WA start 16s carnival with hard-fought victory over SA in JoondalupSaturday, June 21, 2025 - 11:42 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Western Australia opened their AFL National Under-16s Championship campaign with a hard-fought 12-point win over South Australia at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup.

The Black Swans recovered from a slow start and goalless opening quarter in tough condition to prevail 4.14 (38) to 3.8 (26), booting four goals to one after the first break.

Co-captain and East Perth ruck Axel Walsh (23 disposals and 29 hit-outs) was outstanding around the ground including some clutch moments in defence late.

Walsh, the younger brother of Port Adelaide forward Xavier, helped WA win the midfield battle with a lop-sided 32-18 hit-outs count.

East Fremantle midfielder James Artemis was another big performer, winning plenty of the footy in the engine-room alongside Peel's Tarkyn Eichner and West Perth's Campbell Creyk, Falcon Rafe Williamson was excellent across half-back and Perth's Fynn Tomasini was strong in defence.

WA dominated the territory battle for large parts of the first term but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard.

South Australia on the other hand didn’t get a great deal of inside-50 entries but made them count early with two opening-quarter majors.

After five consecutive behinds, the home side finally converted 10-and-a-half minutes into the second term after Claremont’s Will Blaxell received a 50m penalty which took him to the goal square.

With scores level at 13 apiece late in the first half, Perth’s Kye Inferrera gave WA the lead for the first time in the match after finishing off his set shot following a strong contested mark.

Leading by five points at half-time, the Black Swans made it three goals on the trot as Demons goalsneak Ashley Clayton got one from close range.

East Fremantle’s Troy Warner, the younger brother of Sydney Swans pair Chad and Corey, kicked goal of the day in the final term to put the result beyond doubt.

Warner, who had some good moments throughout the match, received a high-contact free-kick about 45m out and managed to convert the difficult chance with a heavy ball.

WA's next assignment is against Vic Metro on the Gold Coast on July 15.

WA 0.2 2.7 3.13 4.14 (38)

SA 2.1 2.2 2.6 3.8 (26)

WA goals: W Blaxell, A Clayton, K Inferrera, T Warner

WA best: A Walsh, J Artemis, T Warner, R Williamson, F Tomasini, T Eichner, C Creyk