Fittingly, it was another weekend where our two AFL sides won and the WAFLW and WAFLW derbies delivered.

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In today’s newsletter: The Ginbey AA push, Darcy’s case to return to Freo quickly, the young Shark having a season of note, a weird Sydney Swans Academy colts situation, Swans stake a claim in the W and the best of school footy.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For decades, Sullivan Logistics has delivered at scale and speed for regional communities and primary industries across the state. Through freight, logistics, and warehousing, they keep Western Australia moving. Get in touch today.

WEST COAST

Eagles 12.13 (85) def Bombers 8.7 (55)

• Four wins on the board for the Coasters, showing genuine signs of progress, two young studs in Harley Reid and Willem Duursma. Brandon Starcevich to debut for the club next week. Things are looking up for West Coast.

• This is their next four weeks: Port Adelaide (OS), North Melbourne (OS), bye, Carlton (Marvel). They’re a chance in all three.

• There was heaps of rubbish on the field on Sunday. That is not a commentary on the football being played. It was weird though.

• Lot of momentum now for Reuben Ginbey to earn his first All-Australian squad spot. His athleticism is a perfect match for modern forwards like Nate Caddy - who only kicked goals which Ginbey was on the bench. Even if he doesn’t get named this year, you get the feeling his name will be there pretty regularly over the next decade.

• Also people who still think Jagga Smith should be leading the Rising Star race over Duursma need to watch more Duursma. Kid’s unbelievable.

FREMANTLE

Dockers 15.13 (103) def Lions 10.18 (78)

• 11 ON THE TROT!!!

• Here are the top four coaches votes from the game: Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss 9; Matt Johnson 5; Patrick Voss 3. When was the last time three key forwards from the same team finished in the best in the same game? They are such a complementary group and making life hell for opposition defences.

• Speaking of Johnson, what a season he’s having. The 23-year-old limited Lachie Neale to 21 touches while having 20 of his own, six clearances and a goal. He’s figuring out his game before our eyes. He may miss some time after coming off and icing his hamstring late. Regardless, has really elevated himself this year.

• Amiss is currently sitting fifth in the Coleman Medal race. Didn’t see that coming.

• Sean Darcy looked good in his return from injury at Peel on the weekend. Reckon he gets back in the side quickly. Cox has had a stretch to make the spot his own and hasn’t quite nailed it.

WAFL

• Both WA Day derbies served up an upset. West Perth had their first win of the season when a shot after the siren from East Perth’s Ben Middleton sailed wide. And in the Port city, it was East Fremantle who hit the lead relatively early and put the foot down for a 34-point victory.

• The Sharks’ derby win was their first since 2016. And a lot of it came on the shoulders of Jack Cleaver. You might have heard us mention him before. The 22-year-old kicked two goals from 37 disposals and looked untouchable at times. I’m big on this fella, his ceiling is high. Averaging 25 disposals and 10 tackles this season.

• Swan Districts trailed Perth by 30 points at three quarter time. Then they kicked seven unanswered goals to win by 11 points. Boy oh boy. Jesse Turner was dominant in the final term.

• Claremont escaped their second loss in a row when late goals to Zac Mainwaring and Sam Van Rooyen got them a narrow three-point win over Subiaco. They’re in a little bit of a down patch after such a hot start.

• Mid-season draftee Marcus Herbert won’t be in the WAFL for long. West Coast couldn’t get over Peel, but Herbert stood out in the middle with his 23 touches in horror conditions.

WAFLW

• A late goal to Summer Yarran helped Swan Districts see off a Subiaco challenge to remain on top of the ladder. Jaime Henry had it 19 times with nine tackles and five inside-50s to again be named her side’s best.

• Great to see Dana Hooker back for Subi after retiring from the AFLW last year. She’ll be a big in for the Lions in the back half of the season.

• The WAFLW Freo derby was just as good as the men’s. The Sharks led 26-18 at the final break and only just managed to hang on to win 32-33. Souths’ final two scores were both points too. Tash Entwistle may have been on the losing side, but she was arguably best on ground and is in a super vein of form.

WAFL COLTS

Our anonymous colts watcher is back again this week with a few players of note from the round:

• Cooper Dudfield (Swan Districts/2026 Draft): Listed at 195cm, Dudfield is an emerging colts key forward. Imposing in the air both when in front, where he is difficult to shift off the marking contest, or from behind, where he is able to use his strength to out-manouvere defenders. Seven goals on the weekend against Perth puts him clearly at the top of the colts goal-kicking table with 20 and he must surely now be on the radar.

• Campbell Creyk (West Perth/2027 Draft): The bottom-ager made a magnificent return from WA U18 duties with a colossal 40 disposal game in the midfield. He is blessed with tremendous speed which enables him to break away from stoppages, cut through defences and move swiftly to assist a team mate and create a two-on-one contest in him side’s favour.

• Benji van Rooyen (Claremont/2026 Draft): The Claremont giant was another to return from WA U18 duties. Arguably in the best three on the ground, he played almost as an extra midfielder gathering 20 disposals. His tap work in the ruck was important and to advantage and his 27 hit-outs were complemented by six good grabs around the ground, which is not normally his strong suit.

• Joel Badger (East Fremantle/Sydney Swans Academy/2027 Draft): For the second time this year the Woollongong-produced Sydney Swans Academy ruckman ran out for the Sharks. At just 16 years old, he is remarkably nimble for a player of 203cm. A fierce competitor and not at all phased by older opponents. Although WA U18s ruckman Conor Bushe-Jones may have shaded him slightly on the day, he continued to compete and provide East Fremantle with opportunities. But who does Badger belong to - WA or the Allies?

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Scotch College are a game clear on top of the table after beating Trinity 96-63, and are clear favourites to return to the top under coach Steve Malaxos.

• Aquinas are hot on their heels after seeing off Wesley by 19 points.

• Christ Church also enjoyed a win, unfortunately at the sake of Guildford Grammar, who are having another lean year.

Here are a handful of players who stood out (included in the weekly send this time thanks to a Thursday fixture into a Tuesday newsletter…) :

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The Dockers have won 10 straight, the Eagles are showing serious signs of improvement and the WAFL is delivering good footy across all comps.

And the weekends have all been relatively dry, which is a blessing after last year.

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In today’s newsletter: Freo’s sneaky AA chance, the Eagles’ ruck contract call, a near-record feat in the WAFL, upsets at the top of the ladder, standouts from the 18s boys and girls trial and more.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For decades, Sullivan Logistics has delivered at scale and speed for regional communities and primary industries across the state. Through freight, logistics, and warehousing, they keep Western Australia moving. Get in touch today.

WALYALUP

Dockers 16.8 (104) def Saints 11.8 (74)

• Top of the ladder. Premiership favourites.

• Even without Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Alex Pearce, the Dockers are just able to absorb punches when they come and land a killer blow when they need to. It’s very hard to find a flaw at the moment.

• There’s now genuine All-Australian buzz about Murphy Reid, which is a crazy thing to type about a mid-first-round pick in his second year. The reigning Rising Star had seven score involvements, 13 disposals and a goal in the final quarter. Kid’s a freak.

• Speaking of All-Australian, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Brennan Cox named in the squad for the second time at the end of the season. Making the team might be a bridge too far, but he was a impassable at times against the Saints, curtailed Jack Gunston a couple of weeks ago, and is anchoring a defence that has conceded the least points in the competition. Plus the fact that he was named in 2022 means the selectors clearly like him.

WAALITJ MARAWAR

Magpies 13.14 (92) def Eagles 12.10 (82)

• The Eagles had every right to win this game. They had the Pies on the ropes, but by the time they got them there they were too gassed to land the knockout blow. It’s been a redemptive fortnight for Andrew McQualter and his squad.

• What a year for Bailey Williams to be out of contract. And a free agent as well! The ruckman was West Coast’s best player again, this time against Collingwood’s best and fairest Darcy Cameron. Williams had 12 clearances and a goal from 20 disposals and looked like he was going to be the match-winner at times. One of the stories of the season out of Lathlain.

• I told you about Malakai Champion. Another impressive game under the belt for the small forward from Kalgoorlie.

• For those following along, it’s now three wins v three Rising Star nominations for the Eagles this season. Keep playing like they did on the weekend and the wins should have that contest easily.

WAFL

• Upsets at the top! Claremont and South Freo have looked a class above all season, but both got done on the weekend - by East Perth and Peel respectively. First loss of the season for Tigers, second for the Bulldogs after falling to Claremont in round three.

• Hugh Davies was overlooked to replace Alex Pearce in Fremantle’s side a couple of weeks ago, and he’s making sure the selection committee have cause to second-guess their decision. The young defender took 20 marks in defence - which I think is the second-most marks since WAFL stats were recorded. Aiden Riddle is also coming into his own as a ruckman. One to watch.

• Hamish Brayshaw was back at it for the Royals in their shock win over Claremont. He kicked two from 23 touches and is in some serious form.

• The Sharks beat the Eagles for their first win in a month and Jack Cleaver was the standout for them again. He worked both sides of the ball for 31 disposals and 13 tackles. Has lifted a gear this season in Milan Murdock’s absence.

• No.4 draft pick Cooper Duff-Tytler won’t be in the WAFL for long. Probably a half-step of the pace in the AFL, which is understandable for a first-year tall, but very good at State level. Two goals, 15 touches and 20 hit-outs. Brandon Starcevich was solid in his return from injury.

• Perth kicked 21 goals against West Perth and Lochy Paton had five of them. Key cog.

• Eight goals in the past two games for Ben Sokol. The returning veteran is warming up at Subiaco, who won their second in a row with a victory over Swan Districts.

• The knock on WA draft prospect Leo Steed has been his size. Every week that goes by, that seems more and more ridiculous. The mid-forward was enormous for Swans with two goals, 18 disposals and seven tackles.

WAFLW

• Upsets at the top in the ATCO WAFLW too! Claremont finally ended Swan Districts’ unbeaten streak - by 33 points, no less.

• The usual suspects did the damage, but the Tigers would have been pleased by a return to form from Ella Gilbey in her first league game since round three. One of the league’s best young forward prospects.

• The Sharks were the other upsetters (is that a word?), beating Subiaco by five points.

• Poppy Stockwell gets a shout-out for the third week running. She kicked SEVEN in Perth’s 11-point win over West Perth.

• Heartbreak for Peel Thunder. They were on track for their first win of the season before a late East Perth goal denied them by one point.

TALENT PROGRAM - BOYS

• First-round chance Heath Mellody was a standout in the WA U18s’ latest trial game. The smooth mover was very good against the U20s last week and, to be honest, has been excellent at every level of footy he’s played this year.

• Benji van Rooyen was another worth mentioning. He’s had to split ruck time this year but keeps showing his class.

• Last year’s U16 WA MVP James Artemis showed some real signs in probably his best trial performance yet. He’s on the list of Tasmania’s 17-year-old ‘players of interest’.

TALENT PROGRAM - GIRLS

• The WA U18 girls had their second trial on the weekend as well. They comfortably took care of South Fremantle. Players are being trialled in some new roles to dial things in and explore some options ahead of the national champs.

• West Perth’s Miley Hynes caught the eye again. Was huge in their opening trial of the year and has been great at league level. She’s not eligible for the draft this year, but will be either to nominate one of West Coast or Fremantle when she is - thanks to her dad, Eagles premiership player David.

• Claremont’s India Bonadeo had a breakout WAFLW game a couple of weeks ago and is set for a big champs. While bottom-ager Charlie Fletcher - last year’s U16 champs WA MVP - was another standout from the weekend.

WAFL COLTS

• Our man LeBron Yarran kicked four for Swan Districts. He’s got nine in the past three weeks and the best name in the league.

We asked an avid colts watcher who wants to remain nameless to give us some notes on the weekend’s action too. Here are some of his standouts:

• Trent Robertson (Peel/2027 Draft):The 16-year-old has come out of country football and is now on top of the WAFL Colts goal scorers list. Solidly built already and hopefully he isn’t a typical early developer. Able to find the correct leading lanes and mark the ball at its highest point which gives opposition defenders no chance to spoil. Can kick both feet and usually finishes accurately. Has a quiet swagger about him which isn’t overconfidence but a belief in what he can do.

• Chace Vanderhoek (South Freo/2027 Draft): Not an eye catching player but one that when you look at the stats takes observers by surprise. 22, 25, 36, 29, 24, 30. Those numbers are amazing for a bottom-ager and I’m almost certain that he is taller than 177cm now. Not a thrills and spills mid but a player who quietly accumulates and even though he is an under-age player, his leadership qualities have already been recognised by the Bulldogs.

• Tadhg Barrowclough (West Perth/2027 Draft): A resolute defender when required but his greatest strength is his ability to intercept in defence. A very mature player for his age and one who is pushing for WA state 18's squad honours right now. If not this year then certainly in 2027.

• Luca Boczar (West Perth/2026 Draft): Boczar played WA U16s in 2024. Now he has found the kind of form that saw him recognised back then. A medium tall defender at 187cm - his greatest asset is his speed and rebound out of defence and his willingness to take yards.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Trinity College took a major scalp, holding off a fast-finishing Hale School to win 11.12 (78) to 12.4 (76).

• Tough day for Guildford Grammar. Wesley took the points 114-8.

• Scotch College got the advantage in the crush of teams at the top of the table. They went to Aquinas and returned with a very handy 34-point win.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Now that the PSA season is about a third of the way through, we thought it was time to do a slightly deeper dive on the standouts so far.

This season is looking like a three-way battle between Scotch, Aquinas and Hale for the cup. All three have won three games, but Scotch and Aquinas are unbeaten with a bye, while Hale has a 3-1 record.

From an individual standpoint, we’ve elected not to highlight those players in the WA U18 program who have played just the one or two games - the likes of George Gale, Heath Mellody, Lachie McGlade etc. They’ll get their moment.

This one’s for our paid subscribers, who get extra content - including school footy coverage - as one of many benefits including monthly prize giveaways, early access to events and merch, and our undying affection and admiration.

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If there’s anyone you want to add to the list, or you feel we’ve missed, drop us a DM on Instagram and we’ll check them out.

Righto, let’s get stuck in.

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West Coast ✅ Fremantle ✅ WA men ✅ WA women ✅

The WA U20 side were the only ones to miss out, but they lost to the WA U18s so what can you do?

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In today’s newsletter: A Harley game for the ages, the other Reid is pretty good too, a mid-season draft chance steps up on the rep stage, WA’s girls dominate SA and some standouts from the U18 v U20 showcase.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For decades, Sullivan Logistics has delivered at scale and speed for regional communities and primary industries across the state. Through freight, logistics, and warehousing, they keep Western Australia moving. Get in touch today.

WAALITJ MARAWAR

Eagles 13.10 (88) def Giants 10.11 (71)

• Top-three Harley Reid game right here. A career-high 34 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 score involvements, 786m gained, 12 inside 50s, eight tackles and two goals. He plays his 50th game next week. What a remarkable young player. Andrew McQualter reckons he’s far from the finished product, saying post-game: “He’s got a long way to go still and that’s the exciting part for our fans and our club, that he’s got a lot of scope still to be a better player.”

• With the benefit of hindsight, the Giants were ripe for the picking, but the Eagles coaching staff made sure of it by using Milan Murdock and Brady Hough to tag Lachie Whitfield and Finn Callaghan respectively. GWS don’t have a huge amount of players driving the ball forward at the moment, and without those two they struggled.

• Harley was a clear best on ground, but Bailey Williams wasn’t too far behind him. Used his athleticism to punish his opposite ruck with 41 hit-outs and seven clearances. Still needs another good ruck alongside him longer-term, but he’s coming into his own.

WALYALUP

Dockers 16.8 (104) def Bombers 8.13 (61)

• It was obviously a day for the Reids. A few hours before Harley did the damage at Optus Stadium, it was Murphy Reid running rings around Essendon at the MCG. He also had a career-high 30 disposals, seven score involvements and seven inside-50s. It was an up-and-down day for the Dockers but Reid was probably their most consistent and damaging player.

• Hopefully this is the game that helps Patrick Voss to get his mojo back. He’s been a step off the pace since the Melbourne game but found his spark to kick five goals, including four in a quarter. Has an important role to play in the back end of the season.

• That’s an equal club-record nine wins in a row for Justin Longmuir’s men. A chance to break the record this Friday against the last coach to lead them to nine straight, Ross Lyon. Set your clock (unless you’d rather be watching Richmond v Essendon on the same night, in which case may God have mercy on your soul).

WA MEN

Western Australia 14.14 (98) def South Australia 9.8 (62)

• Two on the trot now for the WAFL representative team against the Croweaters. There were winners all over the park for the Sandgropers, but it was Claremont gun Callan England who added a Simpson Medal to his Sandover with 32 disposals, nine clearances and five inside-50s.

• Kane Bevan was tipped to use his State debut to improve his mid-season draft chances and he did exactly that. He had 24 touches, eight clearances, six tackles, five inside-50s and a goal in a seriously impressive performance. Has grown each season and deserves a shot at the elite level.

• His West Perth teammate Joey Hinder caught the eye with three goals and some serious pace too. It gives you hope the Falcons aren’t far off despite some early struggles.

• Big advocate here for leaving this fixture at a WAFL ground rather than at an AFL venue as a curtain-raiser. Atmosphere was great and it can continue to build in years to come.

WA WOMEN

Western Australia 15.9 (99) to South Australia 1.1 (7)

• Missed the start of this one and had to double-check the scoreboard. As dominant as you can get against an SA side which beat Victoria earlier this season. West is best. Their only goal came quite late, too.

• The WAFLW’s GOAT kept doing GOAT things. Jayme Harken added a Lou Knitter Medal to the trophy cabinet. She polled maximum votes on the back of 30 disposals and eight tackles, and dug in all game.

• Jaime Henry’s dominant season translated to the rep game. She had a game-high 34 touches and 12 tackles. What a bloody season.

• I was impressed with Henry’s Swan Districts teammate Lauren Quaife in the ruck. Has been great for Swans for a while now, looks ready to make a leap.

TALENT

WA U18s 13.6 (84) def WA U20s 12.6 (78)

• Cracking game of footy, this one. If you have the time, do yourself a favour.

• Tasmanian target Axel Walsh played some of his best footy since returning from injury, particularly in the first half. He was at it again with his defensive work, which is genuinely one of the most impressive parts of the young ruck’s game.

• Swan Districts young gun Leo Steed continues to grow his reputation and was arguably the best player on the ground. He’s one of a crop of young midfielders who have been performing at a better-than-expected level this season. Steed and Lucas Robinson have both been excellent at league level, and George Gale has dominated across the State trials, colts and PSA.

• Really pleased to see Cam Maynard having an impact this season. The South Freo forward has some elite traits, and he’s clearly doing the work to help him perform more consistently.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Scotch College flexed against Wesley College without their best player George Gale, who was off dominating for WA’s U18s. Scotch went into half-time trailing by 36 points, and finished 13-point winners. Looking really good early in the season.

• Aquinas College keep rolling on under coach Will Schofield, they saw off Trinity 88-48.

• Hale School are the last piece of the puzzle when looking at the contenders this season. They travelled to Christ Church and returned with a 21-point win.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

One thing you will learn about us here at Jumper Punches is that we try to be optimistic. If you want doom and gloom, or to luxuriate in a team’s deficiencies, then there are plenty of other places to get your fix.

So in keeping with that philosophy, we hit up our mate Kurt from the Golden Wings podcast and challenged him to give us some constructive things we’ve learnt about West Coast so far this season.

This one’s for our paid subscribers, who get extra content - including school footy coverage - as one of many benefits including monthly prize giveaways, early access to events and merch, and our undying affection and admiration.

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Alright, let’s get stuck in.

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It was a massive weekend for the boys in purple, (and another grim one for the Eagles) and there was plenty to take note of right across the footy landscape.

And don’t forget to grab your tickets to the WAFL State Game this Saturday at Sullivan Logistics Stadium in Leederville. Three games of State footy at the one ground. Get around it.

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In today’s newsletter: Freddy’s back, some young Eagles find their positions, Souths have another young gun to watch, the WAFLW talent pipeline gets deeper, son-of-Braun breaks the record and another Warner is making an impact in the PSA.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For decades, Sullivan Logistics has delivered at scale and speed for regional communities and primary industries across the state. Through freight, logistics, and warehousing, they keep Western Australia moving. Get in touch today.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 12.16 (88) def Hawthorn 11.7 (73)

• Wharfie Time has been around for a while, but it’s never hit like that before. I was in the stands for this game and the atmosphere in that final run was genuinely insane. Best since the Dogs final in 2022. The game had been a bit of a grind, but the Dockers turned it on when they needed to. A flex that has the competition on notice and Freo smack bang in the middle of premiership contenders.

• While Luke Jackson was leading the charge late, it was another game when a fringe Docker stood up - this time Michael Frederick. He has his critics, but with three goals from 19 touches, he was critical to the win. His best game in a while.

• Alex Pearce strained his MCL late so will miss a game. The selection committee has their pick of three key backs to replace him - Hugh Davies, Oscar McDonald and Josh Draper. I’d like to see Davies given the chance, the 21-year-old has been in really good form for Peel and I’d like to see how he goes.

WEST COAST

Melbourne 15.9 (99) def West Coast 9.13 (67)

• Brady Hough has played a step below his usual standard this season, but I’ve always been a fan. He’ll do whatever job you ask him to, and rarely delivers a stinker. His job to keep Kozzy Pickett quiet all game was a tick. Maybe just use him as a tagger every week?

• There’s always Willem Duursma. At one stage the Eagles were dicking around with the ball in the back 50 and about to turn it over if not for the class of the No.1 pick. He received a dodgy handball at his feet but gathered it so cleanly and dished a crisp offload around the corner to a man with grass in front of him. He’s better than advertised.

• Thoughts go out to Harry Edwards, who suffered his third concussion this season. It’s going to be tough from here. Jamie Cripps has also done his ACL playing WAFL. Tough weekend.

• Elijah Hewett played on ball in the WAFL and had 27 touches and seven clearances. That’s his position. How long it takes him to break into the midfield at senior level is another question.

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WAFL

• Talk about making the most of your first league game of the year. Cooper Clarke-Dehring kicked five goals for South Fremantle in his first game of ones footy for the year as the Dogs saw off West Coast. He’s a 21yo, 190cm forward from Donnybrook and yet another option for the stacked Dogs. He was replacing Trey Ruscoe, who hurt his hamstring, but will be hard to leave out when the main man returns.

• West Perth are struggling this year, and copped another touch-up on the weekend - this time against Subiaco. But you can always count on Tyler Keitel. He kicked four and is once again leading the Bernie Naylor race.

• Bit of love around for Judd Kelman’s performance for the victorious Lions. The Kalgoorlie lad is really coming of age this season.

• Claremont are 6-0 now thanks to a 111-59 win over Perth. It’s between them and Souths at this stage. Another casual 27 disposals, two goals and eight inside-50s for Bailey Rogers.

• Jeremy Sharp was squeezed out of Freo’s side last week, so he came back and kept his dominant WAFL form going. He had 36 and a goal in Peel’s win over East Perth.

• Swan Districts notched their second win of the season by beating the Sharks. A four-goal return from recruit Jovan Petric is an encouraging sign that things are starting to settle.

WAFLW

• Two WA U16 reps made their league debut in the same game on the weekend - Trista Smoker for West Perth and Bea Crane for Subiaco. They joined state teammates Bella Nelson (Falcons) and Caitlin Boss (Lions) in a game stacked with young talent. The Lions took the win by two points.

• East Fremantle caused a massive upset by taking down Claremont by one point. This was the same week their best player was drafted by Fremantle too. Former Tiger Mackenzie Webb was best on ground, because of course she was.

• The Tash Entwistle-Madison Evans-Ash Gomes ex-Shark trio were at it again for South Fremantle in their win over the winless Peel. Really finding their groove.

• Ex-Docker Poppy Stockwell could be looking at another AFLW shot later this year if she keeps putting up numbers like she did on the weekend. Now at Perth, she kicked 3.4 and added six tackles in a very well-rounded forward game.

WAFL COLTS

• Claremont’s Noah Braun had 52 touches. FIFTY-TWO TOUCHES! And two goals. It’s a new disposal record for the colts competition. If you think the name is familiar, yes that’s the son of West Coast premiership player Michael Braun. He’s eligible as a father-son but has a bit of work to do still to be in the draft frame. Still, 52 touches and two goals elevates his chances.

• Tadgh Barrowclough has been consistently good in defence for West Perth. He’s elevated himself in his second season of colts, going from 7.8 average disposals to 17.6. He’s still only 16 but we’ll be watching him closely.

• Peel Thunder’s young key forward Trent Robertson had his best game for the club with four goals in a win over East Perth. He’s a big unit already at 194cm and 97kg at 16 years old and knows how to find the goals. He’s kicked 13 goals from six games.

• Jai Debono put together one hell of a game for Swans. He kicked two goals from 31 touches as his best game in a very good season so far. Debono was an All-Australian in the U15s and player in the U16 champs, but has been on the outer since. Could a few more games see him knock on the door of the 18s squad?

SCHOOL FOOTY

A reminder that this is the final week of school footy content being in front of the paywall, from next week it will be a separate send for paying subscribers.

• Aquinas College look like the team to beat early this season after easily accounting for reigning premiers Hale School 109-55. Troy Warner - the youngest of the four Warner brothers - was very impressive with a couple of goals and some real influence in the middle of the ground. That’s against a Hale midfield that includes Heath Mellody and Campbell Creyk as well.

• A massive 137-18 win for Scotch College over Guildford Grammar. Scotch have had some of their best mids in and out with State duties - George Gale and Harper Banfield in particular - but the likes of Jarra Mallard have stepped up in their absence.

• Christ Church are on the board with a 72-51 win over Wesley College. It’s their best win in a couple of seasons. Harry Brooks has been enormous for them up forward to start the season after making his colts debut with Claremont this year too, and Lachie Sheldrick has been big through the middle.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

That was probably the big story of the weekend across WA footy, but there was a heap to get excited about as well.

A quick note before we get into it: this week’s school footy updates will drop as a separate send later in the week. Bear with us, and make sure you’re subscribed to get it straight into your inbox when it’s ready.

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In today’s newsletter: We give some flowers to an unsung Docker, who to look out for in today’s AFLW pre-season draft, more notes from the U18 trials and some kids who are cooking at senior level in the WAFL and WAFL.

Also I put the call out to the punchers on Instagram yesterday for some of the best performers of the weekend, the responses included: Harry Brooks, Josh Nathan, Alex Batina, Harper Connor, Campbell Creyk and Maxim Collins. Shout-out the lot of you.

Now let’s get stuck in.

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WEST COAST

Richmond 15.9 (99) def West Coast 13.10 (88)

• I’d describe the Eagles as being in a rut - but that’s proved to be a controversial word this weekend…

• Not sure how else you’d describe it to be honest. Their opposition hadn’t won a game and had very limited availability, but somehow the Eagles - who actually looked up and about early in the season - couldn’t capitalise. Not going to lie, this would be a tough one for everyone to swallow.

• There is an argument to be made that this was lost at selection. Three senior players in after steady WAFL form, when there were other options performing in the twos - Tom Gross and Rhett Bazzo to name two. A few senior players are really proving to be an issue this season.

• How lucky are the Eagles to have Reuben Ginbey? He has some limitations with the ball, but there aren’t many young key defenders in the competition showing his level of fight and determination to win their match-up. Desperately needs some help, but consider this a positive! Told you I’d always find one…

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 17.12 (114) def Western Bulldogs 15.12 (102)

• Brilliant game of footy. One that many Fremantle outfits would have dropped over the years. This version didn’t. Real-deal type areas again.

• Hayden Young has been stepping up slightly each week since returning from injury. This week was more of a leap than a step. There was the break from centre stoppage to kick a long-range goal at a crucial time. There was the inside-out banana from the pocket that is one of the goals of the year. One of the criticisms of Freo’s midfield in previous seasons is that it could be a bit vanilla. Young’s return and the rise of Shai Bolton as a (All-Australian) mid have added some jalapeño.

• Speaking of Bolton, a casual 16 score involvements from 30 touches, nine clearances and the game-sealing goal. He’s in some sort of form.

• Flowers for Karl Worner, the unassuming defender who gradually cemented a spot in the best 23 and played probably the best game of his career against the Dogs. He’s easy to overlook, but he’s tough as nails and has been getting in good spots.

AFLW PRE-SEASON DRAFT

Today is one of the last chances for players to get on an AFLW list for season 2026. There are 11 list spots on offer - including one each at Fremantle and West Coast. The draft kicks off at 5PM WA time this afternoon.

• Sienna Gerardi looks the most likely WA player to be picked up. The 18-year-old is a gun at basketball as well, but focused on footy this year. The Swan Districts small forward is fast, loves a tackle and knows how to finish.

• Claremont’s Juliet Kelly will also be in the mix. She was shockingly overlooked at the draft last year and has been one of the best mids in the WAFLW through the early rounds. May not be a star, but is one of the most reliable teenage mids going around, and doesn’t mind doing whatever job she’s asked.

• Jaime Henry couldn’t have done much more, but there still appears to be little hope she’ll be selected today. It’s not the first time she’s been snubbed, and it sucks. Fingers are crossed, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

TALENT PATHWAY

Another trial game for the WA U18s on the weekend, this time against East Perth’s ressies. Here are a few who caught the eye:

• Benji Van Rooyen: Led from the front for the second week in a row.

• Harvey Spawton-Guy: Has been second banana to Koby LeCras a bit at West Perth, but he’s lifted massively this season. Really excited about the smooth-moving big man.

• Heath Mellody: In for his first trial game after PSA duties last week. He’s just silk on the outside and runs hard to make things happen.

• Lachie McGlade: A West Coast NGA prospect out of East Perth who has a few tricks and knows his way around goals. Been a steady performer, but has a big game in him.

• We mentioned these two last week, but Finlay Yeo and Cam Maynard had another couple of strong games. WA stacked with smalls and talls.

WAFL

• Five on the trot now for Claremont, they sit unbeaten on top of the ladder with a percentage of 196. Easily accounted for Swan Districts, with ruckman Oliver Eastland dominant through the middle. Still one I’d love to see get a shot at the next level.

• Everyone got a lick of the ice cream at Peel in an easy win over West Perth, but was stoked to see Toby Whan’s best senior performance. He had 18 disposals and three goals off a wing. Leon Kickett kicked three as well, and Freo-listed tall Charlie Nicholls keeps showing flashes of quality. Big game in the middle from Nathan O’Driscoll after a week where he courageously shared his battles with mental health.

• Hamish Brayshaw is on a tear. Two games back from injury, two games in the best for the Royals. Looks at his Sandover season level.

• The Demons have a talisman and his name is Lochlan Paton. The forward returned from injury to kick three goals and Perth looked as good as they have this season in a win over the Sharks. He’s got attitude, ability, and his teammates seem to respond when he’s up and about.

• South Freo are humming along, and there was a lot of love around for teen star Lucas Robinson. Will let Jordy explain:

WAFLW

• South Fremantle’s recruitment of Ash Gomes paid dividends as the former Shark led her side to an upset win over Subiaco. She had 26 touches and five inside-50s.

• The kids are doing the damage at West Perth. They belted Peel by 65 points, in no small part thanks to draft prospects Lexi Strachan (25 disposals, one goal) and Cara Dziegelewski (25 hit-outs, two goals, 14 disposals). Bottom-ager Miley Hynes (daughter of David) also chipped in with a couple of majors.

• Former Docker Ash Sharp moved to outright lead of the goalkicking after bagging four in Swan Districts’ big win over East Perth.

COLTS

• Thatcher Simmons backed up his big game for Subiaco last week with four goals from 24 touches. This kid has had a massive fortnight.

• So has Josh Nathan at East Freo - this time 30 disposals and five tackles.

• Chuck Oliver Edwards in the books. The younger brother of Geelong’s Mitch is in the Dockers’ NGA and showing real promise as a young ruckman. He had 17 touches and 23 hit-outs on the weekend at Peel won their first game of the season, beating the Falcons.

• Blake Jones was one who stepped up a gear on the opposite side of that match-up. Almost doubled his average possessions to end with 22, 11 tackles and a goal.

• Swan Districts’ Cooper Dudfield just keeps steadily kicking goals. He’s got eight from four games, including three on the weekend.

• Also just caught my attention that Swans have a kid called LeBron Yarran. I don’t know much about him, but thought it was worth mentioning.

  ---

That’s us all caught up for today.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Let’s just get the awkward bit out of the way first… yes we’re already a round into the PSA footy season. We covered that off in the Monday edition.

But putting that aside, here’s a rundown of the PSA WA school footy competition for 2026, coaches, captains, who to watch etc.

School footy content is usually only for paid subscribers, but in celebration of Sullivan Logistics coming on board as our Major Partner, everything is free for the next two weeks - so enjoy!

If you’re new here, hit this button to get these emails to your inbox every week. We’ll have a full wrap of the WA footy landscape every Monday, with additional features for our members each fortnight.

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Alright, let’s get stuck in.

Aquinas College

Coach: Will Schofield

Captain: Jett Abbott

Last season: Right there with Hale and Wesley until the finish line. A second-placed result on the ladder, just one win off the premiers and with a better percentage. Koby LeCras was a star up forward with 31 goals, Luke Hallett made an impression in between injury and Perth’s Xavier Bianchini led from the front.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Troy Warner is the latest in a long line of Warners to contribute to Aquinas’ first XVIII, and was just named in WA’s U16 squad. Marcus Motton and Oscar Richardson have both showed his ability early in the East Fremantle colts program and earned WA U18 selection.

Christ Church Grammar School

Coach: Ryan Lasscock

Captain: Ben MacGregor

Last season: Tough year for CCGS. A win over Guildford late in the season and a thrilling game against Trinity were the highlights. Northam lad Will Oakley was a beast inside the contest all season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

WA U18s train-on Lachlan Sheldrick will be hoping to follow his brother Angus’ lead from a few years ago. Ethan Parker is only young but featured in Claremont’s colts pre-season fixtures and Will Baldwin is one to watch from Albany.

Guildford Grammar School

Coach: Corey Gault

Captain: Xavier Daniel & Isharnd Lange-McGuire

Last season: Another hard slog for Guildford, with just the one win over Christ Church mid-season. More competitive early in the year. Subiaco’s Connor Lally and WA U16s rep Xavier Daniel were standouts and Lachie McGlade tipped in with 14 goals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Daniel is back again as co-captain this time around, Taj Allan has had some brilliant moments in the colts for Swan Districts, while WA U18 squad member McGlade should also be strong each week.

Hale School

Coach: Ben Dyer

Captain: Sam Irving & Angus Abbonizio

Last season: Claimed their first Alcock Cup since 2019, with South Fremantle young guns Lucas Robinson and Lucas Cattalini and silky Claremont wing/half-back Heath Mellody leading the way. Had some big wins early in the season and held on late against some fierce challengers.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

This newsletter is already a declared Campbell Creyk fan, so write his name down again. Heath Mellody continued his form in the opening round with a truckload of footy. Sam Irving has also had moments in the Tigers’ colts program.

Scotch College

Coach: Steve Malaxos

Captain: Campbell Elliot

Last season: Won more than they lost, but finished just outside the tight top three of Hale, Aquinas and Wesley. Midfield of George Gale, Charlie and Harper Banfield was strong, unsurprisingly.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

George Gale and Harper Banfield are both back again doing what they do - with Gale in particular rising a level across all competitions. Tom Brown has been good for Claremont’s colts and is also in the 18s program.

Trinity College

Coach: Anthony Jones

Captain: Nate Lindquist

Last season: Finished mid-table, a step above the struggling teams but not quite at the level of the better teams in the competition. Rising ruck star Axel Walsh was a standout in his five games, with Jack Clarey a constant performer.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

When he’s fit and clear of U18 duties, all eyes will be on Walsh again. Jett Edwards made a real impression in the opening round with seven goals and dual-sport WA U16s rep Cruz Ingleton was another standout along with Will Taboni.

Wesley College

Coach: Michael Broadbridge

Captain: Cooper McMeikan

Last season: Really got rolling towards the back-end of the season before hitting the bye in the final round and having to watch Hale run out of reach. Leo Steed was a star all year, and unsurprisingly has already made a league debut this season at Swan Districts. Taj Longmuir led the competition for disposals and Cavan Payne’s 33 goals were also the best in the PSA.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Payne’s back again and has kicked five goals across East Perth’s opening three colts games. Beau Mepham was good for WA in last year’s U16 champs. Aiden Martignago was very impressive for WA’s U15s and earned U16 squad selection this year.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Exciting announcement right off the top. We’re officially welcoming Sullivan Logistics on board as our Major Partner for season 2026.

Tim Sullivan and the team at Sullivan Logistics are fantastic supporters of footy in WA and we’re thrilled to have them on board.

To celebrate the news, our paid tier of content will be free to read for everyone for the next two weeks. For our paid subscribers, keep an eye on your inbox this week because you get a bonus too.

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A few more exciting announcements coming in relation to this too, watch this space.

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In today’s newsletter: Fremantle’s best player debate, still trying to be positive about the Eagles, Yeo keeps thrilling them in U18s, Claremont flexing and some standouts in the return of PSA school football.

Let’s get stuck in.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 16.7 (103) def Carlton 13.11 (89)

• The season of Jye continues! Amiss is in such good form that even his mongrel floaters are going through the middle - much to the surprise of everyone who watched that kick. He’s up to 16 goals in his past five games and his form has been one of the more pleasing aspects of the Dockers’ early season success.

• On the Hard Ball Gets podcast this week we had a discussion about Fremantle’s best player this season. The consensus is that it’s been one of Shai Bolton or Luke Jackson - maybe just leaning Bolton. The Dockers are winning through weight of numbers, but Bolton has been consistently damaging as a regular part of the midfield. Let me know your call in the comments.

Leave a comment

• It was only a week ago we were talking up Jeremy Sharp’s form at Peel, and it transferred after he was a late call-up thanks to Patrick Voss’ illness. I’m not sure Sharp will ever be the most polished player, but he showed restraint on the wing that he’s sometimes lacked. He didn’t try to do too much, is basically what I’m saying. He bobbed up in the second half after a quiet start and kicked a couple of important goals. Will always be on the cusp, but showed he can be counted on.

WEST COAST

St Kilda 22.11 (143) def West Coast 5.12 (42)

• We’ve all seen the stats by now. Historically bad stats. But in the name of optimism, here are a couple of things we liked…

• There was one passage of play in the third quarter that showed why West Coast must keep playing Malakai Champion. He got the ball out the back in the corridor, gave the hands, was at the fall of the ball after the next kick, popped it into space, then won the ground ball which ended up in an Elliot Yeo goal. He’s on the cusp of becoming a good AFL player, he just needs the exposure.

• Crazy to think that Josh Lindsay was dropped earlier this year. He had the ball 31 times and went at 91% efficiency. Just hold on to the performances of him and Willem Duursma every week, Eagles fans. It’s going to be another long season otherwise.

TALENT

WA’s U18 squad had their first trial game for the year on Sunday against Swan Districts’ reserves. It’s one of six hit-outs before the National U18 Championships kick off in June. Here were a few names who impressed:

• Finlay Yeo: This will please a lot of Fremantle people. Yeo has been in really good form for East Fremantle’s colts and was one of WA’s best again in the first trial. The Dockers NGA member has really risen a level as a damaging mid-forward.

• Benji van Rooyen: No shock here. He was really impressive holding down the ruck last year as a bottom-ager and will be a key pillar again.

• Sam O’Brien: A bottom-aged ball magnet from Subiaco. Been another early form player in the colts.

• Sheldon Pickett: One of a couple of over-agers in the program, the Bunbury product has come from the clouds, but earned his spot in the program.

• Cam Maynard: Showed a bit. A joy to watch when he’s up and going, Maynard has kicked some of the best goals you’ll see at colts level. Pumped to see him keep growing this season.

WAFL

• Stop kicking them, they’re already dead. That’s what it felt like watching Claremont demolish East Fremantle by 111 points - their biggest-ever win over the Sharks. The Tigers are undefeated and clear favourites for the flag. Their firepower is just overwhelming, through the middle with Bailey Rogers and Callan England at their best, and up forward with Jaiden Hunter, Keiran Gowdie, Talon Delacy and Sam Van Rooyen combining for 16 goals between them.

• Jack Mayo has been a good player for a long time, but he’s in great form for Subiaco at the moment. The one-time mid-season draftee was the Lion’s best in their narrow win over Peel as a tall utility. Has kicked eight goals in four games and this time around he added 22 touches, 10 marks and 17 hit-outs.

• West Coast have won three straight games in the WAFL. Yes you read that correctly. They beat Swan Districts by a point and Tom Gross, Tyrell Dewer and Rhett Bazzo are all pushing for an AFL call-up. The return of Fred Rodriguez from a footy injury was a highlight to everyone on his bandwagon [my hand is up].

• It’s going to be a long year for West Perth. The only winless team after Souths beat them on the weekend. Koby LeCras made his senior debut, but it was a tough game for a debutant to have an impact in.

WAFLW

• Jaime Henry watch: 39 disposals and 16 tackles in Swan Districts’ win over Perth on Friday night. She’s now averaging 35 touches and 10 tackles across the first five games of the season. Swans are unbeaten. Wowee.

• 31-year-old PFL recruit Caitie Smith has had a breakout fortnight for Subiaco. In her fourth game of WAFLW footy, Smith kicked 3.2 from 14 touches to be amongst the best. It was only slightly better than her three goals the previous week. Paige Sheppard had it an enormous 41 times too, with 13 tackles.

• Claremont are rolling again and Juliet Kelly is continuing to thumb her nose at the selectors which overlooked her last year. The Tigers workhorse was best on with 36 and 11 tackles against East Perth, growing as a midfielder each week.

WAFL COLTS

Quieter week in the colts with the return of PSA footy and the start of the WA U18 trial games. It’s a delicate balance keeping everyone happy when it comes to who plays where…

• Thatcher Simmons played WA U16s in 2024, then missed most of last year with injury. The big-bodied midfielder is starting to come good. With more opportunity in the middle for Subiaco, he finished with 37 disposals and a goal in a win over Peel. Keep half an eye on him.

• Perth’s Zac Workman had a game to take note of, with three goals from 23 touches and six tackles. He’s 17 and hails from Mundijong.

• Before the weekend, the best East Perth’s Karo Flessas had managed in a colts game was 12 touches. Against the Demons on the weekend he finished with 26 and was named the Royals’ best.

• Claremont narrowly pipped the Sharks by one point and it was the battle of the aligned players. Josh Nathan was omitted from the latest WA U18 squad, but responded by having 37 for the Sharks. He’s a Freo NGA boy. For the Tigers, it was Noah Braun, son of West Coast’s Michael, who did the damage in the middle.

• Sam Hookham’s six goals were the standout for South Fremantle in a win over West Perth.

SCHOOL FOOTY

The first round of the 2026 PSA WA season kicked off with mixed availability. A full season preview will be released later this week.

• Scotch College got the job done against Christ Church Grammar School despite a very slow start. Just like he’s been doing for Claremont all season, George Gale led from the front for Scotch. He kicked three goals and had a bucketload of football for coach Steve Malaxos.

• Last year’s champions Hale School took the points against Wesley College, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. They won 75-53 with leading draft contender Heath Mellody and West Perth bottom-aged gun Campbell Creyk in their best.

• Trinity College stormed to a 122-30 win over Guildford Grammar to start the season. Cruz Ingleton - who was named in the WA U16 squad last week - stood out for the winners while Swan Districts’ Taj Allan was good for Guildford.

  ---

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Sorry, I’m just doing my best to make it feel like the derby is competitive atm.

In today’s newsletter: Amiss’ career four-game stretch, help for Reuben, a breakout year at Claremont, pin-point Swans, a 196cm prospect picking up 29 in the colts and the return of our leading AFLW draft contender.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Lightning Minds. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely or taking a breather mid-session, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance.

THE DERBY

Fremantle 14.13 (97) def West Coast 5.11 (41)

• There are no ways around it - we need to save the Western Derby. The Eagles need to take big steps in the next 12 months to start to make our showpiece game more of a contest. That’s nine of the past 10 to Fremantle. A few have been competitive. We’re optimistic the worm will turn soon.

• Jye Amiss has kicked 13 goals in his past four games. It’s his best-ever four game stretch (which is a statistical indicator I just made up but now claim as important). There have been plenty of haters along the journey, but he’s making them eat humble pie. He particularly likes playing the Eagles, kicking 19 goals in seven games against the cross-town rivals.

• It was his first game back and the Eagles have a few issues, but Hayden Young had plenty of moments to display his class in his return from injury. He burst out of the middle early, laced out forwards, and found too much space. When he’s firing and Murphy Reid has another game out of the box - not to mention Jordan Clark’s BOG display off half-back - you can see all the elements of a contender coming together.

• Hats off to Reuben Ginbey. He was immense for West Coast with heavy traffic coming the other way. Holding Josh Treacy to just three marks isn’t something that can be shrugged off. He needs some help though. The coach knows it - and it looks like Jobe Shanahan may need to go down back for a while to provide it.

WAFL

• Claremont are now the only undefeated side after taking the points against South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval. Zac Mainwaring’s midfield move continues to pay off - he was one of the best out there with two goals, 19 disposals and seven tackles.

• The forwards at Swan Districts can’t seem to miss this season. William Reidy kicked four goals in a win over West Perth at the weekend for a season tally of 8.1. Off-season recruit Zach Provest has 6.1 from three games.

• Jeremy Sharp would be one of the early Sandover Medal leaders. He’s going to find it tough to get into the senior Fremantle side, but he was best on for Peel in a one-point loss to Perth with another 34, six inside-50s and a goal.

• East Fremantle’s Oskar Smartt - recruited from Essendon - is already one of the best small forwards in the comp. That’s 10 goals now from three games.

• West Coast have two wins! We were told this season would be even, and it’s delivering. Malakai Champion in the best again - he’s taken a serious leap this season and will be pushing for AFL selection again very soon. Three goals from 20 touches.

WAFLW

• Jaime Henry watch: 36 disposals and seven tackles this time in a win for Swan Districts over West Perth.

• The return of leading draft candidate Cara Dziegielewski was the other big story from that game. The ruck-forward kicked a goal from 10 touches and 23 hit-outs to be amongst the best in her first game back from injury.

• Another draft prospect having an unreal start to the year is Perth’s Mia Carlshausen. A recent convert to footy she’s been a standout for the Demons early and was at it again in defence in their win over Peel.

• Claremont are humming again after a creaky start to the season. Bec Anderson has been a big part of that. She’s kicked seven goals in the past two games and has already almost doubled her goal tally from last year.

WAFL COLTS

• Another week, another big game from George Gale at Claremont. The Tigers were narrowly beaten by South Fremantle but Gale was probably best on ground. He had 31 touches, two goals, six tackles, six inside 50s and was pretty much everywhere. The only colts player averaging 30+ and very few cheap possessions among them.

• Quality game from the man with the best name in the comp, Jamayson Ketchup. The Demons small forward made the U18 summer squad and you can see why. Two goals, eight tackles and 16 touches in a win over Peel. Building into the season nicely.

• Massive game for West Perth tall Harvey Spawton-Guy in their win over Swan Districts. He played across every line and was effective everywhere. A 196cm fella having it 29 times with 11 marks is crazy. Falcons could be the best team in it too, just quietly.

• Bottom-ager James Artemis is working into the season well, and had his best game for East Fremantle on the weekend. He’s on Tasmania’s list.

TALENT

• Koby LeCras had an enormous game for the AFL Academy against Richmond’s VFL side. Son-of-Brent kicked three goals working forward and on the wing, took a couple of contested grabs and demonstrated a few different tricks he has in front of goals.

• Bella Nelson has continued her dominant pathways career by being named WA’s MVP of the U16 AFLW championships. The West Perth defender helped set up the State’s win in the second of their two games. Subiaco’s Caitlin Boss was probably the other standout across both games.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

By the way, Gather Round should stay in SA and WA should continue having a slice of Origin for as long as possible (sell gets murky with Vic v SA etc but that’s never stopped them before).

In today’s newsletter: Johnson lifts again, a Brownlow leader, realistic Eagles results, a ruck solution, the Royal recruits, a young Docker and Eagle impress in pathway, Henry does it again and a 16-year-old Shark goes nuts.

Alright, let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Lightning Minds. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely or taking a breather mid-session, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 7.3 (45) def Collingwood 5.9 (39)

• Was it a good game of football? God no. But the fact the Dockers were able to scrap a win from behind with all the momentum going the other way was impressive. The fact they did it two weeks in a row was even more so.

• Almost every time Luke Jackson rucks solo, he makes the argument for two rucks a little harder to swallow. Jackson was the most damaging player out there after Sean Darcy went down with a head knock. They might bring in Mason Cox for the derby anyway, the other option would be let Jackson go one out and bring in Jeremy Sharp, who has been in very good form as an inside mid at Peel (he had 25 disposals and kicked three against Claremont at the weekend.

• We threw his name up last week, and Matthew Johnson lifted another gear. The burst through the middle to lace out Jye Amiss. The burst through a tackle to settle and kick the winning goal. He’s improving out of sight.

• Is Caleb Serong leading the Brownlow at this point of the season? Polls very well.

WEST COAST

Geelong 17.20 (122) def West Coast 11.10 (76)

• The jumpers looked sick.

• This is one of the results Eagles fans would have been happy with if not for getting those wins on the board early. They were competitive against a good side and a heap of their kids played well.

• That’s the first time I can remember Andrew McQualter publicly ripping Harley Reid for discipline issues. Harley’s best this season has been brilliant. He’s still so young, you have to wonder at what point he’s able to shelve that side of his game completely.

• We’ve got to see it one more week considering who he was rucking against, but Bailey Williams should be the Eagles’ ruckman going forward. The new rules play in his favour, he offers more going forward, and he’s got a certain amount of mongrel about him. Had 20 disposals and seven clearances.

WAFL

• Darcy Craven (ex-Brisbane) and Cooper Stephens (ex-Hawthorn & Geelong) are already proving to be excellent additions at East Perth. Craven has six goals in the first two weeks and Stephens has been a high-level inside mid. When Hamish Brayshaw returns from injury they’ll be fully up and running.

• East Fremantle snatched a last-gasp win over Subiaco thanks to a late goal from Liam Robinson, but Jack Cleaver was one of the stories of the day. The Sharks midfielder is still young and he’s played some good games so far - but this might have been his best. Kicked two goals from 26 touches in the middle and burst through stoppages all day.

• West Coast won! They beat West Perth by 15 points! The Falcons kicked 12.20, but still! Malakai Champion made a case that he shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place with two goals and seven inside-50s.

• Fremantle draftee Ryda Luke kicked 5.4 in the WAFL ressies against Claremont - this fella has so much raw potential.

• South Fremantle got two of their prime onballers back in Matthew Parker and Tom Blechynden and flexed on Perth as a result in a 46-point win.

WAFLW

• Third best-on-ground in as many weeks for Jaime Henry. This time it was 31 disposals, eight tackles and a goal in a win over East Fremantle.

• South Fremantle and Perth played out the first draw of the season - 55 a piece. Isabella Shannon has started the season like a house on fire for the Demons, while Natasha Entwistle was strong for the Dogs.

• Paige Sheppard has come back even better this year, she’s almost tipped over 100 disposals in the first three games for Subiaco and was best on in the weekend’s win over East Perth. Subi young gun Marley Kelman also featured in the best for the first time.

• Claremont recruit Ruby Sargent-Wilson had a steady start after joining from the Sydney Swans in the off-season. She exploded against Peel Thunder at the weekend as the Tigers notched a 70-point win. First shots fired by the reigning premiers, who have found another gun.

WAFL COLTS

• Reid Foot came into the East Fremantle colts side as a 16-year-old last year and held his spot through finals. He was there again in round one this season and had a massive game in a win over Subiaco this weekend - kicking four goals from 15 touches. Keep an eye on this one.

• In that same game there was another breakout from a 16yo in Oscar Richardson. He kicked two goals from 26 touches and 11 marks in his second colts game. Wowee.

• West Coast father-son prospect Harper Banfield was good for Claremont. He’s similar to his brother Charlie in terms of hunger and endeavour, just not as tall. Two good games to start the year.

• Key defender Mitchell Stirling was massive for Peel. He had 25 touches and six marks. Will be a pillar of WA’s U18 side this year.

AFLW U16 CHAMPS

• WA came close to a comeback win in their opening game against SA last week, but they were cut short by the siren.

• Bella Nelson, fresh off a hat-trick of U15 All-Australians, had it a team-high 23 times with nine marks and 10 rebound 50s.

• Subiaco’s Caitlin Boss was another standout with 22 disposals and four clearances.

• Their second and final game is this Thursday in Melbourne.

  ---

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Packed edition today now that the AFL, the Sullivan Logistics WAFL, ATCO WAFLW and EGT Colts are all up and running consecutively.

One of the most noteworthy performances was the senior debut of Lucas Robinson at South Fremantle. He’s a big bustling inside mid from Lake Grace (heard that before?) who can be drafted this November and is linked to Fremantle through their NGA.

And if you haven’t had enough footy, the National U16 Girls Championships kick off today, with WA playing in the opener. You can watch it here from 10.15am WA time.

Bella Nelson, Vienna Matera (niece of Peter, Wally and Phil), Bea Crane and Indi Slocombe are a few of the names I’m looking out for.

In today’s newsletter: The rising tides lifting Freo, finding some light in a very dark game at the Eagles, NGA prospects popping off all over the place, Subi are back, Henry keeps rolling and the West Perth colt who’s already won me over.

Before we get stuck in, hit this button and let me know what impressed you the most across the weekend…

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OK, now let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Lightning Minds. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely or taking a breather mid-session, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 11.12 (78) def Adelaide 11.10 (76)

• This is one of those moments contenders have. All the momentum against you on the road, easy to lay down and take the L. Somehow you find a way. A special win.

• Jye Amiss made his critics take a seat. In a game where Josh Treacy’s scoreboard impact was being limited, Amiss made the most of his chances and showed some quality body work on his way to four goals. I know one critic who for some reason backed him to kick five, so it was an even sweeter total. He stretches the field for the Dockers and does a power of work to create space, so it was great to see Amiss get a lick of the ice cream in an important game.

• He’s had plenty of good ones but put this in the handful of Murphy Reid’s best games. Went up the ground and had so many moments of class. Every time he gets it, you expect him to put someone in space.

• The rise of Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus to consistent, capable best 23 players is part of what makes this year’s Fremantle side feel more legit. They still make the odd error, but you don’t notice them like you once did - which is a good thing.

WEST COAST

Sydney 24.19 (163) def West Coast 4.11 (35)

• We try to stay positive around here, OK? Some weeks it’s harder than others.

• Bo Allan has shown moments of brilliance over the past three weeks. It took him time to find his feet at the level, but you’re starting to get a glimpse of what he could be. He’s big, quick and makes things happen.

• I don’t care how many touches Jagga Smith has, Willem Duursma has to be the Rising Star favourite at this point. He’s so influential and damaging. Will be fascinating to see if he puts on size and goes inside, or stays a Slim Reaper on the wing. Either way, he’s going to be one hell of a footballer.

WAFL

• As mentioned, Lucas Robinson was one of the biggest talking points from round one of the Sullivan Logistics WAFL and rightly so. The Fremantle NGA draft prospect made his senior debut for South Fremantle and had 27 touches - a game-high 14 contested amongst them - and nine clearances. He needs to add tricks outside the contest still - recruiters are still all-in on speed and power - but on the inside he stands alone in this draft class.

• Subiaco will contend for finals at the very least this season, and their nail-biting seven-point win against East Perth on the weekend suggests they could compete for the flag. Stefan Giro was a highlight with 26 disposals and 3.2, but they had winners on every line.

• Huge start for Claremont, demolishing West Perth on the back of a dominant midfield. Bailey Rogers looks back to his best with 27 and three goals, and he told The West he had finally got on the end of an Achilles issue which has been lingering for years.

• Aaron Clarke has been heavily tipped for the Bernie Naylor Medal this year and opened his account with seven goals against West Coast, who were disappointing again. Hopefully they show more fight as the season goes on.

• Tyrell Dewer was one Eagle who stood out and could push for selection in the AFL side soon.

• Mason Cox and Jeremy Sharp were dominant for Peel in their win over East Fremantle. Sharp’s on-ball roll in the WAFL may limit his chances of selection at AFL level but it could put him in Sandover Medal frame if he keeps going like he started.

WAFLW

• Jaime Henry take a bow. She followed last week’s monster game with another 38 touches in a massive win over South Freo. She’s started the season averaging 35 disposals and eight tackles. All eyes on the AFLW pre-season draft on May 4.

• Juliet Kelly is another name that should be in the AFLW mix. She had 36 and 10 tackles as Claremont narrowly beat West Perth and was stiff to be overlooked at last year’s draft. Ella Gilbey also had some very nice moments in the 66-64 win for the Tigers, her ground level work and hands set up the winning goal.

• The Falcons had plenty of standouts, with Elee McEvoy at the top of that list. The Irish recruit picked up 19 touches, two goals and seven tackles in her second proper game of Aussie Rules.

• Noa McNaughton has always had talent, but she had the best game of her career against Peel at the weekend. The East Fremantle teenager ran out the game with 29 touches, two goals and eight inside-50s. We knew the level was there, good to see her hit it.

• Subi’s three-headed midfield monster - Krstel Petrevski, Lisa Steane and Paige Sheppard - were at it again. The three tallied 95 touches between them in a win over Perth.

• Mia Carlshausen, one of this year’s leading draft chances, was best on for Perth with a composed 17 disposal, six-mark game.

WAFL COLTS

• Plenty of good games across the comp, but the one player that stood out for me was West Perth’s Campbell Creyk. Had heard a bit about him but jeez, he passed the eye test. A quick, dynamic mid/fwd who competes hard and has some tricks in front of goal. Was in the WA U18 summer squad as a bottom ager and looks set for a big year. I’m all in after watching him once.

• Speaking of standouts from that game I thought Benji van Rooyen really lifted for the Tigers in the final term. The young ruck already held down the spot for WA last year as a bottom-ager and looks to have lifted a gear in his draft year. George Gale was another Tiger to start with a bang. He had a very well-rounded game in the middle with 32 touches, nine marks and four tackles.

• Leo Steed did Leo Steed things at Swans - 31 disposals, eight tackles and a goal.

• We spoke about Lucas Robinson, but another Freo NGA player had an unreal game at colts level. I knew Finlay Yeo had tricks - he took hangs and kicked some special goals last year - but there’s more to his game than I thought. He had 24 disposals, 11 inside-50s and six tackles for East Freo. Enormous.

• West Coast NGA prospect Garrison Kehn started well at East Perth. Composed off half-back and set up plenty with a team-high 25 touches. He’ll have a good year this year.

• Adding Lachlan McGlade to the watchlist at the Royals. Had some very nice moments amongst 20 disposals and a goal.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that unites brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Tomorrow the Sullivan Logistics WAFL kicks off for season 2026. It’s a Good Friday.

I know this gets said a lot but this is genuinely one of the most anticipated seasons in a long time. Every team has recruited well, jostling for finals positions will be red-hot, and it looks like the rain will hold off, at least for now (touch wood).

This post is for paid-up Jumper Punches members. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your subscription. The Monday wrap will always be free, but paid subscribers get access to extra features, monthly giveaways and more.

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But if that’s a step too far for now and you’re looking for more WAFL content, the podcast I host for the league - Seven Point Play - kicked off earlier this week. It’s up on Youtube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Today’s feature is on the players I’m most interested in seeing this season.

Some are in the AFL draft frame, some are making a comeback after injury or a long career break, and some are ready to pop and make a bigger impact on the comp.

Alright, let’s get stuck in.

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Until Melbourne came from behind to beat the Blues yesterday, the two WA sides occupied 25% of the top eight. Who would have predicted that?

Yes, the ladder is all over the shop. And yes, the eight is actually a 10 this year. But it’s still pretty good OK, stop trying to suck the joy out of it!

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In today’s newsletter: Treacy has sticky mitts, somebody should have picked Jobe earlier, showtime Shai, and Henry’s Swans make a statement in the ATCO WAFLW.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by our launch partner Lightning Minds. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely or taking a breather mid-session, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 13.35 (103) def Richmond 6.7 (43)

• The best hands since Wayne Carey. That’s what David King had to say about Josh Treacy after he took 12 marks in a best-on-ground performance against the Tigers. Watch it back and, in this game at least, it’s hard to argue.

• Shai Bolton may be Fremantle’s best midfielder this season. That’s two games in a row where he’s been at the centre bounces more than any player other than Caleb Serong - and two games where he’s been a game-changer. If the form holds on the road against a far better side in Adelaide this Friday, then look out.

• If Luke Jackson had kicked straight that could have been one of the most prolific ruck games since Max Gawn’s insane prelim final in 2021. Jackson finished with 1.4 from 17 disposals, five clearances and 28 hit-outs. Imagine if that were five straight.

• Great signs from Jye Amiss as well. Created more than he kicked.

WEST COAST

West Coast 13.14 (92) def Port Adelaide 13.12 (90)

• Everybody saw this coming, right? No?

• This is a genuinely remarkable start to the season for the Eagles, better than any could have predicted. Tougher challenges will come - I am very worried about Port Adelaide - but the way they’ve been able to fight back from an early deficit, reclaim the lead, then fight it out right until the final siren makes this the most encouraging fortnight the club has had in almost five years.

• Please never drop Josh Lindsay again. He did plenty against the Power, but there was a kick he pulled off in the third under pressure, hitting up Harry Schoenberg in the corridor, that I don’t think anyone else on the list could have done. Particularly given the other options at half-back, let’s hope his magnet stays firmly on the whiteboard.

• There needs to be some kind of investigation into how Jobe Shanahan dropped to pick 30 in the 2024 draft. This kid has something intangible that separates the good AFL players from the great. His mark in the dying minutes in defence was all class. Last year he showed signs as a forward, this year he’s become a swingman and it’s working to great effect.

WAFLW

East Perth 4.7 (31) def Peel Thunder 4.5 (29)

West Perth 4.6 (30) def Subiaco 2.7 (19)

Swan Districts 7.9 (51) def Claremont 1.4 (10)

South Fremantle 7.11 (53) def East Fremantle 0.4 (4)

• Upsets aplenty in the first round of the ATCO WAFLW for season 2026, and you get the feeling that this is a year where a suite of new contenders will announce themselves.

• No bigger upset than Swan Districts belting a Claremont side that has won three of the past four flags. Jaime Henry led the charge. We’d heard good things about her from Basso this pre-season but her 31 touches, 10 tackles, eight inside-50s and a goal is an early contender for performance of the season.

• We expected West Perth to pop last year - maybe we were just a bit early. The Falcons beat last year’s form team Subiaco largely on the back of their youth. The likes of Jess Roper (almost a veteran at 21 years old), Rikisha Nannup and Bella Nelson were strong in the victory.

• Huge numbers in the middle thanks to Subiaco’s big three Lisa Steane (30 disposals) Krstel Petrevski (27) and Paige Sheppard (28) but it didn’t translate to scores.

• South Fremantle will be a real contender this season. Ash Gomes was the story in their massive win over the Sharks - who looked like they could really use an Ash Gomes type midfielder out there themselves. Anyone know where they can find one?

• East Perth have already equalled last year’s win tally. Another club that will be a great watch in a comp that is getting better across the board.

WAFL PRE-SEASON

The Sullivan Logistics WAFL kicks off on Good Friday. Only one scratch match this weekend, Peel Thunder v West Coast:

• Jeremy Sharp looks like he’ll be spending more time as an inside mid, with Neil Erasmus and Matt Johnson now looking more entrenched in the Fremantle 23. Perth sung Sharp’s praises after their game last week - could be set for a massive year.

• Bailey Williams was good again in the ruck for West Coast against Mason Cox. He and Elijah Hewett - on the comeback from injury - were among the best for the Eagles, who will be better than they have been.

  ---

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that works to unite brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Quick Friday afternoon drop for you here ahead of the ATCO WAFLW kick-off this weekend. Look, the weather isn’t ideal… but get out to a game if you can.

In case you missed it earlier in the week, ATCO have come on board this season as the competition’s first-ever naming right sponsor. We’re particularly pumped for this one given the business behind this newsletter - Playbookx - helped broker the deal.

If you’ve got a business that is interested in sport partnerships, reach out for a chat, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

Right, onto the footy.

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We’ve recently had South Fremantle Rogers Cup player and SEDA Student Macey McDougall helping us out in the office, so we enlisted her to survey the coaches and footy managers to help pull together this list.

And a quick note if you’re looking to watch the games from home this weekend - they’re all going to live on the WAFL YouTube page going forward.

Let’s get stuck in.

CLAREMONT

Jess Freame

A strong, powerful runner through half-back and midfield with an excellent kick. She hits her targets and makes good decisions. Cemented her spot in the senior team last season an will continue to grow as a player.

Ella Gilbey

Known for her high-end speed, she was top five in the country for her 20m sprint, making her one of the standouts in Claremont’s 2025 season. Ella was invited to the State draft combine, where she recorded a record 60cm vertical jump, the best of any player across the country.

EAST FREMANTLE

Avuya Nomlatyu

A state player for WA U18s and a standout player in the Fremantle NGA Women’s team. Avuya has graduated from the Rogers Cup and will make her league debut for East Fremantle this weekend, using her height and pressure through the ruck and forward line.

Mackenzie Webb

A Claremont premiership player who will bring plenty to the Sharks. Webb plays in defence but can impact up the ground. Her ability to lock down her opponents is five-star, along with her closing speed and footy smarts.

PEEL THUNDER

Kate Bartlett

The dangerous goal-kicker is back after a stint in the Peel Football Netball League. Has plenty of experience, including in the AFLW, and is a two-time leading goal kicker for the Thunder and an overall gun in their forward line.

Ebony Bilcich

A highly accomplished Thunder legend who has played in multiple premierships and claimed the 2024 Fenton Medal as fairest & best. A leader through the midfield, she’ll be a big part of the club’s attempt to return to the pointy end of the ladder.

SUBIACO

Krstel Petrevski

The league’s standout player last season, known for her elite consistency and impact around the contest. The reigning Dhara Kerr medallist has also been recognised as Subiaco’s best and fairest in both 2024 and 2025, highlighting her dominance. Krstel racks up huge disposal numbers each game, combining her strong tackling pressure with her exceptional work rate, making her one of the competition’s most influential and reliable players.

Marley Kelman

Made her debut last season commuting from Kalgoorlie, where she led Railways to a GFL flag as best on ground in the decider, after being named the competition’s B&F the previous year as a 15-year-old. Has moved to Perth and made in impression in the WA U18 summer program.

EAST PERTH

Stella Bardon

Has the potential to make a league debut this year as a 16-year-old. Has great tackling pressure, with great work around contests and stoppages. Bardon is still developing as inside mid and is proving this position is made for her. She shows good natural footy instincts and can rotate into any role. She plays with composure, gets to good positions, and plays team-first footy. Plays above her age.

Sabella Banks

A tough and defensive-minded player who plays half-back and inside mid. Stella is a regular among East Perth’s best players by doing the “dirty, and unrewarded work” in games. Her defensive impact makes her one to watch, having made the State team last year.

PERTH

Caitlyn Edwards

Caitlyn’s journey in sport varies from playing in the AFLW for Collingwood to taking on rugby professionally in America for the Lindenwood Lions. After six years, Caitlyn has returned to footy and will have a major season this year, with her improved intensity, tackling, and high-pressure skills.

Sienna Timmermans

This is Sienna Timmermans’ second year of footy and second year in the WAFLW. She went straight to the AFLW draft contention after transitioning from elite netball. She catches the eye due to her high performance in time trials and unmatched endurance.

SWAN DISTRICTS

Jamie Henry

A dominant midfielder, known for her elite ball-winning ability and consistency around the contest. Averaging around 24 disposals per game, she is a key driver through the midfield, helping generate forward momentum for her team. Winner of the McSherry Medal as Swan Districts’ best and fairest, Jamie combines strong inside work with leadership and composure, making her one of the most influential players in the competition.

Summer Ajduk

The latest member of the Armstrong football family - niece of West Coast premiership player Steven and great-granddaughter of WA Hall of Famer Ken Armstrong - Ajduk was huge for the Black Ducks last season and should get more looks at the midfield this time around. A strong draft contender.

SOUTH FREMANTLE

Mikayla Hyde

Joins the Bulldogs with 40 games of AFLW experience under her belt. Back in the WAFLW for the first time since 2021 and primed to make an impact. The Bulldogs have loaded up and are looking to add a WAFLW flag to last year’s WAFL one.

Ash Gomes

Story has been well told by this point. East Fremantle legend, now playing for Souths. Go and read everything Eliza Reilly has written about it at CODE Sports.

WEST PERTH

Cara Dziegielewski

WA’s leading draft contender after dominating the ruck for the U18s as a bottom-ager. Can hold down the ruck at senior level and will get plenty of looks forward as well after kicking a couple of goals in her pre-season appearance for the Falcons.

Bella Nelson

Will make her league debut in round one after very strong Rogers Cup form. Played State U15s the past three seasons and was All-Australian in every one of them - and player of the tournament last year (while playing WA U16s as well).

It’s been a while since we had two wins from the WA sides in the same venue on the same weekend (we assume, this stat has not been researched…) so let’s just sit with it and enjoy it for a bit.

The AFL is in full swing, the WAFLW is back this weekend and the WAFL kicks off a week later on Good Friday. Let’s bloody go.

In today’s newsletter: The hidden gem in West Coast’s win, a veteran produces, Freo find their midfield spark, the front-half game changers, Claremont’s multi-headed monster, and a draft prospect gets a senior look.

Let’s get stuck in.

WEST COAST

West Coast 17.9 (111) def North Melbourne 15.4 (94)

• What a way to bring up your first win in 10 months. The Eagles couldn’t hit a target in the first quarter and leaked goals as a result, but once they tidied that up they were humming. There’s a heap of heart in this team.

• After the past few years you would be forgiven for watching Elliot Yeo with your hands over your face but his efforts were enormous. He had 19 touches and a couple of goals acting as a 1-2 punch with Harley Reid. If he can maintain the level it’s an extra 5% that West Coast missed last year.

• Rebuilds are a numbers game. The more young talent you can get, the better. How much better was this team to watch with the likes of Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler out there? (Dropping Josh Lindsay was certainly a choice…)

• That was Jack Graham’s best game for the club. He had it 23 times, laid seven tackles and had four clearances. Every time he hit the contest or the loose ball, he hit it with purpose. I thought he was outstanding.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle 17.16 (118) def Melbourne 10.10 (70)

• Borrowing a stat from First Crack here, but Freo are +26 in contested possessions inside 50 over the first two games which is crazy.

• Shai Bolton should probably spend more time in the midfield. He went from nine centre bounce attendances in round one to 22 against Melbourne. Only Caleb Serong attended more for the Dockers. The result? His best game for the club, easily. He still got two goals, but his impact at stoppages was unmatched. Best on ground and hopefully he stays there.

• Fair to say Chris Scerri exceeded expectations on debut. He’s had good moments throughout the pre-season, but his pace and dare and willingness to back it in during his first AFL game was impressive. That makes it two good SSP selections in two years, given how hot Isaiah Dudley has been in the first two games. Six goals from two games after being outside the best team all pre-season. The Dockers are amassing some real weapons forward of centre.

• I know they’re trying to be quicker out of the backline but Luke Ryan showed on Saturday that he still needs to be in the 23. Especially while Brennan Cox is injured. Ryan was an All-Australian playing as a tall(ish) defender and was among the best against the Dees in a similar role.

WAFL PRE-SEASON

• Bailey Williams seems like a perfect ruckman for the new rules, and he could be back in West Coast’s AFL side soon after a big performance in the WAFL pre-season. Split his time between ruck and forward and kicked 2.3.

• Claremont’s forward line is looking scary good. Another three goals each to Jaiden Hunter and Kieran Gowdie in their game against Peel at the weekend. That’s 10 goals in three games for Hunter and nine for Gowdie. Sam van Rooyen also has six in three games and looks ready to make the step up to league.

• Fremantle NGA prospect Lucas Robinson had a run with the South Fremantle seniors and held his own. Would love to see him get an early debut, we’ve more than seen what he can do at colts level and need to see how it translates against bigger bodies.

• Subiaco look like they’ll be back in finals contention under Jarrad Schofield. They’re unbeaten in pre-season and look very solid across all lines. Oobie Doobie.

• Jordan McArdle’s done a terrific wrap here if you want more detail.

WAFLW PRE-SEASON

• The WAFLW kicks off this Saturday across Perth. Take a look at the fixture here and get to a game if you can. We’ll have more preview coverage of the league later this week.

• Only one pre-season game this weekend, with Perth dominating against Peel. Poppy Stockwell, who impressed during a stint at Freo last season, kicked four for the Demons, who are absolutely stacked with new talent.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that works to unite brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

I was watching the Freo game on a drive out to Merredin on Saturday afternoon, dropping in and out of reception. I don’t know if that was a blessing or a curse?

Two first-up losses for the WA sides. The Dockers will be scratching their heads. The Eagles will be looking for small wins.

Either way, try not to let it get to you.

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In today’s newsletter: We told you about Milan, one Eagle I expected more from, the star Dockers who went missing, one surprisingly good performance, the names of note from the weekend’s WAFL scratch matches and a Kalgoorlie kid who impressed for the WA U18s.

Quickly before we begin, thoughts go out to the family and friends of WA footy great Bill Dempsey. An icon of the sport.

Alright, let’s get stuck in.

WEST COAST

Gold Coast 20.11 (131) def West Coast 10.12 (72)

• What were we expecting really? If you take a step back, this was probably better than many predicted after watching Gold Coast last week. The Eagles were overrun early, but rallied to show some fight in the second half. A couple of young guys had some good moments. Box kinda ticked.

• I told you Milan Murdock was going to have an impact. The WAFL’s best player didn’t disappoint in his first AFL game. His first moment of impact was a run-down tackle on Mac Andrew that resulted in a goal. That was just the start. He was genuinely as good at AFL level as he is in the WAFL, and that’s a rare quality. Finished with 22 touches, two goals, four clearances and five tackles. Won’t get dropped now.

• I know he was up against a very good midfield, and his side was under the pump… but did anyone else expect a bit more from Harley Reid?

FREMANTLE

Geelong 16.14 (110) def Fremantle 14.16 (100)

• If somebody can figure out what happened at the half-time break please let me know. The focus from Justin Longmuir’s press conference has been on his stand against inequality relating to Opening Round. But in reality he also put the onus on his team for not defending the Cats well enough once they got going, and making basic errors going back the other way. This is a good summary of it.

• We try to stay positive around here, so the positive is I can’t see another game this season where Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young will be going missing for almost a half of football. Brayshaw four touches in the second half, Young six (and none in the final term).

• Isaiah Dudley only won a call-up because Michael Frederick was injured, but he ended up playing the best game of his career. He looks fitter and more dangerous in season two.

WAFL PRE-SEASON

• Aaron Clarke has had back-to-back 40 goal seasons at Perth off limited preparation. This year he’s fit and firing and was one of their best in a hit-out against Peel. Expect him to challenge for the Bernie Naylor Medal this year.

• One name to keep an eye out for in Bassendean is Lucas Impey. A 200cm ruck out of the VFL, he’s only been playing footy for a few years. Agile and skilful and caught the eye at the weekend.

• U18 WA squad member Leo Steed also stepped up to the level playing for the seniors at Swan Districts. Could be a chance of an early debut.

• Speaking of impressive young ruckmen, Frazer Rickson gets another mention after another impressive game at Subiaco. Taj Schofield was another with a performance of note.

• Coen Livingstone, Jonah Brooks and Chad Mulvogue are all new faces at the Falcons that the coaching staff have been very happy with so far this summer.

• Ex Geelong and Hawthorn mid Cooper Stephens was a huge signing for East Perth last year before doing his ACL. It looks like he’s ready to go. Steady for the Royals last week, named in the best this week.

• Mitchell Geier is a player who South Fremantle could pluck from the ressies this year. Kicked five goals against West Coast and put his hand up.

• Zac Mainwaring has been getting some midfield looks at Claremont and he’s been impressive. Grows by the year.

WAFLW PRE-SEASON

• This week’s fixtures kicked off with the WA U18s playing Peel. Marley Kelman was the standout for the State program. She’s a bottom-aged player from Kalgoorlie who made her debut for Subiaco last year. Kelman moved up to Perth for footy and has flourished over summer. She’s tough in the contest, rotates between forward and mid, plays like a tall and hits the scoreboard. Write the name down.

• Lunay Van Den Heever was strong in defence fresh off being named BOG as a forward for the AFL’s multicultural girls academy a couple of weeks ago. Will feature for West Perth.

• West Perth’s GAA recruit Elle McEvoy was excellent in the midfield on the weekend. Veteran Brooke Hongell kicked three in her return after a year away from footy.

• Subiaco recruited Caitie Smith out of North Beach in the Perth Footy League and she looks ready to take the step up. Kicked 13 goals in the PFL last season, and had three on Sunday in a pre-season hit-out with Subi.

That’s us all caught up.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that works to unite brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.

Catch you next week.

Now that opening round is out of the way we can get into football properly.

Yes, it was good to watch some footy with something on the line. No, it’s not a proper round if you randomly leave out half the teams, and two entire States.

Anyway….

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In today’s newsletter: Brief previews of the Fremantle and West Coast round one fixtures, the players who impressed across the first round of WAFL and WAFLW pre-season games.

Alright, let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by our launch partner Lightning Minds. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely or taking a breather mid-session, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance.

FREMANTLE

Geelong v Fremantle, 1.15pm AWST Saturday, GMHBA Stadium

• Very cool and not at all daunting starting the season in Geelong against a team that needs to respond after an Opening Round thumping…

• This weekend’s games showed us that pace and skill is at a premium - when hasn’t it been? Moving the ball quickly got results in each of the five games. Freo can play that kind of footy, but they don’t always elect to.

• Justin Longmuir maintains that speed isn’t an issue for his side. He just wants to make sure they score more out of their front half and capitalise on turnovers closer to goal. He went in depth about it with Craig O’Donoghue here.

WEST COAST

Gold Coast v West Coast, 3.10pm AWST Sunday, People First Stadium

• Speaking of daunting…

• Shit the Suns look good.

• Reuben Ginbey, Tim Kelly, Harry Edwards, Jack Graham and Liam Duggan all face fitness tests this week before they are ruled in or out. It’s a very different side with them on the park. Liam Baker definitely misses with suspension.

• Expect all three of Willem Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Josh Lindsay to debut.

WAFL PRE-SEASON

The men’s pre-season games kicked off with Subiaco 12.9 (81) beating Swan Districts 9.9 (63) and Claremont 16.9 (105) beating East Perth 7.9 (51). Here are some of the takeaways as provided by footy managers and coaches:

• Ben Sokol looks like he’ll pick up exactly where he left off at the Lions, kicking three goals in his first run of the year. Sonny Siano was another forward who looks like he’ll take a leap after a strong debut year, and keep an eye on Marlon Corbett across half-back after a huge summer.

• Frazer Rickson is another one to watch at Subi. The ruckman competed well in his first run in the seniors and impressed a few around the club. Had some mild draft interest leading into last season, so will be closely watched.

• A fit Zane Trew and a reinvigorated Clint Hinchliffe could make Swan Districts a very different proposition this year. Trew kicked three on Friday night after missing most of last year with injury and Hinchliffe, the former Big Bash player who has been dominant in the ammos for a couple of years now, looks ready to make an impact.

• Darcy Craven kicked two for East Perth in his return to the club from the Brisbane Lions. He’ll be a handy inclusion to the twice defeated grand finallists.

• Sam Van Rooyen stepped up in the league side for Claremont with three goals. It was a three-headed monster for the Tigers, with Van Rooyen, Keiran Gowdie and Jaiden Hunter kicking 10 between them.

WAFLW PRE-SEASON

All clubs except Perth had their first hit-out on the weekend, with round one only a few weeks away. Here are some notable performances:

• Kayla Van Den Heever was a standout in the midfield for West Perth, with 20-year-old defender Liliana Grassenis very influential down back. They’ve recruited well, but the Falcons’ improvement will come as much from their 20-24 year olds as it will from any new faces.

• The state’s leading AFLW draft chance Cara Dziegielewski kicked two goals. She’s already an All-Australian U18 ruck, so if she can get more damaging up forward, then watch out. Another young Falcon to watch is multiple U15 All-Australian Bella Nelson, who was very good in her first senior hit-out.

• Jaime Henry was elite for Swan Districts last year and has set the standard again this summer. She helped Swans demolish Subiaco over the weekend in concerning signs for the Lions. Jess Cox (Box Hill) and Chloe Reilly (East Fremantle) have added a bit of class at Bassendean.

• Jayme Harken doesn’t muck around. The WAFLW’s medal machine kicked three out of the midfield to start her year. Another Dhara Kerr Medal loading?

• Keep an eye on 19-year-old Emma Henderson at Claremont as well. She caught the eye on the wing and half-back.

• Former leading goalkicker Kate Barlett kicked two to start her season back on Peel’s list. It wasn’t enough to help the Thunder beat South Fremantle, who had a comfortable win with a pair of teenage mids - Kate Newson and Eva Flynn - starring.

I wasn’t alone there. Dennis Cometti was a friend to many, extremely generous with his time, his guidance and his counsel.

His death at the age of 76 has rightly sent the football community and everyone who came into his orbit into mourning.

It says so much of the man that although he was one of history’s greatest callers - and untouchable in Australian Rules football - he will be remembered far and wide for who he was as a person as much as what he did in his career.

A gifted player at West Perth, mentored by the great Polly Farmer.

A coach, first in the suburban Sunday League with Maddington, Osborne Park and Kelmscott, then at the Falcons in the WAFL.

A broadcaster without peer.

An outstanding human being.

As Bruce McAvaney once said: “Nobody is irreplaceable. But there is only one Cometti and there will only ever be one Cometti.”

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Back in 2016, having worked with him on a few projects, Dennis agreed to let me cover his final year as a commentator.

We would catch up regularly for coffee, for chats that would begin as a background interview but quickly divert to the changing roles of the media in the game, parenthood, career advice, his childhood hero Bob Johnson and, on a number of occasions, the 1998 Hell in a Cell match between Mankind and The Undertaker.

Having the attention of the great Dennis Cometti made you feel special. And he gave it freely to so many. He was always up for a chat.

Revisiting the final piece from that year of coverage has been a reminder of those fantastic qualities.

It’s one of the defining characteristics of the man — he may be one of the biggest names in football but no one felt uncomfortable in his presence.

“Often people that see someone they recognise from TV, there might be a snide remark or a bit of a giggle,” his protege Basil Zempilas said.

“But when I see people react to Dennis, I see them react with respect and almost a sense of awe.”

Centimetre Perfect. Like a cork in the ocean. A stadium holds its breath. Went in optimistically and came out misty optically. Some of the words he will be remembered for.

But personally, I’ll remember him as much for the ribbing he gave me when I moved away from Yokine - where he lived most of his life - and became a western suburbs sellout.

“You always live in fear of buggering things up,” he told me the morning after his final call.

“So to get through unscathed is a nice feeling.”

Unscathed. Unmatched. Untouchable.

Vale Dennis, you’ll be missed.

Here are just a few of the tributes to the great man that are worth your time today:

• Humour, warmth, talent, work ethic: Basil Zempilas’ tribute to Dennis Cometti [The West]

• AFL world mourns passing of iconic commentator Dennis Cometti [AFL]

• Dennis Cometti, legendary sports commentator, dies aged 76 [ABC]

The concept sucks, I agree. The fact they caved and added an MCG game means it’s now just a round where WA and SA get excluded for some reason. Cool!

But footy is footy and we haven’t seen a game played properly in anger since the W wrapped late last year, so no matter how poorly they treat the State, they know we’ll all be watching. Also cool!

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In today’s newsletter: Why it will be hard to overlook Mason Cox, more Murphy love, the two players who will lift the Eagles’ midfield floor, plus a rundown of the standouts from the WA U18 boys and U18 girls practice games - including the first ever Freo & West Coast father-daughter split.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by our launch partner Lightning Minds. Whether you’re ditching the drink entirely or taking a breather mid-session, their non-alcoholic craft beer is here to help you strike a healthy balance.

FREMANTLE

• It’s increasingly hard to see Mason Cox being overlooked in round one. I dislike round one selection stories - it’s just one game - but this is a valid one. Do I think he’s better than Sean Darcy? No. But Darcy has missed both practice games now, even though he played the reserves game on Saturday. Cox has been better than solid in both games. He probably deserves a shot. But the question to ponder is that with no more practice games left, is Darcy better playing another WAFL scratchy, or should they just bring him in if he’s fit enough?

• There were three excellent signs for Fremantle’s midfield on the weekend. The first, clearly, was Murphy Reid’s 30 touches and just general excellence. It was enough for Kane Cornes to say he was giving shades of Stevie J, Gary Ablett Jr and Scott Pendlebury. He’s still likely to play mostly forward, but can be rolled through the middle to mix things up. The second was Hayden Young’s eight clearances in the first half. He’ll only get better as the season progresses. The third was Neil Erasmus - he looks like he’s taken a step up after his finish to last season. If he keeps his pre-season form up he’ll offer great depth to a midfield which has been shallow at times.

• How good is Josh Treacy hey? Was unreal last week further up the ground. Kicked five this time. Big season looms.

WEST COAST

• One of the original goals of this newsletter was the find the positives in footy. First attempt: it’s just pre-season. We’ve seen sides get pumped before and it mean nothing in the regular season [the way it happened was quite concerning though, I agree].

• Josh Lindsay is everything they promised. He’s already the best kick in the team, and they need to find a way to get it to him as much as possible when exiting the backline. He’s had the best impact so far of the three first-rounders, even though I expect the others to be better long-term. The kick inside 50 to find Willem Duursma was something special.

• Deven Robertson will be a solid player all season. He might not give you 9/10 performances, but he’s a steady 7. You need a couple of those. Hamish Davis will be similar this year, but his ceiling is far higher.

TALENT PATHWAYS

WA’s U18 boys squad played a scratch match on the weekend, with the summer squad split into two teams - WA Black and WA Gold - and bolstered with some extra colts players who had been nominated by their clubs.

Chris Ch’Ng, who runs the @wafootyprospects Instagram account and works in the S&C team at East Fremantle, gave us a rundown of some of the players who impressed:

• Leo Steed (Swan Districts): The standout best on ground on Saturday. Steed’s burst of speed and penetrating kick was on show. An underrated prospect externally, but highly rated within the program.

• Jimmy Artemis (East Fremantle): The bottom-aged prospect looked classy in the midfield for WA Black. Artemis weaved through traffic to drive the ball forward. Firming to be part of WA’s midfield on-ball brigade at the U18 champs after taking out the State’s MVP award in the 16s last year.

• Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle): Showed his ball-winning ability as a big-bodied mid. In the contest, Robinson won the hard balls and was able to feed out to his teammates.

• Fin Yeo (East Fremantle): The Sharks livewire displayed immense defensive pressure during the game. Although he didn’t end up with any majors, he set up his teammates to get WA Black the win.

The girls U18 program also had their first hit-out last week against the WAFLW U23 All Stars. It was a tough match-up against bigger, more experienced players but the State Program’s new Head Coach and Talent Manager Kate Orme let us know a couple of their standouts. She gave us the names, we provide the background.

• Cara Dziegielewski (West Perth): No surprises here. The reigning U18 All-Australian ruck and the State’s leading AFLW draft prospect this season. She’s got high-level athleticism, great second efforts and tremendous potential. Will be keen to see what the ruck/forward split is this year.

• Lexi Strachan (West Perth): Will be WA’s leading on-baller at the championships this year after impressing off a wing in ‘25. Wins plenty of the ball and uses it well. No shock that she was a standout last week.

• Miley Hynes (West Perth): A bottom-aged midfielder who is quick, skilled and basically didn’t take a minute off last week in a tough game. She’s eligible for the draft next year and will be a massive story. Why? Because she can nominate as a father-daughter pick for both West Coast and Fremantle. Her dad is Eagles premiership player and Sandover medallist David Hynes, one of a handful of players to run out for both clubs - and you only need one game to qualify as a father-daughter.

That’s the lot for today. Thanks again for reading.

Jumper Punches is produced by Playbookx. We’re a sports marketing company that works to unite brands, sports and community. If you’re a brand looking to grow your business, or a sport looking for help with commercial strategy, content or marketing, let’s have a chat.