{"id":218230,"date":"2026-07-01T20:58:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T10:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=218230"},"modified":"2026-07-01T21:11:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T11:11:17","slug":"scouting-notes-2026-afl-u16s-south-australia-vs-western-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/07\/01\/scouting-notes-2026-afl-u16s-south-australia-vs-western-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL U16s – South Australia vs. Western Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WESTERN Australia kicked off its Under 16 National Championships campaign with a 12-point win over South Australia in Alberton on Saturday. The Sandgropers set their platform for victory with a dominant opening half and led at every break, but were reined in late by a plucky Croweater outfit spearheaded by Fergus Vogt <\/strong>(five goals). We took note of the top prospects from either side of the Pool A clash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1.1 | 2.2 | 5.2 | 9.2 (56)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.3 | 5.7 | 7.10 | 9.14 (68)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GOALS:<\/strong>
South Australia:<\/strong> F. Vogt 5, H. Schubert 2, K. Fraser, Z. Thomson
Western Australia:<\/strong> N. Cass 2, J. Holland 2, J. Taylor 2, A. Martignago, J. Oldroyd, A. Wilson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BEST:<\/strong>
South Australia:<\/strong> T. Hitch, Z. Rooney, J. Westley, H. Schubert, F. Vogt, L. Treverton
Western Australia:<\/strong> T. Warner, S. Gooch, J. Taylor, J. Holland, C. Jackson, O. Hodge<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Team<\/li><\/ul><\/div>
    • South Australia<\/h5><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
      • Western Australia<\/h5><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

        SOUTH AUSTRALIA:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #4 Liam Bell (South Adelaide)<\/strong>
        Small Defender | 174cm | 28\/04\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>19 disposals, 5 marks, 7 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Bell was one of the main driving forces out of South Australia’s back half, tasked with much of the kick-in duties. He attempted to take ground and put speed on the play whenever possible, often taking off from a standing start and blasting the ball long by foot. Bell showed his competitive side by attacking each contest with vigour and laying tenacious tackles, befitting of his defensive post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #7 Tyler Hitch (Norwood)<\/strong>
        Midfielder\/Forward | 174cm | 04\/05\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>24 disposals, 7 clearances, 7 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Hitch’s speed and dare made for a crucial point of difference in SA’s midfield. He was busy and creative on the perimeter of packs, accelerating once he got the ball in his hands and gaining quick ground with his raw pace. Hitch’s ability to bring the play forward put WA on the back foot, and he used his speed to also apply defensive pressure. The Norwood prospect finished with a game-high seven clearances and as many inside 50s to highlight his ability to break clear of congestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #12 Jacob Westley (Sturt)<\/strong>
        Midfielder\/Defender | 179cm | 26\/02\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>25 disposals, 8 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A classy operator through midfield, Westley showed his ability to find possessions in all parts of the ground. Most notably, he dropped back to support SA’s ball movement out of defence with his neat foot skills and strong set of hands. Westley also provided spurts of speed and power out of the engine room, while using that same pace to lay a couple of terrific rundown tackles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #22 Zane Rooney (Glenelg)<\/strong>
        Midfielder\/Defender | 186cm | 07\/01\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>27 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A player with prior experience at this level, Rooney continues to be a genuine powerhouse. The South Australian skipper was equal parts polished and explosive at stoppages, bullocking his way through congestion to release his teammates into space. His aggression matched his sheer size in close quarters, utilising his strong frame to prise first possession. Rooney also spent time behind the ball and showed off his kick penetration, although was sometimes prone to blazing away long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #25 Fergus Vogt (South Adelaide)<\/strong>
        Forward | 182cm | 25\/01\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>12 disposals, 4 marks, 5 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Vogt’s goals played a big part in South Australia’s second half revival, with the medium forward kicking four after the main break. He was often in the perfect spot to impact close to goal and took his opportunities with four majors coming from set shots. Vogt also showed his willingness to work up the ground and provide a contest, but impacted mostly as that focal point inside attacking 50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #29 Logan Treverton (Central District)<\/strong>
        Midfielder | 183cm | 23\/10\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>21 disposals, 2 marks, 4 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Another strong inside ball winner in the South Australian ranks, Treverton made good on his 15 handballs. His compact frame and clean handling made extracting stoppage ball a breeze, absorbing tackle pressure to feed teammates and clear congestion. Treverton’s presence allowed the likes of Hitch and Westley to do damage by bringing the ball forward with their leg speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #33 Cooper Jolly (North Adelaide)<\/strong>
        Ruck | 196cm | 16\/08\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>14 disposals, 3 tackles, 21 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Jolly had a heck of a task ahead of him, competing against a pair of game West Australian opponents in the ruck. He stood tall and played to his strengths, breaking even in the hitout department credit to his strong leap and reach. Jolly also proved to be decently nimble on the follow-up and has raw potential to work with, especially after dealing with such tough matchups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #34 Harry Schubert (Central District)<\/strong>
        Key Forward | 191cm | 25\/01\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>7 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The brother of Hawthorn draftee Aidan<\/strong>, Schubert showed many of the same traits as a key forward. Competitive and capable of doing the forward 50 ruck work, he also provided a mobile marking target inside 50 with his deceptive speed off the mark. Schubert looked likely when able to set and extend at the ball, and ended up booting his two goals on the end of leads in the final quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"\"
        Zane Rooney gets a handball away under pressure | Image Credit: Sarah Reed\/AFL Photos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        WESTERN AUSTRALIA:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #1 Joshua Waite (East Fremantle)<\/strong>
        Ruck | 200cm | 10\/08\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>5 disposals, 4 marks, 13 hitouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        He may not have racked up the stats, but Waite showed plenty of upside as Western Australia’s primary ruck. Being the tallest player afield, his reach was naturally superior and gave him first access to the ball, although he was willing to engage and compete in physical jostles. Waite also plucked some terrific marks around the ground, mostly across half-forward as he looked to lock the ball in his side’s front half. Again, his ability to extend was handy in those situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #3 Sam Gooch (Claremont)<\/strong>
        Ruck\/Key Forward | 195cm | 12\/02\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>14 disposals, 12 hitouts, 5 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Forming a formidable ruck partnership alongside Waite, Gooch showed great mobility and skill for a player his size. He carried the ball with speed and confidence, bringing it to the outside like somewhat of a fourth midfielder at stoppages. Of course, Gooch was also prepared to fulfil his primary ruck duties and provided a strong marking target around the ground. His clearance and tackling work were added bonuses, as was his presence when rotating forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #5 Bernard Edmondson (Swan Districts)<\/strong>
        Midfielder | 190cm | 17\/10\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>12 disposals, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There’s plenty of upside to Edmondson’s profile. Measuring up at 190cm, he displayed strength, power and speed amongst the midfield battle, even without racking up a mountain of possessions. The tall onballer conceded his share of free kicks but was willing to crash into opponents and explode away from them. He looked dangerous when able to take ground, remaining very upright as he escaped to the outside. A good watch based on his pure traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #7 Nate Cass (East Perth)<\/strong>
        Key Forward | 193cm | 17\/02\/2011<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>7 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A rare bottom-ager competing in Pool A, Cass took a little time to find his radar but was right up there with WA’s most impactful tall forwards. He had his best moments late in the day, proving his value as a marking target deep inside 50. Having plucked a handful of marks with increasing confidence, he took his moment to convert the game-sealing goal in the dying stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #10 Coby Jackson (Swan Districts)<\/strong>
        Key Defender | 192cm | 01\/04\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>12 disposals, 4 marks, 5 rebound 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A dynamic and versatile member of Western Australia’s defence, Jackson stamped his authority with a huge leap and spoil to cut off SA’s very first forward entry. The athletic tall played with similar vigour throughout, attacking the aerial ball hard as an interceptor and looking to move quickly on the rebound. He took risks and used his leg speed with intent to surge onto the counterattack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #11 Jack Holland (East Fremantle)<\/strong>
        Key Forward | 190cm | 08\/01\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>9 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        One of Western Australia’s many marking targets up forward, Holland set himself apart with a terrific opening half. He hit up at the kicker with gusto, showcasing a strong set of hands to take the ball out in front once he had gained separation on the lead. Holland owned front position and didn’t shy away from attacking the ball when it was there to be marked, which led to his scoring opportunities. He slotted both of his goals before half time but remained active in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #18 Jayke Taylor (East Fremantle)<\/strong>
        Forward | 186cm | 26\/02\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>12 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Having debuted at this level as a bottom-ager last year, Taylor once again showed his prowess as a powerful marking forward. The ball seemed to be drawn to him as he presented hard up the ground, attacking through the corridor and competing at every opportunity. If unable to mark overhead, he followed up at ground level and wrapped up opponents in brutal tackles. Playing taller than his 186cm standing would suggest, Taylor was strong one-on-one and found reward for his efforts with two goals. His second set up a crucial 20-point buffer heading into the final break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #21 Owen Hodge (East Fremantle)<\/strong>
        Defender | 187cm | 13\/11\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>16 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Hodge was among the many aggressive rebound defenders at WA’s disposal, often seen charging forward with the ball tucked under his arm. He set up across a high line where he could intercept or provide an option to counterattack, putting speed on the ball while looking to advance through the corridor. Hodge’s powerful athletic base also translated to a couple of nice leaps to cut off opposition kicks. From there, he quickly put SA on the back foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #25 Jayden Makanza (East Fremantle)<\/strong>
        Wing | 182cm | 22\/01\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>14 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 inside 50s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A cool and calm customer out on the wing, Makanza provided a reliable outlet on the fringes of congestion. The East Fremantle prospect was there to receive the switch kick or a release handball from stoppages, allowing WA to change the angles and attack into space. He remained measured with each possession and handled the ball cleanly while looking to shift onto his favoured left foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        #27 Troy Warner (East Fremantle)<\/strong>
        Forward\/Midfielder | 179cm | 18\/03\/2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Stats: <\/strong>25 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        One of three co-captains for WA, Warner well and truly led from the front. He played the high forward role so well he eventually got a run in midfield, providing unmatched connection between the arcs. Warner showed great core strength to withstand tackle pressure and was agile enough to find space to utilise his foot skills. The brother of Sydney’s Chad <\/strong>and Corey<\/strong> balanced his poised play with hard defensive efforts and an endless running tank. The latter played a large part in Warner being the only West Australian to rack up more than 20 disposals.<\/p>\n

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