Simply Energy WA U18s squad announced Friday, September 18, 2020 - 10:08 AM

The Simply Energy WA State U18s squad has been announced ahead of two NAB AFL All-Stars Exhibition matches on October 10 and 17.
 
Given the NAB AFL U18 National Champions were cancelled for season 2020 due to COVID-19, each state is hosting its own set of fixtures to showcase talent before the 2020 AFL National Draft.
 
Players will be given a chance to shine in front of AFL clubs at the conclusion of their WAFL Colts season, with the squad of around 60 to be split into two even teams across both weekends.
 
Game one will be played at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday, October 10, starting at 11.30am. Game two details are still being finalised for October 17.
 
The selection process included player nominations from AFL Club recruiting staff, WAFL Talent Manager Selection Meetings and input from the State Academy Staff.
 
WA State Talent Manager Adam Jones congratulated all of the players selected and praised the work of players and staff throughout a challenging season.
 
“Given the change of format this season, these two games provide the perfect opportunity to showcase all the talent Western Australia has to offer,” he said.
 
“The squad includes players from our program in 2019, strong performers in the WAFL Colts competition and a glimpse into the future with 2021 draft prospects.”
 
“Players inside the squad of 57 are guaranteed to play at least one of the two games and there is the possibility to add to the group over the coming weeks.”
 
2019 Colts Premiership coach and current WAFC Coach Coordinator Ross McQueen and West Perth Colts Coach Ryan Lasscock will coach a team each with a number of WAFL Colts coaches contributing as assistants.
 
2019 National Championship winning State 18s coach Peter Sumich will oversee the combined squad.
 
The AFLW WA U18s will play a one-off fixture against a WAFLW All-Stars line-up on Saturday, September 26.
 
The NAB AFLW Draft will be held on October 6 via a virtual event.
 
NAB AFL All-Stars Exhibition games 
 Saturday, October 10, 11.30am – WA Gold v WA Black (Mineral Resources Park)
Saturday, October 17, 11.30am – WA Gold v WA Black (Venue: TBC)
 
NAB AFLW All-Stars Exhibition games 
Saturday, September 26, 2.30pm – AFLW WA U18s v WAFLW All-Stars