The comp is finally appreciating Alex Pearce
The Dockers keep rolling, Leo Steed keeps pressing his case for the first round, and Jaime Henry keeps accumulating the footy.
G’day friends!
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.
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.
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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.
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Catch you next week.