More on that soon.

The AFL’s wildcard weekend proved a hit. Not sure it will ever convert the non-believers, but if we all agreed on everything, life would be pretty boring.

Now we gear up for Fremantle on Thursday night.

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In this newsletter: AFLW woes continue for WA sides, Mellody makes a mark, Hammer inspires the Royals and West Perth start colts finals in style.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For more than 30 years, 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.

AFLW

• Wharfie Time reared its head for the first time in the AFLW, but it came a bit late to have any real impact. The Dockers went toe-to-toe with the unbeaten Carlton all day and looked a chance when Gabby O’Sullivan sunk one late, but went down by six points.

• Arguments about the best ruck in the competition should stop at Mim Strom. Others may be better pure rucks, but she had the third-highest clearance average in the competition last year and has continued that form through. Again on the weekend she had a goal from 16 disposals, eight clearances and 27 hit-outs. She is the heart of this Dockers outfit.

• Teething problems continue with integrating gun forward recruit Eden Zanker. She missed a lot of the pre-season so there’s still time. But she’s only kicked goals in one of three games.

• West Coast’s season couldn’t have started any worse - 0-3 with an unbeaten Melbourne to come next week. In fairness, they were pretty good in theirir loss to Adelaide on the weekend, apart from the second term where they conceded six goals.

• This was Ella Roberts’ best game so far this season. She had 27, eight clearances and eight tackles. They’ll need some big efforts from here if they are going to turn the season around.

WAFL

• He was highly touted coming into this season. He showed his class at the U18 champs. Now Heath Mellody is proving he could step straight into an AFL side next year. The teenage Tiger was one of Claremont’s best in their finals win over Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium. He finished with 23 disposals, four clearances and one very nice snapped goal in heavy congestion. If you had told me he’d be starting in the middle in a league final six months ago I wouldn’t have believed you, but he’s not just getting a crack, he’s helping reignite a Claremont side that had lost some steam. As good a prospect we’ve had since Luke Jackson in 2019.

• With the win, the Tigers face Peel next week for a chance to head straight into the grand final.

• Hamish Brayshaw has shaken off the rust left from his hamstring injury and inspired East Perth to an elimination final win over Perth. The skipper racked up 26 disposals and owned the stoppages with partner in crime Liam Tedesco as the Royals held on for a thrilling five-point win.

• They play Perth next week in another do-or-die final.

• And could this be the week they hit they Axel Walsh button? After his huge ressies debut last week, he backed it up with 3.4, 18 disposals and 21 hit-outs in the Royal ressies’ finals win over Perth.

WAFL COLTS

• Told you the Falcons colts were good. They move on in the finals, beating Subiaco on the back of four second-half goals from our man Harvey Spawton-Guy. The key forward kicked them from all angles, continuing his league form. Will be a problem for South Fremantle next week.

• Defender Tadhg Barrowclough caught the eye again. He’s had an incredible season for West Perth, gets big numbers for a KPP and takes the game on.

• Here come colts finals Claremont. Harper Banfield was back and best on with 28 disposals and a goal. The Tigers beat the Bulldogs by eight points.

• After a few quiet weeks, finals lit a fuse under Cam Maynard, who was back to his best with two goals, seven tackles and 13 touches for the Dogs.

  ---

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.

I took the family down and the vibes were great. If you haven’t been to a WAFLW decider, chuck it in the diary next year. It was certainly a better use of time than watching a strange, semi-lifeless round 24 in the AFL.

And speaking of deciders, if you’re heading to the WAFL GF in a few weeks, keep an eye out, we’re planning something pretty cool pre-game.

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In today’s newsletter: Pain over for Eagles, breakout game from a Freo forward, the WAFLW grand final upset, Axel’s big day out in the ressies and a Freo NGA goes crazy in his colts debut.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For more than 30 years, 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

Hawks 16.11 (107) def Eagles 6.9 (45)

• The positive to take out of this is that the pain is over. The Eagles finish the year on an 11-game losing streak and all out of gas.

• I think when there’s a bit if distance, West Coast fans can look at this season as one where things started to get better, rather than worse, for the first time. The first half of the season was good. There’s plenty of kids and mature-aged finds running through the 23. And there’s more high picks to come.

• One of those mature-aged finds finished with a bang. Milan Murdock had one of his best games against the Hawks. Three goals, 24 disposals, seven score involvements.

FREMANTLE

Blues 18.11 (119) def Dockers 12.10 (82)

• This was a weird round and a weird game. The result was annoying, but the Dockers had nothing to play for and it showed.

• Freo’s qualifying final match-up has been sorted. They’ll play the Hawks at Optus Stadium - times and days are TBC but it sounds like it’s likely to be the Thursday.

• Losing Brennan Cox will hurt. We’re still yet to hear the extend of his calf injury, but he’ll miss the Hawks game at the very least. Oscar McDonald is there to replace him, but Cox at his best is better than McDonald, and it generally takes a while to get back to your best after a calf.

AFLW

• After a disappointing first-up loss in round one, the Dockers did a complete 180 and looked full of run and dangerous when going forward. From the bounce against the Pies, Freo were in control to run out 20-point winners.

• This was Bella Smith’s breakout game. The key forward kicked three and had a major say in proceedings. She had a tough first year last season after joining the Dockers from Sydney, but looks to have found her groove.

• When Freo are up and going, so much points back to Mim Strom. The All-Australian ruck was the leading possession-getter on the ground. She finished with 28, nine clearances, a goal and 28 hit-outs. Elite and still getting better.

• The Eagles will be doing some soul-searching this week. Gold Coast have a lot of young talent, but the Eagles should have been able to handle them on their own deck. Instead the Suns belted them by 35 points.

• Amy Franklin was a bright spark. She had one of her best games at the level, finishing with three goals.

WAFLW GRAND FINAL

East Fremantle 3.5 (23) def Swan Districts 2.7 (19)

• Going into finals, if anyone told you they predicted this, they would have been lying. The Sharks were up and down through they year. They defended better than most other teams, but were generally a rung below Swans and Claremont. Now they are premiers, after knocking both of those teams off in an outstanding finals run.

• The grand final came down to the last quarter. Swan Districts led for most of the game, but Sharks started to gain control of the ball and the momentum late - and that translated to two goals, including the winner from Sienna Jezierski-Brow with three minutes to go.

• It’s not the medal she wanted on the day, but Jaime Henry capped her outstanding year with the Lou Knitter Medal as best-on, polling eight of a possible nine votes. She finished with 31 disposals and 11 tackles.

• It was the opposite result in the Rogers Cup. They had to go to golden point, but Swan Districts claimed the win over East Fremantle by one point. And it was Sharks tall Avuya Nomlatyu taking home the best on ground medal in a losing side.

WAFL

• A crazy final round. The live ladder was jumping all over the place, but in the end Perth, South Fremantle and East Perth made finals and Subiaco and West Coast missed out.

• Heath Mellody is very good at footy. In his second league game, the likely top-10 pick had 33 disposals, 10 tackles and seven inside-50s in a win over West Coast. He did as he pleased, and even kicked a beautiful goal on the run from 45m that killed off any chance of an Eagles comeback in the fourth quarter. One of the best game you’ll see from a teenager at the level.

• Told you Trey Ruscoe was a game-changer for Souths. They had a nail-biting win over Peel Thunder to claim their finals spot and Ruscoe kicked five. Chad Pearson held strong in defence too, in a very nice showing.

• Subiaco did everything they could but it wasn’t enough. They beat East Perth by 35 and Stefan Giro filled the stat sheet with 26 disposals, six tackles, six inside-50s and a goal.

• Tyler Keitel has claimed his sixth Bernie Naylor Medal, kicking two goals to Aaron Clarke’s two behinds. The Demons got the win, and a top-three finish, so I’m sure Clarke isn’t that cut up about it.

• Tasmanian target Axel Walsh ended up playing reserves for East Perth and did a bit of everything. Three goals, 19 disposals, 23 hit-outs. Could a league debut in a final be looming this weekend?

WAFL COLTS

• A draw with Perth was enough for West Perth to claim fifth spot and a finals berth. East Freo finish top, joined by Souths, Claremont, Subiaco and the Falcons.

• 16-year-old forward Jed McGuane starred for the Falcons in the draw, kicking five goals in a breakout performance.

• The Sharks are in incredible form. They rolled Swan Districts 133-15 and two Fremantle NGA players were leading the charge. Finlay Yeo had one of the games of his life with four goals from 30 disposals. Under-16 All-Australian Aiden Martignago was the other - he had 36 disposals and three goals in his colts debut.

• Over at Subiaco it was Sam O’Brien filling his boots with two goals from 37 disposals in a win over East Perth.

  ---

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.

Crazy scenes in the WAFLW on the weekend, with Claremont knocked out of finals in straight sets. Sets the scene for Swan Districts v East Fremantle in the decider at Fremantle Community Bank Oval this Sunday.

There’s a final on offer from now until the last week of September, so if you haven’t subbed to this newsletter, now’s the time.

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In today’s newsletter: Jye Amiss is second in the Coleman, some positional puzzles at West Coast, the Shark surge, finals-defining wins in the WAFL and a Euro-tanned forward who could shape September.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For more than 30 years, 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

Dockers 16.16 (112) def Crows 13.10 (88)

• Top spot locked in for the second time in the club’s history. It means something, but not a whole lot. The most important stuff is still to come, and that will start with a final against one of Hawthorn, Brisbane or Melbourne in three weeks’ time (Geelong are also a long shot, but unlikely).

• Jye Amiss is having a seriously good finish to the regular season. He’s kicked 19 goals in the past five weeks, and that includes a donut against the Bulldogs. His 58 goals for the season are good enough for second in the Coleman race, behind Charlie Curnow’s 66.

• Last week we mentioned the midfield looked a bit off. That’s fixed now. They hunted the Crows on Friday and looked as slick as ever. Caleb Serong led the way. The regular All-Australian had his best game for the year, with 29 disposals, two goals and 12 clearances. He was everywhere.

WEST COAST

Giants 16.15 (111) def Eagles 7.15 (57)

• This is a team that needs the end of the season to come quickly.

• Liam Baker’s move forward was effective. He had a handful of nice moments. But that’s kind of what you get from Baker - he’s good wherever you put him. Leaving him in defence as a senior head is probably the better long-term option.

• Speaking of switching positions, Andrew McQualter admitted that they probably threw Willem Duursma around too much this season. The No.1 pick struggled to get into the game against the Giants, and moving him around wasn’t the answer. If he’s not playing on the ball next year, or at least staying on the wing, I’d be surprised.

AFLW

• The Eagles opened their season with a loss on the road to GWS, who laid on the pressure and ran away with a 12-point win. They actually had 15 more inside 50s but were just outworked once the ball landed.

• Ella Roberts was one of West Coast’s best with 15 disposals and a goal, but she copped a tight tag that limited her impact.

• The co-captains got to work as their side’s two best. Bella Lewis had 28 and six clearances. Charlie Thomas had 25.

• Down in Cockburn it was a new home ground but the same old issue for Fremantle - connection between the midfield and the forwards. It was their bigest challenge last year, they worked on it in pre-season, but it was a red flag immediately in game one, which they lost by 21 points to Port Adelaide.

• Kiara Bowers hasn’t lost a step in her 11th season on the list. She finished with 24 disposals, nine tackles and five clearances.

WAFLW

• For the first time in five years, Claremont won’t be playing in the WAFLW grand final. East Fremantle pulled of a major upset at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday and will meet Swan Districts in the decider next week.

• The two sides couldn’t be split at the final siren, so it went to extra time, where Sharks skipper Tiani Teakle nailed the result with a goal basically on the final siren.

WAFL

• Everyone who needed to win to stay in the finals hunt won. The headline there was West Coast upsetting Peel for the first time in what feels like months. The Eagles’ nine-point win came with mature mids Finlay Macrae (31 disposals) and Harry Schoenberg (23, 10 tackles) getting to work.

• So the finals situation going into the last round: For South Freo, East Perth and Perth - win and you’re in. If any of them drop a game and West Coast beat Claremont, the Eagles are in. Subiaco are technically a chance, but they’d need a heap of percentage.

• Subi had an epic win over Claremont to keep themselves half-alive in the finals race. His Tigers didn’t get the win, but top-10 draft prospect Heath Mellody looked at home on debut with 17 disposals, while fellow debutant George Gale had some nice moments.

• Trey Ruscoe had one game to shake off the rust after a mid-season Europe trip, then bounced straight back to form with four goals in a derby win over East Fremantle.

WAFL COLTS

• East Fremantle took the derby honours and top spot on the ladder with a win over Souths. James Artemis had another big day in the middle, and Jayke Taylor kicked two goals from 12 touches. Will be interesting to see how many of his U16 teammates join him next week now that school footy has wrapped up.

• Tadhg Barrowclough had an astonishing 17 marks and 26 disposals for West Perth in their win over the Royals. The result gave the Falcons the advantage in the battle for fifth spot on the ladder.

  ---

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.

The first finals of the WA season were run on the weekend and both were cracking, tight encounters, with Swan Districts booking a ticket straight to the WAFLW decider.

We also handed out a trophy at school level as coach Steve Malaxos returned to the winners’ list at Scotch College with his fifth title since 2020.

In today’s newsletter: The Eagle who may have earned a new deal, two half-centuries at Freo, a WAFL veteran’s big day in front of goals, a colts rookie’s big day in front of goals, plus the WAFLW finals.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For more than 30 years, 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

Magpies 17.15 (117) def Eagles 15.8 (98)

• They just got Daicosed. If not for the Brownlow Medal favourite, they could have won the game. But Nick had 39 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal and they didn’t.

• They were also dealing with the fact their best player - and only real midfield difference marker - Harley Reid was battling all day after an early cork. He fought his way through the game and was still one of their best, but his attacking flair was blunted.

• Tom Gross has probably been the Eagles’ best young WAFL player this year, but with so many cuts looming his spot wasn’t guaranteed next year. It feels like he showed enough against the Pies to get another chance. Two goals from 14 disposals and a handful of nice moments.

FREMANTLE

Demons 17.11 (113) def Dockers 17.7 (109)

• Of their three losses this year, that’s the first time you felt like the Dockers were playing well enough, they were just beaten. Even if Justin Longmuir pointed the finger at a bad day for the back six.

• A moment for Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss. For years the Dockers had been searching for a post-Pav spearhead capable of 50 goals in a season. Now they’ve got two. Amiss now has 53 for the year, and Treacy has 50.

• This is very vibe-based, but it feels like the mids just need to get going a bit. There have been some big individual games, but as a collective they don’t seem to be firing as well as they could. Luckily both the forward and defensive 50 operators have been overperforming (this week aside for the defenders) to make up the difference.

WAFLW FINALS

• Swan Districts are straight into the GF after holding off a fast-finishing Claremont to win by one point at Steel Blue Oval.

• Jaime Henry had 23 and 11 tackles for the winners, while Hayley Bullas was huge for Claremont with 27 and 11 tackles in a ripping contest.

• Have to give a nod to Shaya Yarran, who kicked the winning behind and seemed to be everywhere in the final term.

• In the other game, East Fremantle’s miserly defence got it done again, ending South Fremantle’s season 3.4 (22) to 2.6 (18).

• Jae Flynn continued her excellent season with 23 disposals, seven tackles and a goal off half-back.

WAFL

• Peel and Claremont aside, finals spots are still up in the air. East Perth (fourth) jumped back into the five by beating South Fremantle (fifth). And West Coast (sixth) are on the cusp after dealing a blow to Subiaco, who dropped from fifth to seventh as a result of their loss. Percentage is now all that’s separating Perth in third from West Coast in sixth.

• Outside of Peel, who have won 12 in a row and sit in a different category to the rest, West Coast are probably the WAFL’s form team. Finlay Macrae had 30 and nine inside-50s to help them record their fourth win from the past five games and keep finals in the picture.

• Speaking of Peel, Lachie Tardrew had a day out in their win over Perth - 36 disposals and three goals

• The Bernie Naylor Medal is surely headed back to Tyler Keitel now. The West Perth veteran kicked six and had 31 disposals to help the Falcons to their second win of the season, a shock 45-point win over East Fremantle.

• This year’s draft crop continues producing at league level. Harvey Spawton-Guy now has six goals from three games at West Perth, Benji van Rooyen had nine touches, 12 hit-outs and four tackles for Claremont, and Garrison Kenh had some nice moments off half-back for the Eagles.

WAFL COLTS

• South Fremantle ruck Byron Foster ran rampant in a win over East Perth with 25 disposals, two goals, 36 hit-outs and eight inside-50s.

• Keep an eye on 16-year-old Demon Hayden Symons. The young forward out of Hammond Park kicked six in his second colts game to help Perth beat Peel.

• Freo NGA Finlay Yeo loaded up for East Fremantle in a win over West Perth with 27 disposals, two goals and seven tackles. I’m really high on this kid as an exciting front-half creator.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Scotch College are Alcock Cup champions. Their 53-36 win over Aquinas was enough to make them unbeatable with one game remaining in the PSA WA season. Unsurprisingly, it was George Gale leading the way for his school, who claimed their fifth title under coach Steve Malaxos.

• Axel Walsh had 31 disposals and 12 clearances for Trinity College in a 101-49 win over Hale.

• Guildford Grammar fell agonisingly shot of their first win of the season, with Wesley College winning 7.17 (59) to 8.10 (58).

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.

The ATCO WAFLW Finals are here, and if you haven’t grabbed a ticket yet I suggest jumping on and heading down to Steel Blue Oval or Good Grocer Park this Sunday.

The regular season was a ripper, with seven teams battling for a top four spot from start to finish. Swan Districts set the pace, Claremont caught up quickly, and then the rest made a real run in the back half of the year.

We also saw plenty of massive individual seasons.

Some of them ended in early AFLW opportunities. Noa McNaughton (Fremantle) and Sienna Gerardi (West Coast) were picked up in the pre-season draft in May, then Poppy Stockwell (Hawthorn), Juliet Kelly (Adelaide), Natasha Entwistle (West Coast), Madison Evans (Brisbane) and Isabella Shannon (West Coast) got the call-up as injury replacement players through the season.

Then there were plenty of others who helped define what was one of the best, most competitive WAFLW seasons we’ve had.

To shape this list, we surveyed five judges from across the media, coaching and playing ranks, asking for their 10 best for the season, and ranked them according to the number of selections.

The top three were unanimous picks. The rest weren’t far off.

When players received the same number of votes, they were ranked according to how high their club finished on the ladder.

Make sense?

This post is for paid Jumper Punchers members. Not only do you get great content like this, you also get early access to some great activations we have planned over the next few months.

So many people have already signed up to support this project in its first full season, and we genuinely appreciate every one of you.

Alright, let’s get stuck in.

Read more

It’s all that was running through my head when I saw the vision of Willem Duursma in tears after West Coast’s loss to Richmond yesterday.

It’s gut-wrenching stuff, but it’s also exactly what you want to see. There are no questions about intent. You can see how much it hurts.

Anyway, there were plenty of other, less depressing, results around the State on the weekend, so let’s check in on those….

In today’s newsletter: Eagles win all the stats except the one that matters, Fremantle on a different defensive plane, AFLW pre-season derby standouts, a WAFL veteran catches fire, WAFLW finals set and a colts cult hero goes beast mode.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For more than 30 years, 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

Tigers 12.12 (84) def Eagles 9.19 (73)

• They won the inside 50 count 52-45. They won clearances 38-30. They took 14 marks inside 50 to Richmond’s 10. They laid 22 inside 50 tackles to Richmond’s 10. They kicked 9.19. Bad kicking is bad football. No reward for effort. It absolutely kills you.

• On the bright side, take the accuracy in front of goals out of it and the Eagles had things on their terms. I know it’s little consolation, but they are headed in the right direction.

• And speaking of right direction, Harley Reid’s headed that way on a rocket. Finished with 34 possessions, 20 contested, eight score involvements, 658 metres gained and nine clearances.

FREMANTLE

Dockers 11.12 (78) def Bulldogs 5.11 (41)

• Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says his side didn’t deliberately park the bus. So it must have just been an accident that their wing started as close to the D50 as possible, then sprinted there at first opportunity at every centre bounce.

• When you’re trying to pick out a target amid a sea of defenders, it’s a blessing to have Josh Treacy. He was enormous in his 100th game. He kicked three goals and left a couple out there as well, and his mark against four Dogs defenders was crazy good.

• At the other end of the field, the likes of Karl Worner and Oscar McDonald weren’t letting anything get past them. Freo have now conceded an average of 67.3 points per game. The next best is Adelaide with 79.1.

AFLW

• It’s not even round one and Mim Strom is already mounting a case for a third consecutive All-Australian nod. She starred for the Aussies v Ireland with 19 disposals, 26 hit-outs, six clearances and six inside-50s.

Fremantle and West Coast also faced off in their final pre-season hit-out, with the Dockers 28-point winners. CODE Sports’ Eliza Reilly was there and let us know a few of her stand-outs:

DOCKERS

• Gabby Newton looks set to go up a gear again after a breakout 2025. She was so clean, especially under pressure, and elite by hand and foot.

• Logic says eventually time must catch up with Kiara Bowers. But logic doesn’t win every argument. Turbo is still outstanding even in third gear, and turned back the clock with a run and bounce down the wing.

• Keep an eye on Tilly Banfield. She’s been a bolter this pre-season and played as a key target on the weekend. She took some nice marks and used her speed and endurance to sneak out the back on a few occasions.

EAGLES

• It must suck to have the ball and see Jess Rentsch running at you. The hard-tackling Eagle laid a few bone-rattlers and looks to have developed the strength and power to match her physicality in year three.

• Charlotte Riggs is owning the No.1 ruck role. She kicked a jaw-dropping banana goal from 40m out early and offers a strong aerial presence around the ground.

• She’s not the finished product yet, but Sienna Gerardi is going to be bloody fun to watch this year. The pre-season draftee has pace, pressure and plenty of X-factor.

WAFL

• Things are getting tighter than expected in the finals race. Perth (third) and South Fremantle (fourth) both lost, loosening their grip at the top. Meanwhile Subiaco (fifth), East Perth (sixth) and West Coast (seventh) all nabbed crucial wins. There’s only four points between third and seventh now.

• Key defender Jacob Blight was huge for Subiaco - keeping Demons forward Aaron Clarke goalless to help the Lions win by one point. Subi didn’t score in the first term, but slowly chipped away.

• The way East Perth are staying in the finals race despite missing almost all of their starting midfield needs to be studied.

• A Harper Banfield goal after the half-time siren was one of the highlights as the Eagles saw off the Dogs. His U18 teammate Cam Maynard kicked a goal on the other end in his league debut for Souths too.

• Huge game from Alec Waterman at Claremont - 4.2 from 16 disposals.

• Could the Tigers give Benji van Rooyen a debut soon? He had a huge game in the twos, with three goals, 22 disposals and 17 hit-outs.

WAFLW

The regular season is done. The finals are set. Here’s how week one of the finals looks:

• First Semi-Final: Swan Districts v Claremont

• Second Semi-Final (elimination): East Fremantle v South Fremantle

Winner of the first semi goes straight to the grand final. Loser faces the winner of the second semi for the other spot in the decider. Let’s do it!

• Swans knocked Perth out of contention with a 21-point win. Jaime Henry wrapped a bow on her dominant H&A season with 35 disposals and two goals.

• East Fremantle claimed third spot thanks to a three-point win over West Perth. Mackenzie Webb has been a crucial signing for the Sharks this year and was best-on again.

• Claremont sent a pre-finals message by demolishing South Fremantle 60-16. Hayley Bullas had her best game since returning to the Tigers with 34 disposals and two goals and draft prospect India Bonadeo starred with her 26 touches.

• Lucy Gilbey had 21 disposals on debut for the Tigers. She had a really good U18s tournament on the wing, but I wasn’t expecting such a big entry to seniors.

WAFL COLTS

• Just relax, Thatcher Simmons. He kicked 5.4 from 26 disposals for Subiaco. He’s kicked 19 from eight colts games while averaging 24 disposals. What a beast.

• U16 All-Australian Jayke Taylor kicked two goals and had 18 touches in his second colts game for East Fremantle. They beat East Perth 139-18 and will be a problem come finals.

• Noah Braun rolls on for Claremont with 33 disposals and a goal this time to help beat West Perth.

• Wanted to give another shout-out to Campbell Creyk, a bottom-aged mid having a great season across colts and school footy. He had 26 disposals and a goal for the Falcons. Clears the ball, breaks lines, scores. Plenty to like.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Scotch College (9-1) remain on top with two games remaining. Aquinas College (8-2) are the most likely to upset the order. Those two schools face each other next weekend in a massive fixture.

• Scotch knocked off Trinity on the weekend 90-69. Aquinas defeated Wesley by 60 points, and Christ Church enjoyed a win over Guildford 137-57.

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.

Hello to all the new faces around here - there’s a lot of you over the past couple of weeks. We’re building a community of WA footy tragics and we’re glad to have you along for the ride.

If there’s anything you’d like to see from us, hit me up at nick@jumperpunches.com with suggestions, tips, and any good yarns you reckon we should check out.

In today’s newsletter: Jye loves playing the Eagles, another ordinary derby, the Ella show is back, a big weekend for Eagles-linked draftees, the finals formula in the WAFLW and a Heath Mellody-led school upset.

Let’s get stuck in.

Jumper Punches is proudly supported by Sullivan Logistics, WA’s most reliable overnight freight partner. For more than 30 years, 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.

THE WESTERN DERBY

Dockers 16.16 (112) def Eagles 6.6 (42)

• The Western Derby remains a very average AFL fixture. Fremantle have won 10 of the past 11. West Coast won the 10 before that. The two sides are stuck on two different timelines.

• Murphy Reid won his first Glendinning-Allan Medal. He probably won it for two moments. First, the checkside inside-50 to perfectly find an Isaiah Dudley who was between two defenders when the kick left Reid’s boot. Soon after, Dudley found Reid at the top of the 50, where he drilled a goal from range. He just roams around looking like he’s playing a different game to the other 35 players on the field sometimes.

• If anyone else deserved to win the medal, it was probably Jye Amiss. He’s having a good season anyway but he loves playing West Coast. His five majors made it 25 goals against the Eagles in eight games. His next-best strike rate is 10 in four games against Melbourne.

• There remains too much talk about the non-footy stuff with Harley Reid. How he’s umpired, his propensity for unneeded retaliation etc. Look past that and he’s playing at a seriously high level. His 30 disposals and 12 clearances were a lone hand at times.

AFLW PRE-SEASON

• The Ella Roberts show is back. The Eagles had a tight loss to Collingwood, but Roberts was a star. She had 33 disposals, five clearances, eight score involvements and a goal.

• Lauren Wakfer has been getting some buzz this pre-season, but her sister Zoe might be ready for as big a leap as well. The key defender had eight marks and 15 intercepts.

• The Dockers went down to Richmond in East Fremantle. They managed to possess plenty of the ball, but struggled to turn that into scores.

• I’m expecting good things from Bella Smith this year. The recruit from Sydney didn’t get much of a look last year but has been impressing over pre-season. She kicked a goal from 15 touches as a forward-ruck.

WAFL

• With four games remaining, it looks like a fight between Subiaco, East Perth and West Coast for the final spot in the five. They’re all on a 7-7 record. Claremont, Perth and South Freo (9-5) are jostling for spots above them.

• There were two debutants on the field in the West Coast-West Perth game and both enhanced their reputations. Harper Banfield played for the Eagles as a potential father-son pick. He had 22 disposals and four inside-50s on a wing. For the Falcons it was Harvey Spawton-Guy kicking two goals as a key forward.

• The story of that game was Eagles tall Cooper Duff-Tytler, who returned from a calf injury to kick four goals from 18 disposals. Won’t be in the WAFL for long.

• Peel have now won 10 in a row and sit two games clear in first spot on the ladder. Subiaco were the victims on this occasion.

• Samuel Alvarez had a career game to help Claremont stay in second spot. The 24-year-old kicked two goals from 30 disposals in a complete performance.

WAFLW

• Swan Districts and Claremont are locked in as the top two with one game remaining. South Fremantle and East Fremantle are three and four currently, with Perth half a win out of the four. Those last two spots will come down to the final game. If the Dogs and Sharks both win, they’re in. If Perth win and one of the others drops their game, the Demons play finals.

• The Dogs got in that position thanks to another massive game from late-season recruit Kiana Lee against Subiaco. She kicked four goals from 16 disposals and eight marks. That’s 12 goals from three games now.

• On the other side of that fixture, bottom-age draft prospect Marley Kelman had her best senior game for the Lions with two goals from 13 disposals.

• Demons stalwart Natalie House had a game out of the box with 3.5 and 16 disposals. It helped the Demons thump the Sharks 47-17 and get within striking distance of finals.

• Big game from top-10 chance Cara Dziegielewski in West Perth’s win over East Perth. She finished with 20 disposals, 24 hit-outs and a goal.

WAFL COLTS

• Noah Braun’s rise continues this season. He had 27 and two goals in his return to Claremont after the U18 Champs and suggestions are he may get a run in the West Coast WAFL seniors at some point too.

• The Tigers beat the Royals in that fixture and it was another Eagles-linked teenager - half-back Garrison Kehn - doing the damage for East Perth. He had 25 disposals and five inside-50s.

• Thatcher Simmons continues producing at the level, this time with 18 disposals and 2.3 for Subi in a win over Peel.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• The race for the Alcock Cup is back on after Larke medallist Heath Mellody inspired Hale to a 112-61 win over ladder leaders Scotch, who suffered their first defeat of the season.

• That result means Hale and Aquinas - who beat a competitive Guildford - are now within one win of Scotch with three games remaining.

• Trinity easily accounted for Christ Church in the other fixture.

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.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a LOT of water to go under the bridge, and the development of kids from the U16s to the U18s can vary wildly, but there’s plenty of excitement around the WA squad which last week claimed the national title on the Gold Coast.

WA took out the championships after comfortably beating Vic Metro, Vic Country and South Australia.

They were barely challenged despite leaving the door open by kicking a combined 25.52 across the three games.

In 2008 WA produced four top-10 picks in Nic Naitanui, Stephen Hill, Chris Yarran and Daniel Rich, plus the likes of Neville Jetta and Michael Walters later in the draft.

This group won’t get the same numbers - but that’s because Tasmania will likely have plucked a couple as priority 17-year-old signings at the end of next year.

We surveyed a number of recruiters, agents and talent staff to pull together the following list of the most impressive players from the champs. Some of them project as high-end draft prospects, some just had a ripping carnival.

But whatever happens over the next two years, this is going to be an exciting group to watch.

This newsletter is for paid Jumper Punches subscribers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has jumped on board and supported this project - we have some big things still to come this season.

Alright, let’s get stuck in.

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After some tough years, WA footy is in a pretty good spot across the board.

Thanks as always to everyone who takes the time to read these bulletins on the Monday.

If you haven’t yet joined up as a paid subscriber, now’s the time to do it, with a full U16 deep dive later this week and a host of features to come over the next month.

Subscribe now

In today’s newsletter: The Andy Brayshaw streak, an Eagles tall who is impressive and uncontracted, the new Warner on the block, Mim moves forward, Boorloo make a claim and Cam Maynard backflips.

Let’s get stuck in. Oh, and happy Derby week!

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

Dockers 15.13 (103) def Power 11.9 (75)

• This stat (courtesy of our man Robbo) is cool. Probably easier if you start better though…

• Here is a snapshot of Andrew Brayshaw’s current run: 30 disposals and five tackles against the Power; 25 and nine inside-50s against the Swans; 22 and eight tackles against the Giants; 29 and eight inside-50s against the Suns; 35 and seven tackles against the Cats; 30 and nine clearances against the Kangaroos. He can sometimes be forgotten, but Brayshaw has been their best mid these past couple of months.

• Hasn’t Jye Amiss grown as a player this season? The sharp improvement in his contested marking and one-on-one contests means he can play that deepest forward role to perfection. He blew past his previous best haul for a season (41 goals) on the weekend and is sitting sixth in the Coleman with 43 goals.

WEST COAST

Lions 13.15 (93) def Eagles 10.9 (69)

• Harley Reid doing his ankle by tripping on the bench is one of the great what-ifs of West Coast’s season. If he was out there, could they have stretched the lead far enough to hang on? Unlikely, but people are allowed to dream. They’ll need him out there against Freo on Friday, particularly given Liam Baker’s suspension.

• Officially joining the Rhett Bazzo fan club. Nobody could point a finger at him amid the late-game fade out. He held Logan Morris to one goal for the first time since round 12, and finished with eight intercept possessions to his name. Still out of contract at the end of the year unless I’ve missed something.

• We mentioned Amiss earlier, and in checking his stats realised that somehow Jake Waterman - despite his issues in front of goal - has sneaked into the top 10 goal-kickers in the comp. His 40 goals are equal with Jack Gunston in eighth spot. Shows just how lethal he’s been this season in all but one aspect, which is now coming good. If kicking behinds had a medal, he’s winning that with 43 - three ahead of fellow Marist Junior Football Club product Mitch Georgiades. Might need a new goal-kicking coach in Churchlands.

UNDER 16 CHAMPIONSHIPS

• WA are the AFL U16 Boys National Champions for the first time in almost a decade. They went undefeated through three games. In fact they were so dominant that they were barely challenged despite kicking a total of 25.52 for the championships - that’s a 32.4% conversion rate not counting complete misses.

• Troy Warner - youngest brother of Chad - took home the Kevin Sheehan Medal as player of the championships. A skilled, creative and balanced player who will likely be speaking Tasmanian late next year.

• Fremantle NGA prospect Aiden Martignago was another who had a brilliant champs, racking up clearances and bursting away from stoppages. Jayke Taylor’s radar in front of goals was off a bit but you can see why he’s considered a high-level forward prospect.

• Later this week we’ll drop a full 16s wrap for our paid subscribers. Keep an eye on your inboxes and if you haven’t upgraded yet, there’s no time like the present.

Subscribe now

AFLW PRE-SEASON

• Fremantle are two from two this pre-season after a 15-point win over Port Adelaide in South Australia at the weekend.

• Mim Strom kicked two goals and appeared to spend a decent amount of time forward. Freo needed more firepower, and traded for it in Eden Zanker, but adding their AA ruck to the mix could be interesting.

• West Coast went down to Adelaide by 18 points. There’s not much info from these games outside club media and the Eagles haven’t posted anything yet so that’s all I got for you.

WAFL

• Perth (known as Boorloo for NAIDOC Week) are second on the ladder thanks to Oscar Hine-Bastion kicking a late goal in the final minute of the game. East Fremantle were in front all day until a late Demons surge had them in striking distance. Hine-Bastion won a holding the ball free kick about 45m out and nailed it.

• South Fremantle also jumped up to third in similar circumstances against Swan Districts. They looked shot at the final break before kicking four goals to one in the final term for a win. Will cross their fingers that Matty Parker recovers quickly after missing with a hamstring injury.

• Claremont have dropped from second to fourth without even playing. They’re on a bye so have a game in hand, but it would have stung regardless.

• Four goals and 16 touches from Jack Mayo helped Subiaco sneak into fifth spot - essentially the ‘best of the rest’ spot this year.

WAFLW

• Subiaco pulled off one of the upsets of the season with a one-point win over Claremont. The Lions’ big three all racked up the footy, but now they are complemented by U18 and U16 guns like Caitlin Boss, Bea Crane, Macy Fair and Marley Kelman. Still a chance to play finals if they keep the three-game win streak going.

• Perth/Boorloo also made the most of their returning U18 talent with newly-crowned All-Australian Mia Carlshausen (20 disposals) named best-on in a win over West Perth. Isabella Shannon’s Dhara Kerr push continued too, with 24 and two goals.

• Lexi Strachan had 26 and a goal in that game for the Falcons, continuing her great U18s form.

WAFL COLTS

• The backflip king Cam Maynard pulled one out again in his first game since the U18 champs - he kicked 3.4 from 15 disposals for South Freo in a big win over Swan Districts. Chace Vanderhoek had 29 and two goals for the Dogs too.

• Thatcher Simmons kicked four goals from 19 disposals for Subiaco in his first colts fixture after a four-game reserves stint.

• Likely future Tasmanian James Artemis is still a bottom-ager but was one of East Fremantle’s best with 20 disposals, 11 tackles, six inside-50s and a goal. The Sharks beat Boorloo to hold onto second spot on the ladder.

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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.

Yesterday was another in a long line of games West Coast have been up to their eyeballs in this season, only to let it slip late. It’s a long road back to contention, just take solace in the fact they’re a lot better than they have been in years.

Meanwhile the Dockers rolled off their best half of the season to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.

In today’s newsletter: The young back reaping rewards, Matt Johnson’s changing role, sweet Mellody, the WA ruck named MVP, Souths sign a W star and the bottom-ager doing nice things in the colts.

Also a reminder if you’re keen, the WA U16s are in action on the Gold Coast this week for the final two games of the AFL U16 Champs. You can watch both games on YouTube.

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

Bulldogs 13.8 (86) def Eagles 9.16 (70)

• Given the circumstances, this was one of the Eagles’ best few performances this year, they just couldn’t hold the lead. Good enough to get to the line, not yet good enough to finish the job.

• Now that he has some match fitness you can see how good Brandon Starcevich will be for West Coast. Super influential against the Bulldogs and thankfully returned from an ankle complaint to finish out the game.

• Speaking of defenders, that Rhett Bazzo spoil going back with the flight to deny Aaron Naughton a certain goal was unreal. Key position players - most of them anyway - take time to develop. Bazzo has shown in recent weeks that he’s worth persisting with.

• Willem Duursma faded in the final term, but he was such a key part of why West Coast were in the lead for plenty of the game. I think Jagga will have him covered for the Rising Star by the end of the season but more games like Sunday will make it a good race to the finish line.

FREMANTLE

Dockers 15.12 (111) def Swans 10.13 (73)

• You could mount a case that the fourth quarter was Freo’s most impressive quarter this season.

• Sean Darcy was rested and would have played if it was a longer break, according to Justin Longmuir. But after Mason Cox played his best game for the club, does Darcy come straight back in? Feel like the balance shifted on Thursday night.

• They both took a bit of a backseat early in the season, but the influence of Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw has shone through in the past couple of weeks. Brayshaw in particular helped change the game when he found space in the second half.

• In the absence of Hayden Young, Matt Johnson’s centre-bounce attendance went from an average of five this past month to 17. He lifted a gear with the increased role too, with five clearances and 10 score involvements - behind only Murphy Reid for the latter.

WA U18 BOYS

Allies 12.12 (84) def WA 11.12 (78)

• Covered a lot of this in the post for paid subscribers last week, but here’s a couple of headlines.

• Heath Mellody had another best-on-ground performance despite fading late. He played in the middle from the start and was dynamic and effective. Will be on the podium for the Larke Medal if he doesn’t win it.

• Finlay Yeo and Harvey Spawton-Guy both stood up in the forward line against the Allies. Yeo once again was given some time on the ball and used his creativity to put his teammates in great positions.

WA UNDER 18 GIRLS

Allies 8.12 (60) def WA 4.7 (31)

• I think the player that surpassed expectation the most this champs was Charli Bassett. Not a lot of hype coming into it but was in WA’s best every game. Has pace, great in congestion. Keen to see how she finishes the year at East Perth.

• Cara Dziegielewski was deservedly named the WA MVP and should have another All-Australian nod to come. She was consistently in the best handful of players on the ground, controlled the ruck and got to work around the ground. Potential top-10 pick at the end of the year.

• Small forward Shaya Yarran had a really impressive game to round out the champs. Two goals, eight tackles. She was in everything in the forward 50 and showed some terrific speed.

AFLW

• Preseason games began last week, with Fremantle beating Adelaide by 15 points at Fremantle Oval, and West Coast losing to Port Adelaide by 27 points.

• For the Dockers, courtesy of Eliza Reilly, Emma O’Driscoll was getting some inside mid minutes, which is a very interesting move for one of the comp’s best defenders.

• Young forward Georgie Brisbane had some great moments in year one and shapes as a Freo player to watch this season.

• Over at West Coast there was another forward doing good things in Amy Franklin. She’s got plenty of talent but has been hit or miss in terms of performance. Kicked three against the Power and hoping we see a really good season ahead. Her combination with Lauren Wakfer - who dominated early - looks really exciting.

WAFL

• All of the Perth Demons’s big guns had a day out against West Coast. Charlie Constable had 37, Brandan Parfitt had 32 and eight inside-50s, and Aaron Clarke kicked six goals to win by 62 points.

• Leigh Kohlmann told The West’s Aaron Kirby that Swan Districts’ win over East Perth was their best in years. Caleb Ernst sealed the deal with a tough kick late, but Swans had held the Royals at arm’s length for much of the day. Hopefully things turn for the Basso boys soon.

• Kohlmann’s kicked nine goals in his past two games btw.

• Claremont lost to South Fremantle and also lost Callan England in a massive blow to their season. He had his leg trapped in a tackle late. Fingers crossed it’s not too serious for a player who has been in excellent touch this season.

• Everyone might still be playing for second, after Peel Thunder dispatched the Sharks to be undefeated in their past nine games. Hugh Davies continues to be the best key back in the comp with 23 disposals and 15 marks.

WAFLW

• Swan Districts and Claremont have both sewn up a top-two berth now, it’s just a matter of who finishes on top. With three rounds remaining they are both on 12 wins, with Swans ahead on percentage.

• Jaime Henry had 41 disposals in a win over West Perth.

• Tash Entwistle’s replacement goes alright at South Fremantle. After losing Entwistle to an AFLW call-up, Souths were able to bring in SANFL gun Kiana Lee. She kicked 6.4 from 14 disposals in game one. Wowee.

• Claremont came from behind to beat Perth, with Hayley Bullas continuing her excellent form since returning with 22 disposals.

• East Freo continue to hold third place thanks to an 11-point win over East Perth in skipper Tiani Teakle’s 50th game.

WAFL COLTS

• Bottom-ager Taj Allan was a train-on with the 18s this year and has been firing at colts level, leading Swan Districts to a thrilling one-point win over the Royals with 27 disposals and five inside-50s.

• Ethan Turner was a star for the Royals with 30 and a goal - he had some nice moments at the national champs off half-back.

• Meanwhile Souths keep getting ample production from Chace Vanderhoek, whose Jack Clarke Medal claims got better again with 25 and a goal in a win over fellow premiership contenders Claremont.

• Jett Abbott had probably his best game at colts level for East Fremantle. The Aquinas captain picked up 30 disposals and a goal through the middle as the Sharks saw off Peel.

  ---

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.

WA’s National U18 Boys Championships campaign closed out earlier today with a bit of a heartbreaker against the Allies in Ballarat.

They finished 2-2 but those win-loss numbers don’t really reflect a strong championships where a lot of players took a leap in the eyes of recruiters across the country.

So, thought we’d do a quick take on the players who jumped out at us across the four games - from those who leapt into top-10 discussions to those who just did one or two things I really liked.

This one’s for our paid subscribers, who get additional content, early access to upcoming events, and also just like supporting independent sports media in WA.

Let’s get stuck in.

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In case you missed it, both the WA U18 boys and girls staged massive comebacks on Friday arvo and Saturday morning respectively to beat Vic Country. It was a 49-point turnaround for the boys and a 26-point turnaround for the girls. So good.

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In today’s newsletter: Objective Freo ruck breakdowns, more love for Jobe, full breakdowns of the U18 boys and girls, an epic top-of-the-table clash in the WAFL and the U16 star who lit up his WAFL colts debut.

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

Giants 16.13 (109) def Dockers 13.10 (88)

• If we were to take a positive spin, we would say that the Dockers were off in almost every aspect of their game and only lost by 21 points.

• It’s still annoying though.

• A quick look at the centre bounce split between Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy since his return: v Giants (Jackson 20, Darcy 13), v Suns (Jackson 12, Darcy 6). And the split with Mason Cox before that: v Cats (Jackson 24, Cox 8), v Kangaroos (Jackson 23, Cox 8). Just worth noting and keeping an eye on.

• Flowers for Karl Worner. Few saw his rise coming but he’s been a rock for Freo this season. Had 29 disposals and 10 marks as one of the few winners for the Dockers against GWS.

WEST COAST

Crows 15.9 (99) def Eagles 11.8 (74)

• They lost the first quarter 38-9. They won the last three 65-61. There was a moment in the final term where it looked winnable against the odds. But as we’ve seen all season, they’re not a side that is able to grab those moments yet.

• That’s a big tick now for both mid-season draftees. Oliver Francou finished with 18 disposals and nine tackles and, while he was scrappy at times with his disposal, he showed the kind of endeavour that will make him a reliable pick with better upside.

• Can I say much more about Jobe Shanahan? One of three young players on the list with A+ potential.

WA U18 BOYS

WA 10.16 (76) def Vic Country 9.6 (60)

• Genuinely one of the best comebacks I’ve watched at the 18s level. WA looked off it early and were down by 33 points in the second quarter. They kicked one goal to six in the first half. After the break it was a different story. The WA mids got going and next thing you know, they’d kicked 9.11 to 3.4 across the final two terms. Unreal.

• We knew Heath Mellody was talented, but this game kicked him up a level. It was his move into the middle in the second half which unlocked the WA surge. He broke from packs and his delivery was sublime.

• Same names led the charge - George Gale worked all game, Harper Banfield cracked in and Leo Steed showed his class late, with Benji van Rooyen and Axel Walsh very strong as well.

• Harvey Spawton-Guy definitely lifted. He was wayward early before finding his range and kept presenting as the focal point inside 50, took some nice grabs and finished with seven score involvements and 2.3.

• Their final game is this Wednesday, 11am WA time against the Allies.

WA U18 GIRLS

WA 6.4 (40) def Vic Country 5.3 (33)

• Speaking of comebacks… the girls kicked four unanswered goals in the final quarter to storm past a Vic Country side that had the better of the game for most of the morning.

• Lexi Strachan finally got going. The West Perth midfield star had been relatively quiet through the first two games but she exploded here with 19 disposals, nine clearances and nine tackles. She was aggressive and polished.

• She kicked WA’s first two goals, but bottom-ager Hannah Seaborn was just as impressive when she went into the midfield. Finished with 10 disposals, 11 tackles and three clearances as well as the work in front of goals.

• As if there was any doubt, Esperance’s Bea Crane looked composed as ever in her first U18s appearance. The U16 All-Australian from earlier in the year had an equal game-high eight intercept possessions and took a handy mark late that stopped Vic Country’s final push.

• Their final game is next Saturday, 10.30am WA time against the Allies.

WAFL

• The top-of-the-table clash between Peel and Claremont was as good as advertised. It took an after-the-siren goal from Thunder ruck Aiden Riddle to split them, but the Thunder got it done - and they did it without Jeremy Sharp, who missed with illness.

• A Tiger was probably still best on ground. Zac Mainwaring was already having a good season, but his four-goal, 18-disposal, 11-tackle outing was enormous.

• There was another thriller between South Fremantle and Subiaco. Subi kicked the last seven goals of the game, but time was the enemy after a slow start. They lost by a point.

• The mid-table teams are hard to split or read this season. After talking up Perth last week, they were belted 103-52 by an injury-hit East Perth. It was Tyler Lindberg doing the damage for the Royals. He had 25 disposals, 12 inside 50s and two goals. We told you he was one to keep an eye on.

• West Coast are a game out of the five and look set to finish the season strong. They were too stacked for the Sharks on Friday night, with Elijah Hewett starring.

WAFLW

• Just a casual 33 and six tackles for Jaime Henry this week as Swans beat East Freo to hold Claremont at bay on top of the ladder. Ashley Sharp kicked two, she leads the WAFLW goalkicking with 30 for the season.

• The Tigers kept the pressure on with an 80-12 win over West Perth who are patiently waiting for the U18 champs to end so they can get a handful of their stars back. Bec Anderson kicked another three for Claremont.

• Monster game for reigning Dhara Kerr medallist Krstel Petrevski as Subi beat Peel. She had 38 disposals, nine marks and a goal.

• Ditto for Isabella Shannon over at Perth. She kicked three from 33 disposals in a win over East Perth.

WAFL COLTS

A few players of note from our colts contributor.

• Elijah Williams (Claremont): Maximising his flair, pace and line breaking abilities, Williams is now one of the best half-backs in the colts competition. He had an eye-catching 23 disposals, five marks and four tackles against Peel on Friday night.

• Campbell Creyk (West Perth): A bottom-aged player at colts level, in his four matches for West Perth when not on PSA duties for Hale he has accumulated 27, 30, 40 and 31 disposals as well as kicking five valuable goals. A great size for a mid at 185cm and has genuine speed. In this year’s U18 squad and you get the feeling he’ll be a massive part of next year’s championships.

• Zinzan Clark (Subiaco): A Kalgoorlie City FC product and a WA U16’s squad member, Clark made his debut for the Lions on the weekend and made an immediate impact. Playing taller than his listed 178cm, he was able to give Subiaco a solid avenue in the forward 50 on a day when very few could. Nine disposals belies the impact he had on the game but with two goals, two marks, three tackles and a high degree of flair he was impressive for a double bottom-ager.

• Chace Vanderhoek (South Fremantle): After 11 WAFL Colts matches this season, Vanderhoek has racked up 299 disposals at an average of 27.2. A smooth-moving, no-thrills midfielder, he relies on quick hands to free up an outlet player at stoppage. He can also be an outlet mid when he sees the right opportunity. A fine prospect for WA in 2027 and one of the favourites for this year’s Jack Clarke Medal.

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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.

WA broke a decade-long U16 drought in SA on the weekend, meaning we can claim wins over the Croweaters in the WAFL, WAFLW, U18 boys and U16 boys competitions this year (they’ve got hold of us in the U18 and U16 girls, but you can’t win them all).

This could be a special U16s group, but more on that later.

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In today’s newsletter: Brayshaw’s moment in the spotlight, the less said about the Eagles result the better, Sharp and Peel at it again in the WAFL, upsets at the top in the WAFLW, U16 standouts 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.

FREMANTLE

Dockers 11.14 (80) def Suns 3.11 (29)

• One of the many things working well for Fremantle this year is the players’ willingness to buy into roles. Andrew Brayshaw is a perfect example of that. He’s sacrificed his own game for long stretches of the season to make his team better. In the past few weeks that has flipped. He was huge against Geelong and one of the key drivers in the middle against the Suns yesterday. He had 29 disposals and a goal after 35 against the Cats and 30 against North Melbourne. In a great patch of form.

• Not only are the Dockers two games clear on top of the ladder, they’ve also conceded 196 less points than the next-best defensive side.

• Told you about Judd McVee, didn’t I? Getting on the attack more, and had one of the moments of the game, running the field and delivering to Jye Amiss.

WEST COAST

Blues 17.15 (117) def Eagles 9.10 (64)

• Progress isn’t linear.

• If nothing else (and it was hard to find a positive here), Harley Reid played another very good game. He kicked a stunning early goal and finished the day with 23 disposals and 12 clearances. He just didn’t have much help.

WAFL

• Seven straight wins now for Peel Thunder and another best-on-ground performance from Jeremy Sharp. The Freo-listed winger had three goals from 25 disposals in a win over West Perth. He’s averaging 32.8 disposals and has kicked 11 goals from eight games as an inside mid.

• East Perth’s Tyler Lindberg was tipped as one to watch coming into the season. He’s spent the past few weeks in the reserves but had a breakthrough performance to help the Royals run down West Coast late, with 24 disposals, seven tackles and seven inside-50s. Should get an extended crack at the level given some massive injury issues for the club.

• Claremont are back on the winners’ list and behind Peel only on percentage after a narrow escape against East Fremantle, who kicked five goals to one in the final term but couldn’t quite bridge the gap. Callan England had 33 disposals.

• There are a lot of young Perth Demons making an impact this season - but William Tilbee is near the top of the list. He’s only 18 but played a role in toppling South Freo on the weekend with two goals from 16 disposals.

• There was a young forward making an impact at Subiaco too. Campbell Henderson was named best with three goals from nine marks in just his eighth league game.

WAFLW

• Tash Entwistle is the latest WAFLW star to make the jump to the AFLW as an injury replacement player, joining West Coast last week.

• It’s tight at the top! Swan Districts hold top spot but are now equal on points with Claremont after an upset loss to Subiaco.

• Lisa Steane (30 disposals), Paige Sheppard (28) and Krstel Petrevski (25, two goals) were the difference, helping Subiaco snap their losing streak.

• Claremont meanwhile kept the pressure on by beating East Fremantle on the back of 31 disposals and eight tackles from Jayme Harken.

• South Fremantle had a narrow two-point win over Perth. Tahleah Mulder had 33 disposals, 10 tackles and five inside-50s.

• West Perth are right on the verge of the top four after beating Peel. Expect them to have a big finish to the season once their U18 players are back.

WAFL COLTS

With thanks to our regular colts contributor…

• What happens when the best full back and the dominant full forward match up in the WAFL Colts competition? This weekend it was a draw. Tadhg Barrowclough (West Perth) and Trent Robertson (Peel) both had brilliant moments in a fair but spirited duel. Robertson was on top early but Barrowclough set himself for a big second half and was able to contain the Peel gun. Robertson finished with 14 disposals, eight marks and three goals. Barrowclough finished with 20 disposals and four marks.

• Benji Beck (Subiaco) isn’t a name that many would know but each week in the midfield he accumulates possessions quietly and effectively. He is a big reason why Subiaco are moving up the ladder. On the weekend against Swan Districts, he gathered 29 disposals and seven tackles and he did it without any fuss. No frills, maximum results.

• How does the team on the bottom of the ladder defeat the ladder leaders? Easy, just kick straighter! Perth were steady with 10 goals and eight behinds, South Fremantle blew chance after chance and finished on a remarkable one goal and 19 behinds. State squad member Jayden Clarke was dynamic with 25 disposals and three goals, Matthew Edgelow (15 disposals, three goals) made telling contributions, Alex Richardson was reliable and strong in the backline and Adrian Carles does what he always does and mopped up in defence.

WA UNDER 16s

This has all the makings of a special group. WA defeated SA on their home turf in the 16s for the first time in more than a decade. We had a correspondent on the ground. Here were a few standouts:

• Jayke Taylor was a handful up forward - a powerful leading target who gave his teammates a genuine outlet all afternoon and finished with two well-taken goals.

• Troy Warner played like a boy who had been watching his brothers play footy in the backyard since he could lift his head - hard at it from the first bounce, hungry for every possession and knowing exactly what to do with it. He had 25 disposals, six marks, four tackles and four inside 50s. He didn't just lead, he dragged the contest along with him.

• He’s played back and forward through the practice games but Sam Gooch was majestic in the ruck against SA — doing the hard work in the contests and finishing with 14 disposals, five clearances and four inside 50s.

• Coby Jackson's give-and-goes off the half back were a delight, constantly unlocking the defence with casual, infuriating brilliance.

• Aidan Wilson had two match-defining moments late. A clutch defensive mark late in the fourth to steady a wobbling ship, followed minutes later by a lung-busting run the length of the ground and a stunning goal on the run from 40 metres out.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Hale School made a statement in the final game before the holiday break, beating Guildford 141-10. Campbell Creyk was prolific with 30 disposals, nine clearances and a goal, while Alex Batina had 27, three goals and six clearances.

• Aquinas also kept the pressure on leaders Scotch College with a 96-71 win over Christ Church. Oscar Richardson had five goals, Taitt Abbott was also influential.

  ---

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.

I think if you’re a neutral and love footy, you’ve got to try and make it to a Fremantle home game this season. Understand if you’re and Eagles supporter and can’t make that leap, but if you’re not, then do it. The atmosphere is incredible.

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In today’s newsletter: Luke Jackson glazing, all the notes from the WA U18 boys and girls championships including a 15yo star, Peel making a premiership push and Jaime Henry breaks her own record.

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

Dockers 14.15 (99) def Cats 14.6 (90)

• Luke Jackson effectively cost the Dockers three picks. Two first-rounders which Melbourne used to select Matthew Jefferson and Caleb Windsor. There was also a second-rounder that the Demons packaged up to move up the board and take Koltyn Tholstrup. Freo got two late picks back - one of them was raw ruck Max Knobel (now a Sun) and the other was fringe best 23 player Corey Wagner. They’d do that again and more. Jackson was colossal against Geelong - three goals, 28 disposals, 25 hit-outs, six clearances, nine tackles. Could he actually mount a Brownlow charge?

• Hopefully this is the season that sees Alex Pearce get the comp-wide respect he deserves. If not for injury, he’d likely have at least made an All-Australian squad already, but his 2026 might be his best season yet. The skipper took a career-high 11 marks against the Cats in his 150th game. He’s also saved two games for Freo at Adelaide Oval. Unreal year.

• There have been really encouraging signs from Judd McVee in the past two games. He’s been strong defensively, but he looks more comfortable getting on the attack now.

WA UNDER 18 BOYS

Vic Metro 11.9 (75) def WA 5.9 (39)

• Tough loss this one. WA led at half-time, stayed in touch through the third, and then Vic Metro just ran over the top of us late. We brought plenty of pressure, but the Vics kept their feet and kept finding the loose man.

• Leo Steed’s first-round chances rise by the week. The on-baller was at it again, working harder than anyone else on the field with his 24 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances. His co-captain George Gale also had his second great game in as many appearances with 28 disposals and five tackles.

• Another first-round prospect - Heath Mellody - was in everything early, picking his targets out of the backline and taking the game on. Looks as silky as advertised and had a game-high 29 disposals, even if a decent chunk were kick-ins.

• Benji van Rooyen and Axel Walsh combined to get the better of No.1 pick contender Harry Van Hattum in the ruck. They’ve both been operating at a very high level this champs.

• A few others to catch the eye: Key back Tom Brown was terrific in defence, Finlay Yeo created plenty of opportunities, Harvey Spawton-Guy was far more involved this week and Lachie McGlade continues to capitalise on his chances - two goals this time.

WA UNDER 18 GIRLS

Vic Metro 6.9 (45) def WA 2.7 (19)

• This was basically the same story as the boys. Led at half-time, then were overrun - this time with six unanswered goals in the second half.

• The standouts for WA were both bottom-agers: Peel’s Charlie Fletcher (18 disposals, 13 tackles) who isn’t draft eligible until next year, and Caitlin Boss, who is still two years away.

• Boss in particular was outstanding. She’s still just 15 years old and 160cm tall but she had the most disposals for WA (23) and an equal game-high inside 50s (six). She was dominant for WA’s U16s earlier this year, and the form has transferred seamlessly.

• Charli Bassett had her second strong game on the ball with 18 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles. Mia Carlshausen had 19 disposals including nine intercept possessions. Cara Dziegielewski and Marley Kelman were also in the best again.

WAFL

• We officially have a new premiership favourite in Peel Thunder. They emerge from the bye rounds sitting on top of the ladder and on a six-game winning streak. They belted East Perth by almost 100 points and Jeremy Sharp was everywhere again - this time he had 35, two goals and 10 marks.

• Jamaine Jones changed ends for South Fremantle and finished with four goals in a 39-point win over West Perth. The Bulldogs aren’t quite humming at the same level as last year, but they’re still holding firm in the top three.

• Subiaco enjoyed a win on the same day a couple of premiership reunions packed out the bar. Nick Girolami kicked three goals in a forward role and Jacob Blight was big down back.

WAFLW

• JAIME HENRY DID IT AGAIN!!! She broke her own disposal record with 51 in a big win over South Fremantle. Swan Districts stay on top of the ladder with a 10-1 record and Henry’s Dhara Kerr chances keep increasing. Someone draft her pls.

• That probably wasn’t even the performance of the weekend - Perth’s Isabella Shannon takes that out with six goals and 30 disposals in the Demons’ 84-point win over Peel. Crazy.

• Claremont are nipping at Swan Districts’ heels, extending their winning streak by downing East Perth. Jacinta Valentini had her best game for the season with 21 disposals.

• Subiaco just can’t get going this year. Despite having some of the competition’s most dominant mids, things aren’t clicking. Jae Flynn starred for East Perth as they ran over the top of last year’s minor premiers in a 13-point win.

• One to watch: Subiaco named 15-year-old Bea Crane as their best player. She’s an U16 All Australian out of Esperance and should feature at some point for the U18s.

WAFL COLTS

Thanks again to our colts contributor for the following:

• Garrison Kenh (East Perth/WCE NGA/2026 Draft): Left out of the WA State 18’s line-up for the first two games of the national championships, Kenh had a point to prove. Starting down back, the smooth-moving left footer repelled numerous Peel attacks showing his customary dash, rebound and neat disposal. In the second half he went into the midfield and up forward and continued to accumulate possessions. Pushing his case for the final two games of the U18 champs with 28 disposals and a goal.

• Mitchell Stirling (Peel/2026 Draft): Another player on the cusp of finding his way into the WA 18’s team for the next game. An imposing tall defender, Stirling backs his judgement and is prepared to leave his opponent to intercept. He also has some fire in his game and refuses to be intimidated when the ball hits the ground in the face of heavy oncoming traffic. 22 disposals, 10 marks, 1 goal.

• Tadhg Barrowclough (West Perth/2027 Draft): One to watch for next year’s draft, Barrowclough already stands at 192cm despite being only 16 years of age. A defender who can negate dangerous tall forwards when required or mark forward 50 entries at the highest point. He’s also a prolific ball winner - matching midfielders in the competition with his numbers including 26 disposals and eight marks on the weekend.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Scotch College remain in the box seat for another Alcock Cup under Steve Malaxos. They remain unbeaten after a 137-28 win over Guildford Grammar. And they still have George Gale, Harper Banfield and Tom Brown to return.

• Aquinas College and Hale School are the two schools trying to keep Scotch honest this year - and they went head-to-head on the weekend. Hale took the points this time 87-70.

• At the other end of the ladder it was Wesley College nudging ahead of Christ Church Grammar thanks to a 72-25 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.

Once again West Coast came within a whisker of winning it. There might have been a couple of boys running around at Lathlain on Saturday who could help bridge that gap in years to come.

The WA U18s boys started with a bang, and Eagles father-son chance Harper Banfield and NGA Lachie McGlade were both very impressive - as were most of WA’s side to be honest, it was a great performance all-round.

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In this week’s newsletter: An alternate Eagles reality, full breakdown of the U18s boys and girls openers, a great story about a Sri Lankan cricketer, and the latest from across the WAFL.

Let’s get stuck in.

Main pic image credit: Peter Keleman

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

Kangaroos 10.14 (74) def Eagles 10.13 (73)

• A one-point loss to North the latest in a string of near misses including six points to Port, 10 points to Collingwood, 11 to Richmond. There’s a world where West Coast are sitting on eight wins for the season and inside the top 10.

• We’re not going to join the list of people telling Jake Waterman how to fix his action. We just feel for the guy. Tough run.

• Jobe Shanahan has got to be the best teenage forward in Australia. Even when he missed late, he was quick to bob up with the redeeming goal shortly after. A seriously special talent.

• Add Marcus Herbert to the list of guys that should have been on an AFL list a long time ago. Slotted in seamlessly, and the contest late where he crashed in, hit a body and won the ball was a thing of beauty.

WA U18 BOYS

WA 11.12 (78) def SA 10.6 (66)

• Once again, with many pundits declaring WA won’t do much, they come out and put a few people in their place. Five unanswered goals in the first quarter set the tone, and they were able to hold off a fast-finishing SA in the second half. Great game, great win.

• Swan Districts on-baller Leo Steed continues to build his reputation. It was a close-run thing but he was probably best on ground. Steed was everywhere, taking the ball from inside to outside the contest, running hard defensively and kicking a nice goal in the early onslaught. He finished with 30 touches, four clearances and six score involvements.

• Too many good players to get into them all individually but the midfield of Steed, George Gale (27 disposals, seven inside-50s), Lucas Robinson (25, eight clearances), Harper Banfield (24, six score involvements) and bottom-ager James Artemis (two goals, 10 score involvements on a wing) was a particularly potent group.

• WA’s small forwards also look a special group, with Cam Maynard, Lachie McGlade, Kyan Perera (great story about him below in the colts section) and Fin Yeo all having their moments.

WA UNDER 18 GIRLS

SA 12.6 (78) def WA 4.2 (26)

• Tough start for the girls. The positive is they actually won the second half, but the damage was done early.

• First-round prospect Cara Dziegielewski (which her mum clarified is pronounced Jingle-Eski, like where you put your drinks at Christmas) lived up to the hype. She had the ball 14 times with 34 hit-outs, seven marks and five inside 50s and used it well.

• It was a big day for the defenders in the face of a 51-24 inside 50 count to SA. India Bonadeo was in the best with her 21 touches, 10 intercept possessions and bounce out of defence. Mia Carlshausen (19 disposals, 11 intercepts) and 16-year-old Bella Nelson (12 marks, five tackles) stood tall in tough conditions.

• Charlie Bassett led the game for clearances (seven) and dug in early.

• I was also really impressed with Marley Kelman, who didn’t have many looks at it playing forward but kicked a good set shot and worked hard with eight tackles.

WAFL

• After the hottest start in the comp, Claremont have now lost three of their past four. This time it was Perth who took the points with Lochy Paton jumping off the page by kicking five goals from 17 touches. Lot to like about this forward - we’ve told you plenty of times already.

• Jack Cleaver had another 22 disposals, 11 tackles and two goals for East Fremantle in their win over West Perth. He’s a beast and putting together an unreal season. This time he was supported by veteran Cam Eardley who rolled out 33 and 11 marks.

• West Coast are 5-5 now and look poised to play finals if things keep going the way they are. They beat Swan Districts 96-89 with Oliver Francou (19 disposals, nine tackles), Tyrell Dewer (four goals) and Jack Williams (three goals, 23 disposals) having great afternoons.

• Farewell to Swan Districts legend and all-round great man Nathan Blakely, who is off overseas to take the next step in his medical career. No matter how busy he’s been over the past few years, he’s always answered the call from Basso and driven the 90min+ round trip to training. Great stint.

WAFLW

• We’ve got another AFLW player! Juliet Kelly, who should have been drafted multiple times in the past six months, is set to sign with the Adelaide Crows.

• Kelly will be a loss to Claremont but they didn’t need her on the weekend. Jayme Harken rolled out a casual 40 disposals in a 54-point win over Peel.

• 20-year-old ruck Tamzyn Beros had one of her best games for the season to help Swan Districts stay on top of the ladder with a 16-point win over East Perth. Lucy Greenwood, as usual, was terrific in a losing side with 22 disposals and seven tackles.

• Reigning B&F Tahleah Mulder led from the front as South Fremantle held off West Perth by three points in a thriller. The Falcons kicked three fourth-quarter goals to hit the front before conceding a 50m penalty inside South’s 50m arc in the final minute. Shannyn Pomersbach sealed it for the Bulldogs from the top of the goalsquare.

• Isabella Shannon dominated with 26 disposals, 10 marks and a goal to help Perth upset Subiaco. The big three did plenty of damage for Subi, Paige Sheppard finished with 38 disposals. But the most notable Lions performance was probably Caitlin Boss - she’s only 15 years old but had 16 touches and seven inside 50s. Should feature in the 18s at some point.

WAFL COLTS

Thanks again to our colts contributor for their efforts this week.

• Kyan Perera (Subaco/WA U18s): Perera was lively in the U18s game on the weekend, as we mentioned earlier, with great pressure up forward and some serious pace. What we didn’t mention is he is the son of former Sri Lanka Test and ODI cricketer Suresh Perera. Suresh represented Sri Lanka 23 times in international cricket but migrated to Australia in the late 2000’s. He’s still involved in local Perth cricket, curating turf pitches, coaching and playing - although he says that Aussie Rules football is now his game of choice to watch.

• Lachlan Wall (East Fremantle/2028 Draft): Wall is one of the youngest players in the colts competition and is not draft eligible until 2028. Just 173cm at this point in his career, he has electric hands, poise and dazzling pace. Had 23 disposals and a goal in a win over the Falcons at the weekend. In a time when smaller, faster, more dynamic players are back in vogue, he will be one to watch for the Sharks in coming years.

• Charlie Bedbrook (Claremont): In one of the most dominant individual performances at colts level in 2026, Bedbrook was converted from a key forward into a ruckman against Perth. The 196cm over-ager couldn’t be beaten in the air with nine marks, 24 hit-outs, 26 disposals and seven inside 50’s. Will be a dangerous combination with Benji van Rooyen post-18s championships.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• A CORRECTION! Despite the broadcast having this as a draw (and the ‘celebrations’ matching on the siren) this was actually a win for Trinity. Apologies! Trinity took it out 59-55, but it was still Guildford’s best game for the year.

• Even without George Gale and Harper Banfield, Scotch College have extended their lead on the chasing pack thanks to a 107-35 win over neighbours Christ Church Grammar School which keeps them unbeaten this season.

• Hale School made it three wins from their past four games by beating Wesley College 107-46.

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.

They’re playing a double header against South Australia at Mineral Resources Park. The boys start at 10.30am, the girls at 1pm. You should go.

And if you do go, I’ve compiled a list of the players to keep an eye on in both sides here. Some top-rated prospects, plus a few of my favourites.

This post is for paid-up Jumper Punches members - if you like what we’re doing, why not consider jumping on board?

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Alright, let’s get stuck in.

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Crazy scenes. Well done to anyone who played or called this colts fixture.

In today’s newsletter: Record-breaking Dockers, a Dudley contest of note, why Jake can turn it around, West Coast WAFL depth, a record-breaking Henry watch, notes from the final U18 trial games and the latest school footy results.

If you haven’t joined the Jumper Punches community yet, we’d love to have you. And if you have, why not share this with your mates?

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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

Dockers 24.11 (155) def Kangaroos 4.7 (31)

• Here are a few of the records broken by this Fremantle outfit this season: biggest winning margin (124); longest win streak (12 so far); most consecutive goals in a match (19). Those were easy enough to find, this from The West’s Chris Robinson is more niche (as usual with Robbo): The 12-win streak is now equal-best from a WA side, tied with the 1991 Eagles.

• This team is so even, but Patrick Voss was enormous against the Roos. He bullied his defender, had 20 possessions, 10 marks and a whopping 15 score involvements. His kicking can still be wayward - 4.4 for the day - but you can’t have everything. Voss started the year well then hit a flat spot, but he’s emerged in even better form.

• I’ve just been so impressed with Neil Erasmus’ season. He was given more shots at the centre bounce on the weekend and was more than solid on both sides of the ball. Had 22 disposals, 10 tackles and went at 95% disposal efficiency.

• That contest where Isaiah Dudley crashed in to win a ground ball, bounced off a very solid hit and emerged to hit a perfect release handball… strap it to my veins.

WEST COAST

Power 11.11 (77) def Eagles 10.11 (71)

• That was excruciating. But it’s part of the process. They did everything to win the game, they just weren’t good enough to finish it off yet.

• Reuben Ginbey’s quad injury is far worse than the result. He’s consulting a surgeon today, but it could be season over for the man who is probably leading the B&F to this point of the season.

• Here’s a couple of Jake Waterman stats from AFL Media’s Nathan Schmook: he’s equal first in the AFL this season for shots on goal (68) and total score involvements (103) and he’s taken more marks on the lead than any player this season (41). He looks like one of the most dominant inside-50 forwards in the competition. But he’s kicked 28.34 for the year. In his past two seasons he kicked 17.9 from eight games and 53.23 to be named All-Australian. It’s in there, he just needs to find it again.

• One of the reasons to be excited about the Eagles this year is they’ve got pressure for spots. Tom Gross (4.3 from 15 touches), Elijah Hewett (21 disposals, 7 clearances, 9 tackles) and Oliver Francou (26, 10 clearances) are just a few who could easily come in.

  ---

WA UNDER 18s

It was the final trial matches for the boys and girls U18 programs ahead of next week’s start of the National U18 Championships. They play back-to-back at Mineral Resources Park this Saturday - worth heading to.

BOYS

• Lucas Robinson only played a half of the final trial - his first run for WA this season - and showed why we can expect a big champs from him in the midfield.

• West Coast father-son prospect Harper Banfield was another who showed a fair bit despite limited minutes.

• James Artemis seems to be building into the season well - second time he’s been mentioned to me by the coaching staff in as many trial games. Really keen to see how he goes.

• Finlay Yeo was back after his slight ankle injury and picked up where he left off.

GIRLS

• Five of the squad - Cara Dziegelewski, Lexi Strachan, Mia Calshausen, Hannah Seaborn and India Bonadeo - were off playing in the AFL Academy v All Stars game, leaving room for others to step up.

• Bottom-age stars Bella Nelson, Miley Hynes, Tiama Collard and Caitlin Boss were some who grabbed their chance, and shape to play big roles for WA.

• Mia Van Kleef, Marie Polimeno and Jas Giles were also impressive in their final hit-out.

Caught up with State Talent Manager Adam Jones on the Seven Point Play podcast last week for an U18 boys preview if you want to dive deeper. Kate Orme is on this week to preview the girls.

WAFL

• Those three blokes mentioned earlier helped the Eagles record their fourth win of the season - this time against ladder leaders Claremont! They won 107-97 largely thanks to a nine-goal run in the third quarter.

• Tigers forward Jaiden Hunter kicked seven goals in that game from nine disposals. Crazy.

• Peel Thunder held onto their spot in the top two by dispatching Swan Districts 95-33. Jeremy Sharp stays in the Sandover discussions with 42 disposals and two goals in an enormous performance. Sean Darcy was the other story of the game from a Thunder POV - 21 disposals and 28 hit-outs. Won’t be at Peel for long.

• Blake Kelly had 29 disposals in his second league game for Swan Districts. Was stiff not to be drafted last year. Will do great things at Bassendean.

• Over at Lathlain, Brandan Parfitt had his best game of the year to help Perth beat Subiaco by 20 points. The former Cat finished with 37 touches, two goals and seven inside-50s to keep the Demons a game clear in the top five.

• South Fremantle have now suffered three losses on the trot after East Perth took the chocolates in the grand final rematch. Angus Scott did the damage for the winners with 33 disposals and 11 marks.

WAFLW

• Shout-out to Poppy Stockwell, who has made her way back onto an AFLW list. The Demons goal-kicker was picked up by Hawthorn as an injury replacement last week fresh off kicked seven goals against the Falcons.

• Jaime Henry watch is back… because she had a RECORD 49 DISPOSALS in a 90-point win over Peel Thunder. Add 10 tackles and seven inside-50s and my god, what a performance.

• Claremont and Subiaco has been a blockbuster fixture the past two seasons and it delivered again. The Tigers got the win 28-22, with Jayme Harken and Sarah Viney leading the charge for the reigning premiers.

• South Fremantle stay touching distance with the top four after a 45-29 win over East Perth. Tash Entwistle keeps producing with 33 disposals and six inside-50s.

• West Perth are the team holding the Dogs at bay. They beat fellow finals contender East Fremantle 53-10 on Friday night with former Docker Sabreena McKinnon kicking four.

WAFL COLTS

Thanks again to our contributor for helping out here.

• Incredible scenes at Sullivan Logistics Stadium, not that anybody could see the first half thanks to a thick blanket of fog. Somehow the game went ahead and commentator Paul Persic did a great job identifying players in the pea soup. Fortunately the fog cleared after half time and skilful midfielder Riley Stannard (27 disposals) and powerful utility James Barnard (20 disposals) kept their respective sides in the game.

• The Friday night colts game between Peel and Swan Districts loomed as a shootout between ace full forwards Cooper Dudfield (Swan Districts) and Trent Robertson (Peel Thunder). Instead two unheralded defenders in Peel’s James Whelan and Swans’ Thomas Martin stole the show with impressive games in defence.

• Judd Molloy-Broughton stood out with his blond hair and five superb goals for Subiaco against Perth. The nephew of former Fremantle, Gold Coast and Subiaco star Greg, showed that he is strong overhead for a player of his height (185cm) and also demonstrated a superb goal-kicking technique which enables him to make the most of whatever forward 50 opportunities come his way.

SCHOOL FOOTY

• Scotch College remain unbeaten on top of the table after narrowly holding off Hale School 85-75.

• Hot on their heels are Aquinas, who continued their great year against Guildford in a 111-19 win.

• Trinity are mid-table but have shown some real class in recent weeks. They chalked up a third win, this time 113-45 over Christ Church, to move to a 3-3 record.

Here are a handful of players who stood out for their schools:

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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.

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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.

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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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