WA players selected for 2020 NAB AFLW and AFL National Draft CombineThursday, September 3, 2020 - 1:49 PM

A total of 24 Simply Energy WA State Academy players have been selected for the 2020 NAB AFL & AFLW National Combine – National Level to be completed in Perth later this year. 

Twelve male athletes and 12 female athletes will test ahead of the October 6 AFLW Draft. 

Due to COVID-19, the U18s National Championship was cancelled for season 2020, seeing the players take part in shortened WAFL Colts and WAFLW campaigns. 

Players will now test in Western Australia before the 2020 National Draft at the back end of the year. 

2020 NAB AFL National Combine – National Level

Blake Morris - Subiaco
Brandon Walker - East Fremantle
Denver Grainger-Barras - Swan Districts
Heath Chapman - West Perth
Isiah Winder - Peel Thunder 
Jack Carroll - East Fremantle
Joel Western - Claremont
Kalin Lane - Claremont
Logan McDonald - Perth
Nathan O'Driscoll - Perth
Shannon Neale - South Fremantle
Zane Trew - Swan Districts

2019 Under 18s National Championship winners Logan McDonald, Denver Grainger-Barras and Nathan O’Driscoll all feature on the list, with the trio playing League football for their respective WAFL clubs this season. 

Fremantle Next Generation athletes Brandon Walker and Joel Western will test at the Combine, while Heath Chapman and Jack Carroll have been rewarded for their strong WAFL Colts form. 

WA State Talent Manager Adam Jones said after a challenging six months for the players it was an exciting time ahead of the testing period. 

“To have 12 players selected at a National Level is a great result for our WA program in what has been a challenging year.” Jones said.

“Our entire WA squad has shown great character given the level of adversity each player has faced in 2020. All players have applied themselves at WAFL Colts and League level, and we will have another strong cohort heading to the Draft.”

“The combine on September 30 is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their athletic talent in front of AFL clubs, giving themselves the best chance to be drafted later in the year.”

2020 NAB AFLW National Combine – National Level

Sarah Verrier - Peel Thunder
Shanae Davison - Swan Districts
Isabella Lewis - Claremont
Mikayla Morrison - Swan Districts 
Abbey Dowrick - Subiaco
Roisin Walsh - East Fremantle
Jess Low - Claremont
Maggie MacLachlan - Subiaco
Ella Smith - Claremont
Brianna Hyde - Swan Districts
Mikayla Hyde - Swan Districts 
Sarah Wielstra - Swan Districts

Prominent Claremont midfielder Bella Lewis has been included on the AFLW Combine list, while WA U18s teammates Sarah Verrier, Mikayla Morrison and Brianna and Mikayla Hyde will also feature. 

WAFLW performers Shanae Davison and Jess Low have been rewarded for strong seasons in the State’s premier competition.

WAFC Talent Manager – Female Programs Clint Degebrodt couldn’t be prouder of the entire State Academy cohort during a challenging year. 

“Having 12 players selected at a National Level is a testament to the resilience and character of all our athletes,” Degebrodt said.

“The girls have really embraced the idea of playing a full season of WAFLW, giving them the perfect platform to take their game to the next level in the AFLW.”

A state level Combine will be held with additional male and female players added in the near future.