State 18s Side Building for 2022 NAB AFL National Championships Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - 2:29 PM - by Mark Readings

WA will continue its build up to this year’s NAB AFL Under 18 National Championships when they play the Subiaco Reserves team in a practice match on Saturday morning. 

The State side was put through its first practice match at the weekend, going down to Claremont’s Reserves side by 10 points. 

WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones was encouraged by the performance. 

“Claremont has a very good Reserves side, so the game was a good preparation for the Championships," Jones said.

"The boys were solid and will learn significantly from the experience. 

"They didn’t give up, finishing with the last three goals of the game." 

The practice match was also a welcome relief after a lengthy training schedule. 

“We’ve been training together for 8 weeks, so the game presented an opportunity to apply what they’ve been working on."

It was also a chance for players to put their hand up for selection ahead of the Championships. 

"Darcy Jones played well as a forward and on the ball, while Mitch Edwards did some impressive things as a 17-year-old ruckman," Jones said.

"Claremont’s Hugh Davies was also strong in defence with good intercept plays." 

WA’s opening match at the 2022 NAB AFL Under 18 National Championship is against Vic Metro at Ikon Park in Melbourne on Saturday July 2.