It's hard to be positive about that one...
But there's plenty else to like across the WA footy landscape.
G’day punchers! Well didn’t West Coast cook that one? Maybe circle May 31 against Essendon as their next best chance to get a win.
That was probably the big story of the weekend across WA footy, but there was a heap to get excited about as well.
A quick note before we get into it: this week’s school footy updates will drop as a separate send later in the week. Bear with us, and make sure you’re subscribed to get it straight into your inbox when it’s ready.
In today’s newsletter: We give some flowers to an unsung Docker, who to look out for in today’s AFLW pre-season draft, more notes from the U18 trials and some kids who are cooking at senior level in the WAFL and WAFL.
Also I put the call out to the punchers on Instagram yesterday for some of the best performers of the weekend, the responses included: Harry Brooks, Josh Nathan, Alex Batina, Harper Connor, Campbell Creyk and Maxim Collins. Shout-out the lot of you.
Now let’s get stuck in.
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WEST COAST
Richmond 15.9 (99) def West Coast 13.10 (88)
I’d describe the Eagles as being in a rut - but that’s proved to be a controversial word this weekend…
Not sure how else you’d describe it to be honest. Their opposition hadn’t won a game and had very limited availability, but somehow the Eagles - who actually looked up and about early in the season - couldn’t capitalise. Not going to lie, this would be a tough one for everyone to swallow.
There is an argument to be made that this was lost at selection. Three senior players in after steady WAFL form, when there were other options performing in the twos - Tom Gross and Rhett Bazzo to name two. A few senior players are really proving to be an issue this season.
How lucky are the Eagles to have Reuben Ginbey? He has some limitations with the ball, but there aren’t many young key defenders in the competition showing his level of fight and determination to win their match-up. Desperately needs some help, but consider this a positive! Told you I’d always find one…
FREMANTLE
Fremantle 17.12 (114) def Western Bulldogs 15.12 (102)
Brilliant game of footy. One that many Fremantle outfits would have dropped over the years. This version didn’t. Real-deal type areas again.
Hayden Young has been stepping up slightly each week since returning from injury. This week was more of a leap than a step. There was the break from centre stoppage to kick a long-range goal at a crucial time. There was the inside-out banana from the pocket that is one of the goals of the year. One of the criticisms of Freo’s midfield in previous seasons is that it could be a bit vanilla. Young’s return and the rise of Shai Bolton as a (All-Australian) mid have added some jalapeño.
Speaking of Bolton, a casual 16 score involvements from 30 touches, nine clearances and the game-sealing goal. He’s in some sort of form.
Flowers for Karl Worner, the unassuming defender who gradually cemented a spot in the best 23 and played probably the best game of his career against the Dogs. He’s easy to overlook, but he’s tough as nails and has been getting in good spots.
AFLW PRE-SEASON DRAFT
Today is one of the last chances for players to get on an AFLW list for season 2026. There are 11 list spots on offer - including one each at Fremantle and West Coast. The draft kicks off at 5PM WA time this afternoon.
Sienna Gerardi looks the most likely WA player to be picked up. The 18-year-old is a gun at basketball as well, but focused on footy this year. The Swan Districts small forward is fast, loves a tackle and knows how to finish.
Claremont’s Juliet Kelly will also be in the mix. She was shockingly overlooked at the draft last year and has been one of the best mids in the WAFLW through the early rounds. May not be a star, but is one of the most reliable teenage mids going around, and doesn’t mind doing whatever job she’s asked.
Jaime Henry couldn’t have done much more, but there still appears to be little hope she’ll be selected today. It’s not the first time she’s been snubbed, and it sucks. Fingers are crossed, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
TALENT PATHWAY
Another trial game for the WA U18s on the weekend, this time against East Perth’s ressies. Here are a few who caught the eye:
Benji Van Rooyen: Led from the front for the second week in a row.
Harvey Spawton-Guy: Has been second banana to Koby LeCras a bit at West Perth, but he’s lifted massively this season. Really excited about the smooth-moving big man.
Heath Mellody: In for his first trial game after PSA duties last week. He’s just silk on the outside and runs hard to make things happen.
Lachie McGlade: A West Coast NGA prospect out of East Perth who has a few tricks and knows his way around goals. Been a steady performer, but has a big game in him.
We mentioned these two last week, but Finlay Yeo and Cam Maynard had another couple of strong games. WA stacked with smalls and talls.
WAFL
Five on the trot now for Claremont, they sit unbeaten on top of the ladder with a percentage of 196. Easily accounted for Swan Districts, with ruckman Oliver Eastland dominant through the middle. Still one I’d love to see get a shot at the next level.
Everyone got a lick of the ice cream at Peel in an easy win over West Perth, but was stoked to see Toby Whan’s best senior performance. He had 18 disposals and three goals off a wing. Leon Kickett kicked three as well, and Freo-listed tall Charlie Nicholls keeps showing flashes of quality. Big game in the middle from Nathan O’Driscoll after a week where he courageously shared his battles with mental health.
Hamish Brayshaw is on a tear. Two games back from injury, two games in the best for the Royals. Looks at his Sandover season level.
The Demons have a talisman and his name is Lochlan Paton. The forward returned from injury to kick three goals and Perth looked as good as they have this season in a win over the Sharks. He’s got attitude, ability, and his teammates seem to respond when he’s up and about.
South Freo are humming along, and there was a lot of love around for teen star Lucas Robinson. Will let Jordy explain:
WAFLW
South Fremantle’s recruitment of Ash Gomes paid dividends as the former Shark led her side to an upset win over Subiaco. She had 26 touches and five inside-50s.
The kids are doing the damage at West Perth. They belted Peel by 65 points, in no small part thanks to draft prospects Lexi Strachan (25 disposals, one goal) and Cara Dziegelewski (25 hit-outs, two goals, 14 disposals). Bottom-ager Miley Hynes (daughter of David) also chipped in with a couple of majors.
Former Docker Ash Sharp moved to outright lead of the goalkicking after bagging four in Swan Districts’ big win over East Perth.
COLTS
Thatcher Simmons backed up his big game for Subiaco last week with four goals from 24 touches. This kid has had a massive fortnight.
So has Josh Nathan at East Freo - this time 30 disposals and five tackles.
Chuck Oliver Edwards in the books. The younger brother of Geelong’s Mitch is in the Dockers’ NGA and showing real promise as a young ruckman. He had 17 touches and 23 hit-outs on the weekend at Peel won their first game of the season, beating the Falcons.
Blake Jones was one who stepped up a gear on the opposite side of that match-up. Almost doubled his average possessions to end with 22, 11 tackles and a goal.
Swan Districts’ Cooper Dudfield just keeps steadily kicking goals. He’s got eight from four games, including three on the weekend.
Also just caught my attention that Swans have a kid called LeBron Yarran. I don’t know much about him, but thought it was worth mentioning.
That’s us all caught up for today.
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Catch you next week.