAFL League Player Focus: Leo Steed (Swan Districts)
SWAN Districts forward Leo Steed has flown under the radar as one of Western Australia’s rising prospects, but that may not be the case for much longer. The 18-year-old was among his side’s best in an agonising one-point defeat to West Coast on Saturday, playing just his third League game. After amassing 31 disposals, eight […]
Western Australia reveals initial Under 18 squad
WESTERN Australia’s initial Under 18 squad has been revealed ahead of a series of trial games before this year’s National Championships. The 39-player roster is slated for five fixtures against WAFL Reserves sides, before a showcase match against the WAFL Under 20s on Saturday May 16. The revamped schedule marks an expansion of the state […]
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 […]
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 […]
AFL Draft | State in Focus: Western Australia
WESTERN Australia has invested in the long-term when it comes to its Under 18 program, and while the state endured a 1-3 National Championships campaign last year, it also produced 10 draftees. Six bottom-agers were blooded in 2025 and they are among the 15 players from last year’s winter squad to feature in the 2026 […]
WAFL Colts: Surging Swans cut gap to top three
SWAN Districts upset West Perth to continue its charge up the WAFL Colts ladder, banking an even three-goal win on the road in Round 13. After a goalless opening quarter, the Swans began to apply scoreboard pressure and never looked back to secure a fourth win in their last five games. >> SCROLL for the […]
