Academy talent Fotu in the mix to return for WA 18s after impressive WAFLW returnWednesday, June 25, 2025 - 7:49 PM - by Jordan McArdle

South Fremantle gun Alira Fotu is in the mix to play her first game of the AFL National Under-18 Girls Championship against South Australia at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday.

The classy forward made an impressive return from a knee injury in the WAFLW last weekend as the Bulldogs upset the previously-undefeated Subiaco.

The 17-year-old multi-talented athlete, who’s also a development player for Women’s National Basketball League outfit Perth Lynx, stood out with her tackling pressure, silky foot skills in the wet and ability to find the goals.

She finished with 15 disposals, five marks and two goals to be among the best for Souths.

Fotu featured as a bottom-ager in last year’s carnival and is part of the AFLW Academy.

Western Australia will be looking to bounce back from a heart-breaking loss to Queensland in their carnival opener in Melbourne on Sunday.

The Black Swans led for the entire contest until the final kick of the game.

Swan Districts draft prospect Carys D’Addario led the way in the midfield, racking up a game-high 29 disposals to go with five clearances and a goal.

West Perth gun and WA co-captain Mia Russo (25 and four clearances) and Claremont’s Juliet Kelly were also instrumental in the engine-room.

Fellow co-captain Olivia Crane of Subiaco had some big moments late, as did half-forward Layla Quinn-Schofield and bottom-ager Lexi Strachan who were lively all day.

Subiaco key forward Olivia Wolmarans continued to put her name in lights as a top-five draft fancy, booting two goals and having a hand in several others, while Swan Districts’ Ava Stewart was excellent at the defensive end.

The match will be streamed live through the AFLW U18 Match Centre from 11.30am on Sunday.