WA State 18s Squad ConfirmedThursday, April 24, 2025 - 9:25 AM

WA has named its squad for the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships - U18 Boys.

Reigning Colts Premiers Claremont have supplied nine players, while Peel Thunder has provided six players in the initial squad of 34.

State Coach Marc Webb is optimistic about the prospects of the group.

“We are coming into our winter program with players who have been performing well and three players already tasting league football at their clubs,” Webb said.

“We have a greater mix of players this year that can play a primary role while also being able to perform well in other positions.”

Webb is reluctant to draw comparisons with the class of 2024.

“It is always hard to get a gauge with where we are at in relation to the other states,” he said.

“We have belief that we can get together and build connection and be on the same page.

“We believe we have balance, depth and competition in positions that will help us compete with all states.

Having eight players in a train on group is as much about a nod to the future as well as giving the selectors flexibility in the squad.

“The train on group allows predominately bottom age players the experience to train, play and to get accustomed to role specific training,” he said.

Webb knows all too well how quickly the Championships will arrive.

“While we have had our squad over summer, we have up to 13 new faces in the winter program coming in,” Webb said.

“This will mean we need to get to know and integrate as soon as possible.

“We will train and start to implement our style over the next three weeks in preparation for our first trial game against the State Under 21 team.”

WA plays its first match of the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Boys against Victoria Country on Saturday, June 7.