A senior debut of note
Freo get multiple wins in the same weekend, the WAFL and colts kick off and it's not all doom and gloom at the Eagles (it just felt like it)
G’day friends! Hope you ate heaps and got a nap over the long weekend.
Packed edition today now that the AFL, the Sullivan Logistics WAFL, ATCO WAFLW and EGT Colts are all up and running consecutively.
One of the most noteworthy performances was the senior debut of Lucas Robinson at South Fremantle. He’s a big bustling inside mid from Lake Grace (heard that before?) who can be drafted this November and is linked to Fremantle through their NGA.
And if you haven’t had enough footy, the National U16 Girls Championships kick off today, with WA playing in the opener. You can watch it here from 10.15am WA time.
Bella Nelson, Vienna Matera (niece of Peter, Wally and Phil), Bea Crane and Indi Slocombe are a few of the names I’m looking out for.
In today’s newsletter: The rising tides lifting Freo, finding some light in a very dark game at the Eagles, NGA prospects popping off all over the place, Subi are back, Henry keeps rolling and the West Perth colt who’s already won me over.
Before we get stuck in, hit this button and let me know what impressed you the most across the weekend…
OK, now let’s get stuck in.
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FREMANTLE
Fremantle 11.12 (78) def Adelaide 11.10 (76)
This is one of those moments contenders have. All the momentum against you on the road, easy to lay down and take the L. Somehow you find a way. A special win.
Jye Amiss made his critics take a seat. In a game where Josh Treacy’s scoreboard impact was being limited, Amiss made the most of his chances and showed some quality body work on his way to four goals. I know one critic who for some reason backed him to kick five, so it was an even sweeter total. He stretches the field for the Dockers and does a power of work to create space, so it was great to see Amiss get a lick of the ice cream in an important game.
He’s had plenty of good ones but put this in the handful of Murphy Reid’s best games. Went up the ground and had so many moments of class. Every time he gets it, you expect him to put someone in space.
The rise of Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus to consistent, capable best 23 players is part of what makes this year’s Fremantle side feel more legit. They still make the odd error, but you don’t notice them like you once did - which is a good thing.
WEST COAST
Sydney 24.19 (163) def West Coast 4.11 (35)
We try to stay positive around here, OK? Some weeks it’s harder than others.
Bo Allan has shown moments of brilliance over the past three weeks. It took him time to find his feet at the level, but you’re starting to get a glimpse of what he could be. He’s big, quick and makes things happen.
I don’t care how many touches Jagga Smith has, Willem Duursma has to be the Rising Star favourite at this point. He’s so influential and damaging. Will be fascinating to see if he puts on size and goes inside, or stays a Slim Reaper on the wing. Either way, he’s going to be one hell of a footballer.
WAFL
As mentioned, Lucas Robinson was one of the biggest talking points from round one of the Sullivan Logistics WAFL and rightly so. The Fremantle NGA draft prospect made his senior debut for South Fremantle and had 27 touches - a game-high 14 contested amongst them - and nine clearances. He needs to add tricks outside the contest still - recruiters are still all-in on speed and power - but on the inside he stands alone in this draft class.
Subiaco will contend for finals at the very least this season, and their nail-biting seven-point win against East Perth on the weekend suggests they could compete for the flag. Stefan Giro was a highlight with 26 disposals and 3.2, but they had winners on every line.
Huge start for Claremont, demolishing West Perth on the back of a dominant midfield. Bailey Rogers looks back to his best with 27 and three goals, and he told The West he had finally got on the end of an Achilles issue which has been lingering for years.
Aaron Clarke has been heavily tipped for the Bernie Naylor Medal this year and opened his account with seven goals against West Coast, who were disappointing again. Hopefully they show more fight as the season goes on.
Tyrell Dewer was one Eagle who stood out and could push for selection in the AFL side soon.
Mason Cox and Jeremy Sharp were dominant for Peel in their win over East Fremantle. Sharp’s on-ball roll in the WAFL may limit his chances of selection at AFL level but it could put him in Sandover Medal frame if he keeps going like he started.
WAFLW
Jaime Henry take a bow. She followed last week’s monster game with another 38 touches in a massive win over South Freo. She’s started the season averaging 35 disposals and eight tackles. All eyes on the AFLW pre-season draft on May 4.
Juliet Kelly is another name that should be in the AFLW mix. She had 36 and 10 tackles as Claremont narrowly beat West Perth and was stiff to be overlooked at last year’s draft. Ella Gilbey also had some very nice moments in the 66-64 win for the Tigers, her ground level work and hands set up the winning goal.
The Falcons had plenty of standouts, with Elee McEvoy at the top of that list. The Irish recruit picked up 19 touches, two goals and seven tackles in her second proper game of Aussie Rules.
Noa McNaughton has always had talent, but she had the best game of her career against Peel at the weekend. The East Fremantle teenager ran out the game with 29 touches, two goals and eight inside-50s. We knew the level was there, good to see her hit it.
Subi’s three-headed midfield monster - Krstel Petrevski, Lisa Steane and Paige Sheppard - were at it again. The three tallied 95 touches between them in a win over Perth.
Mia Carlshausen, one of this year’s leading draft chances, was best on for Perth with a composed 17 disposal, six-mark game.
WAFL COLTS
Plenty of good games across the comp, but the one player that stood out for me was West Perth’s Campbell Creyk. Had heard a bit about him but jeez, he passed the eye test. A quick, dynamic mid/fwd who competes hard and has some tricks in front of goal. Was in the WA U18 summer squad as a bottom ager and looks set for a big year. I’m all in after watching him once.
Speaking of standouts from that game I thought Benji van Rooyen really lifted for the Tigers in the final term. The young ruck already held down the spot for WA last year as a bottom-ager and looks to have lifted a gear in his draft year. George Gale was another Tiger to start with a bang. He had a very well-rounded game in the middle with 32 touches, nine marks and four tackles.
Leo Steed did Leo Steed things at Swans - 31 disposals, eight tackles and a goal.
We spoke about Lucas Robinson, but another Freo NGA player had an unreal game at colts level. I knew Finlay Yeo had tricks - he took hangs and kicked some special goals last year - but there’s more to his game than I thought. He had 24 disposals, 11 inside-50s and six tackles for East Freo. Enormous.
West Coast NGA prospect Garrison Kehn started well at East Perth. Composed off half-back and set up plenty with a team-high 25 touches. He’ll have a good year this year.
Adding Lachlan McGlade to the watchlist at the Royals. Had some very nice moments amongst 20 disposals and a goal.
That’s us all caught up.
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Catch you next week.