Under Age West Australian Junior Talent 2025 Draft

[Futbolista]

These are the leading forward line contenders for WA in 2025 (For now). Very exciting I'm sure most will agree.

+ = overager
** = below ager

Lucas Ravenhill+ (CL) 199cm Key forward/Occasional Ruck
Tylah Williams (SD) 176cm Indigenous left footer. Sharp near the sticks.
Cody Curtin (CL) 197cm Key Forward/Key Back
Marcus Cassidy (EP) 187cm+ Strong Half Foward who can spend time mid
Cooper Clark (P) 189cm+ Traditional Full Forward. Bolter
Benji Van Rooyen** (CL) 200cm Raw developing Forward
Darcy Montgomery (S) 191cm Mercurial, unorthodox left footer who kicked 6 goals v Vic Country in the 2023 16's
Charlie Banfield (CL) 188cm Half Foward/Wing
Ivan Starr (SF) 179cm+ Indigenous Forward with 12 goals in five colts games. Bolter
Joshua Nomlatyu (EF) 197cm Athletic Left Foot Forward of African heritage
Wesley Walley (S) 181cm+ Gifted Indigenous Forward
Koby LeCras** (WP) 190cm+ Highly skilled left footer
Judd Marcello (WP) 192cm Not a mercurial or stylish forward but instead a really honest competitor who finds ways to score
Basil Hart (PT) 185cm Smooth Forward who can slot into the mids
Koby Evans (P) 187cm Featured in the AFL 17's game on grand final day and has genuine skill and line breaking ability as a high half forward

A lot to choose from and some will be unlucky to miss out on the final squad

 

[Freezin]

Hey Freezin is nomlatyu freo NGA?

Casey got in first, but yes the young fella is Freo NGA.

 

[Freezin]

I've seen every one of Josh's colts games. What a languid, athletic prospect. With those telescopic arms and neat left foot. He's a very gentile fellow. Needs a bit more mongrel maybe. I'm rubbing my hands together at WA's potential forward line in 2025 but I'll expand on that tomorrow.

I didn't know he had a sister. Good grief, 192cm already at 15. She is going to test any defender.

With Cooper Ramsay staying fit, young Josh should play more as KP for EF in 2025. Kicked a few early on as a permanent forward, before thrusted into the ruck, when EF designated ruck Sander got a season ending injury mid season.

 

[Futbolista]

With Cooper Ramsay staying fit, young Josh should play more as KP for EF in 2025. Kicked a few early on as a permanent forward, before thrusted into the ruck, when EF designated ruck Sander got a season ending injury mid season.

Yes, that would be perfect.

 

[LB2Snake]

These are the leading forward line contenders for WA in 2025 (For now). Very exciting I'm sure most will agree.

+ = overager
** = below ager

Lucas Ravenhill+ (CL) 199cm Key forward/Occasional Ruck
Tylah Williams (SD) 176cm Indigenous left footer. Sharp near the sticks.
Cody Curtin (CL) 197cm Key Forward/Key Back
Marcus Cassidy (EP) 187cm+ Strong Half Foward who can spend time mid
Cooper Clark (P) 189cm+ Traditional Full Forward. Bolter
Benji Van Rooyen** (CL) 200cm Raw developing Forward
Darcy Montgomery (S) 191cm Mercurial, unorthodox left footer who kicked 6 goals v Vic Country in the 2023 16's
Charlie Banfield (CL) 188cm Half Foward/Wing
Ivan Starr (SF) 179cm+ Indigenous Forward with 12 goals in five colts games. Bolter
Joshua Nomlatyu (EF) 197cm Athletic Left Foot Forward of African heritage
Wesley Walley (S) 181cm+ Gifted Indigenous Forward
Koby LeCras** (WP) 190cm+ Highly skilled left footer
Judd Marcello (WP) 192cm Not a mercurial or stylish forward but instead a really honest competitor who finds ways to score
Basil Hart (PT) 185cm Smooth Forward who can slot into the mids
Koby Evans (P) 187cm Featured in the AFL 17's game on grand final day and has genuine skill and line breaking ability as a high half forward

A lot to choose from and some will be unlucky to miss out on the final squad

Wes Walley gonna be mercurial?

 

[Futbolista]

Wes Walley gonna be mercurial?

Mercurial, elusive...haha

 

[LB2Snake]

Mercurial, elusive...haha

Bobs up out of nowhere

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

These are the leading forward line contenders for WA in 2025 (For now). Very exciting I'm sure most will agree.

+ = overager
** = below ager

Lucas Ravenhill+ (CL) 199cm Key forward/Occasional Ruck
Tylah Williams (SD) 176cm Indigenous left footer. Sharp near the sticks.
Cody Curtin (CL) 197cm Key Forward/Key Back
Marcus Cassidy (EP) 187cm+ Strong Half Foward who can spend time mid
Cooper Clark (P) 189cm+ Traditional Full Forward. Bolter
Benji Van Rooyen** (CL) 200cm Raw developing Forward
Darcy Montgomery (S) 191cm Mercurial, unorthodox left footer who kicked 6 goals v Vic Country in the 2023 16's
Charlie Banfield (CL) 188cm Half Foward/Wing
Ivan Starr (SF) 179cm+ Indigenous Forward with 12 goals in five colts games. Bolter
Joshua Nomlatyu (EF) 197cm Athletic Left Foot Forward of African heritage
Wesley Walley (S) 181cm+ Gifted Indigenous Forward
Koby LeCras** (WP) 190cm+ Highly skilled left footer
Judd Marcello (WP) 192cm Not a mercurial or stylish forward but instead a really honest competitor who finds ways to score
Basil Hart (PT) 185cm Smooth Forward who can slot into the mids
Koby Evans (P) 187cm Featured in the AFL 17's game on grand final day and has genuine skill and line breaking ability as a high half forward

A lot to choose from and some will be unlucky to miss out on the final squad

Basil Hart very underrated Freo have a beauty in him
Also would add Toby Whan that left foot is a weapon
Cassidy a good east perth boy is exciting as well

 

[Futbolista]

Basil Hart very underrated Freo have a beauty in him
Also would add Toby Whan that left foot is a weapon
Cassidy a good east perth boy is exciting as well

These are just the forward line contenders for now.

But I'll do defenders, utilities, mids and rucks in the coming week or so. Whan is absolutely in the mids preview along with bolter Luke Hallett from East Perth. I have a feeling he's going to catch the eyes of many observers.

 

[Futbolista]

Continuing on after our round of potential WA forwards for 2025 last week. Now let's examine the rucks. Some of the players will be in more than one category/list.

+ = overager
** = below ager
*** = 16 in 2025

Lucas Ravenhill+ (CL) 199cm As mentioned in the forwards list, Ravenhill should mainly spend time up forward, with his strength, mobility and booming kick. But maybe he could pinch hit in the ruck for a few minutes if needed. If he doesn't get drafted this year, he will be unstoppable as an overager in 2025 at any level - including national 18's.

Cooper Ramsay (EF) 200cm Discovered in a talent search contest mid-season. Oddly, he wasn't a basketballer but a rugby and soccer player. Gave footy a try, loved it and was included in the WA 16's squad as a development player. Was impressive until injury struck in the championships and also made his colts debut for the Sharks.

Benji Van Rooyen** (CL) 200cm Had a quiet national 16's campaign but at 200cm already, the selectors are keen to see how he develops. At this stage he is raw and gangly. I think he might benefit from spending time in the ruck to get him involved in the game. Eventually with confidence and some ruck possessions he could slot back into a key forward role. An interesting prospect.

Frazer Rickson (S) 196cm The most competitive ruckman in the league now with the 2024 cohort moving on. Obviously he can't be a permanent ruckman at senior level at 196cm although he might have grown. With his hard at it approach he could well develop into a tight checking centre half back. I could even see him being the tallest mid in WAFL colts in 2025 because he does bash and crash and compete with smaller mids. Must fine tune his kicking technique.

Louis Gualter (PT) 201cm Hasn't played a colts game yet. A surpise selection in the WA 2024/25 squad. I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

Joshua Nomlatyu (EF) 197cm Full Forward/CHF/Forward pocket is his best position with his African athleticism, telescopic arms and great co-ordination. A good left foot kick for goal also. Might slot into the ruck for five minutes here and there because of his leap.

Axel Walsh*** (EP) 200cm Reputed to be in the top 3 players for his age in the country and from what I saw in the national 16's (As a below ager), it's hard to disagree. Not just a big kid for his age but a very very good mover and athlete. But surely the WA selectors wouldn't punt on a 16 year old would they?

 

[LB2Snake]

Continuing on after our round of potential WA forwards for 2025 last week. Now let's examine the rucks. Some of the players will be in more than one category/list.

+ = overager
** = below ager
*** = 16 in 2025

Lucas Ravenhill+ (CL) 199cm As mentioned in the forwards list, Ravenhill should mainly spend time up forward, with his strength, mobility and booming kick. But maybe he could pinch hit in the ruck for a few minutes if needed. If he doesn't get drafted this year, he will be unstoppable as an overager in 2025 at any level - including national 18's.

Cooper Ramsay (EF) 200cm Discovered in a talent search contest mid-season. Oddly, he wasn't a basketballer but a rugby and soccer player. Gave footy a try, loved it and was included in the WA 16's squad as a development player. Was impressive until injury struck in the championships and also made his colts debut for the Sharks.

Benji Van Rooyen** (CL) 200cm Had a quiet national 16's campaign but at 200cm already, the selectors are keen to see how he develops. At this stage he is raw and gangly. I think he might benefit from spending time in the ruck to get him involved in the game. Eventually with confidence and some ruck possessions he could slot back into a key forward role. An interesting prospect.

Frazer Rickson (S) 196cm The most competitive ruckman in the league now with the 2024 cohort moving on. Obviously he can't be a permanent ruckman at senior level at 196cm although he might have grown. With his hard at it approach he could well develop into a tight checking centre half back. I could even see him being the tallest mid in WAFL colts in 2025 because he does bash and crash and compete with smaller mids. Must fine tune his kicking technique.

Louis Gualter (PT) 201cm Hasn't played a colts game yet. A surpise selection in the WA 2024/25 squad. I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

Joshua Nomlatyu (EF) 197cm Full Forward/CHF/Forward pocket is his best position with his African athleticism, telescopic arms and great co-ordination. A good left foot kick for goal also. Might slot into the ruck for five minutes here and there because of his leap.

Axel Walsh*** (EP) 200cm Reputed to be in the top 3 players for his age in the country and from what I saw in the national 16's (As a below ager), it's hard to disagree. Not just a big kid for his age but a very very good mover and athlete. But surely the WA selectors wouldn't punt on a 16 year old would they?

Just some massive humans in that list.

 

[Futbolista]

Just some massive humans in that list.

WA have a fair bit covered for 2025 but the Allies have me worried now and I might have gotten ahead of myself mate.

 

[briztoon]

WA have a fair bit covered for 2025 but the Allies have me worried now and I might have gotten ahead of myself mate.

Allies will be interesting, especially if they pick any of the over agers.

I don't know about the other Northern clubs, but just about all of our top academy kids from this year, have been listed in our 2025 academy team,

Charlie Hewitt 198cm KPF
Alex Pope
Fergus McFadyen 189 cm 3rd tall forward
Harrison Ronchi
Jake Fazledeen
Ryan Gilder 191cm 3rd tall defender
Tom Gillett 202cm F/Ruck
Ty Gallop 194cm KPF
Wyatt Greenaway

That's a lot of over age talent, especially when next years academy crop was supposed to be our strongest/deepest crop.

 

[theGav56]

Basil Hart very underrated Freo have a beauty in him
Also would add Toby Whan that left foot is a weapon
Cassidy a good east perth boy is exciting as well

Is Hart projecting as a forward or midfielder?

What kind of player is he?

 

[Futbolista]

Is Hart projecting as a forward or midfielder?

What kind of player is he?

A forward for sure but when he is getting shut down he does move on to a wing now and then to get him into the game.

He didn't have a great 2024 and the likes of Wesley Walley and Koby Evans moved above him as small, elusive forwards but there is no doubting Hart's talent.

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Is Hart projecting as a forward or midfielder?

What kind of player is he?

He is a forward I see that can be a midfielder.
His foot skills are elite and has good vision when kicking
He is not a small forward he is 185/6cm
Needs to work on his tank he is not a close to goal forward
more a roaming type, that has purple patches very exciting

 

[Futbolista]

The leading midfield contenders for the 2025 WA 18's squad.

Luke Hallett (EP) 184cm My tip to be the WA midfield bolter in 2025. A class player who is prolific at PSA level and replicated that at colts level with a 26 and 27 disposal exhibition of his class later when available. I reckon Hallett will be the first player I ask for a profile video for from noobermensch

Leo Steed** (SD) 177cm A busy in and under ball magnet who transitioned into colts football seamlessly as a 16 year old in 2024.

Fred Rodriguez (SF) 185cm A genuine top 5 draft contender for 2025. Attacks the ball with purpose. Has enough pace to break away from congestion and kicks well with both feet.

Oliver McManus (EF) 177cm+ Like his old man Shaun, Oliver is a tough, no nonsense mid who relies on effort and substance rather than aesthetics. Not much meat on the bones but that doesn't bother him. Surely there is still a place for these kinds of players with courage.

Sam Swadling (WP) 187cm A player who will please those who enjoy watching the skills of the game. Silky mover, nice foot skills and sidestep and tall enough to compete in the air. Likes a goal also when resting forward.

Blake Kelly (SD) 182cm You may remember older brother Luke from the 2023 WA 18's squad, who was a small, prolific, not overly quick left foot accumulator and a good one who is now part of the SD league side. Blake is a right footer with an exceptional burst of speed from stoppages. Sometimes goes under the radar because he get's first hands on the ball and offloads a quick decisive handpass. Prolific like his brother but has genuine speed on his side.

Marcus Cassidy (EP) 187cm+ I've included him in both the forward line and mid list. Appeals to me as a Luke Urquhart style player with his size and like Urquhart can be damaging in front of goals. Not sure he crashes in as hard as Luke but he has the tools to do so if he chooses and probably better foot skills.

Jadd Hill (P) 178cm+ A star at the 2023 16's championships. An incredibly energetic in and under player. Height may count against him but it shouldn't because he knows how to get first hands on the ball. Doesn't take a backward step.

Toby Whan (SF) 184cm Perhaps the smoothest mover amongst the bunch. Silky left footer who can weave and dodge his way around traffic before steadying himself to hit a target. Also a booming kick. Just has to make wise decisions with ball in hand and not go inboard to a one on one no matter the reward. The risk is costly and I've seen him burn his team by kicking centrally to a contest instead of going safely down the line..

Luke Carrello (EF) 178cm+ One of the Shark's best players in 2024 as a below ager - playing mainly from a half back flank, where his sure ball handling and precise kicking is an asset. I'm certain he will slot into the midfield in 2025 and push a very strong case for inclusion in the WA 18's squad.

 

[ROYAL EAGLE]

Bobs up out of nowhere

Wes is at WCE training this week

 

[LB2Snake]

Wes is at WCE training this week

It’s a great name….commentators will love it. Did you watch him train? What sort of player is he?

 

[LB2Snake]

The leading midfield contenders for the 2025 WA 18's squad.

Luke Hallett (EP) 184cm My tip to be the WA midfield bolter in 2025. A class player who is prolific at PSA level and replicated that at colts level with a 30 disposal breakout game late in the season. I reckon Hallett will be the first player I ask for a profile video for from noobermensch

Leo Steed** (SD) 177cm A busy in and under ball magnet who transitioned into colts football seamlessly as a 16 year old in 2024.

Fred Rodriguez (SF) 185cm A genuine top 5 draft contender for 2025. Attacks the ball with purpose. Has enough pace to break away from congestion and kicks well with both feet.

Oliver McManus (EF) 177cm+ Like his old man Shaun, Oliver is a tough, no nonsense mid who relies on effort and substance rather than aesthetics. Not much meat on the bones but that doesn't bother him. Surely there is still a place for these kinds of players with courage.

Sam Swadling (WP) 187cm A player who will please those who enjoy watching the skills of the game. Silky mover, nice foot skills and sidestep and tall enough to compete in the air. Likes a goal also when resting forward.

Blake Kelly (SD) 182cm You may remember older brother Luke from the 2023 WA 18's squad, who was a small, prolific, not overly quick left foot accumulator. Blake is a right footer with an exceptional burst of speed from stoppages. Sometimes goes under the radar because he get's first hands on the ball and offloads a quick decisive handpass. Prolific like his brother but has genuine speed on his side.

Marcus Cassidy (EP) 187cm+ I've included him in both the forward line and mid list. Appeals to me as a Luke Urquhart style player with his size and like Urquhart can be damaging in front of goals. Not sure he crashes in as hard as Luke but he has the tools to do so if he chooses and probably better foot skills.

Jadd Hill (P) 178cm A star at the 2023 16's championships. An incredibly energetic in and under player. Height may count against him but it shouldn't because he knows how to get first hands on the ball. Doesn't take a backward step.

Toby Whan (SF) 185cm Perhaps the smoothest mover amongst the bunch. Silky left footer who can weave and dodge his way around traffic before steadying himself to hit a target. Also a booming kick. Just has to make wise decisions with ball in hand and not go inboard to a one on one no matter the reward. The risk is costly and I've seen him burn his team by kicking centrally to a contest instead of going safely down the line..

Luke Carrello (EF) 178cm+ One of the Shark's best players in 2024 as a below ager - playing mainly from a half back flank, where his sure ball handling and precise kicking is an asset. I'm certain he will slot into the midfield in 2025 and push a very strong case for inclusion in the WA 18's squad.

Rodriguez videos make him look super exciting.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

It's the Fred and Cody show now with added Whan and Swadling.

 

[Futbolista]

One thing is for sure, 2025 colts will be one of the best standard competitions we've had for many years.

Not just because the 2025 list is very strong but also because most have completed their PSA comittments.

Let's compare the top 50 from 2024 who were PSA with 2025 top 50 who were PSA.

2024 (Highest honours in brackets)
Bailey Morgan (EF) (WA 15's)
Hugh Boxshall (CL) (WA 18's)
Ashton Warner (EF) (WA 15's)
Ned Reiger (SD)
Luke Urquhart (EF) (WA 18's)
Clancy Dennis (CL) (WA 18's)
Tore Nelson (S) (Australian Indigenous XXII)
Jaxon Artemis (SF) (WA 18's)
Preston Cherry-Bayles (P)
Luke Cotellessa (SD)
Loch MacTaggart (P) (WA 18's)
William Akec (EP) (WA 16's)
Toby Jones (S)

2025
Luke Hallett (EP) (WA 18's SS)
Charlie Banfield (CL) (WA 18's)
Jimmy Aylmore (S) (WA 16's)
Taj Longmuir (SF) (WA 16's)
Baxter Gray (P) (WA 18's SS)

Everybody else in the 2025 draft class who was PSA should have in theory graduated.

 

[Futbolista]

Thanks to noobermensch we have Fred Rodriguez (SF) representing WA as a below ager in 2024.

Fred is a powerful on baller who competes with vigour but also has good breakaway speed, sure balance and the ability to kick well with both feet.

Rodriguez is one of many WA midfield stars set to take part in the national 18's championships in 2025.

In fact for the first time in many years WA will have a midfield brigade capable of going toe to toe with the other states.

Apart from Rodriguez, look out for the silky Sam Swadling (WP), PSA and East Perth star Luke Hallett, smooth left footer Toby Whan (SF), the no-nonsense pacy Blake Kelly (SD) and Perth wiz Jadd Hill - all of whom have been named in the WA summer state squad for 2025.

For a whole host of player in focus videos check out the Footy Stuff youtube page by noobermensch or simply click on the youtube link in this video.

 

[Futbolista]

Courtesy of noobermensch it's our man Wes Walley just giving us a little sample of what he can do. It's a shame he didn't have his kicking boots on. They seek him here, they seek him there.

Check out all of the excellent Footy Stuff player in focus videos on the youtube channel

 

[Futbolista]

Toby Whan is a South Fremantle 2025 prospect with a nice turn of pace, sidestep and a near flawless left foot kicking technique.

He is a top 15-30 prospect (maybe higher depending on form in the champs) who should form a superb midfield partnership with Fred Rodriguez at Souths next year.

Thanks to noobermensch for supporting players all over Australia. There is genuine excitement surrounding evry 18's squad for next year. A case could be made for all five.

Click on the youtube icon on the video to check out all of the Footy Stuff videos.