Who impressed for WA at the AFL U16 Championships

Everything you need to know about the most-hyped WA draft class in decades.

The 2028 draft class could be WA’s best in 20 years.

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.