The WA u18s squad are gearing up to kick off their 2026 Marsh AFL National Under-18 Championships campaign this weekend, taking on South Australia at Mineral Resources Park.

Following the likes of Jacob Farrow and Charlie Banfield taken at picks 10 and 41 respectively in last year’s national draft, this year’s crop will be looking to put their best foot forward to get a shot at a career in the AFL.

With more trial games than ever under their belt heading into the championships, coach Marc Webb is feeling confident players will step up to the occasion.

He joined Sports Breakfast this morning.

“Usually we have two [games], we play the 20s and also one leading into the carnival, so we’ve played I think four more which we’ve found really beneficial,” he said.

“The added benefit is that you’re playing against potential players that have played in the program before, especially around the 20s. I think a lot of those players have either been accomplished WAFL players who are playing consistent senior level [footy] or have come through our program who might have missed out on the draft but are still aspiring to get picked up.”

The side is shaping up to be strong in the carnival, holding a record of five wins and one loss over their trial matches leading into the championships.

Their marquee win came against the state 20s side, winning by a goal at Leederville Oval – the last chance to polish their craft resulted in another victory over Claremont’s Reserves side by a point.

Players selected co-captains Leo Steed and George Gale to lead them at the national level – two who have had consistent game time at their respective WAFL clubs.

Steed has a plethora of League matches under his belt at Swan Districts, playing in the side since round 2 this year and kicking six goals thus far.

“He’s a crafty forward, but also really super competitive – one of the best two-way runners we have as a midfielder. He’s got clean hands and he’s a talented on-baller.”

As the son of former Fremantle and St Kilda player, Mark Gale, George will be looking to follow in his father’s footsteps.

He notched up a game-high 36 disposals in the state side’s win over East Perth’s Reserves, also producing five inside 50 entries and three clearances.

“George has played multiple roles. He started at the back end of our carnival last year as a half back, so he’s got a good size [frame]. Now he’s playing more sort of inside mid and wing and he’s a really strong, contested player.”

Injury hasn’t plagued the squad so far, with Webb largely pleased at the availability he has to select.

He said the difficult nature of selection coming into the first match is a good issue to have.

“We’re quite close, probably two or three [players from the desired squad]. We’ve had a few come back from injury and have played some restricted time in the last few weeks.”

“There’s one or two where you’ve probably just made a decision to give them an extra week or another game at club level, but we’re pleased with availability at this stage.”

The first two matches in WA’s fixture take place in WA on the 13th and 20th of June before the squad heads east to play Vic Country and Allies on July 3rd and 8th.

IMAGE: Rookie Me Central