WA on Learning Curve after Championship DefeatsMonday, July 7, 2025 - 1:51 PM

Western Australia has completed its campaign at the 2025 Marsh AFL Under-18 Championships with a 35-point loss to Vic Metro at The Good Grocer Park.

Held goalless in the opening quarter, WA trailed by 21-points at half time and wasted opportunities in the final quarter, booting 2 goals 7.

WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones admits it was a frustrating performance for everyone involved with WA.

“They were really tricky conditions yesterday with a strong breeze blowing to one end of the ground but, no doubt, it was a disappointing way to finish the carnival,” Jones said.

“It was great lesson for the players around the standard required from a contested point of view.

“We still had some good performances from a number of our players individually but ultimately Vic Metro had more winners on the day.”

Jones wants the WA players to head back to their WAFL clubs and have a strong finish to the season.

 “It was a bit of an up and down carnival for our boys,” he said.

“We had two strong games against Vic Country and the Allies but then we were disappointing against SA and Vic Metro.

“The squad will take a lot out of the experience playing against the best players in the country and will be able to implement the key learnings back with their WAFL clubs.”

The defeat means Western Australia end the Championships with just one win.

Midfielder Fred Rodriguez continued his solid output for WA with 23 disposals and a game-high eight clearances.

Key forward Cody Curtin kicked three goals , while Blake Kelly (29 disposals) and Sam Swadling (20 disposals, one goal) were good contributors and Matthew Becker stood out as one of WA’s better players.

Fred Rodriguez was named Most Valuable Player for WA during the Championships.
 
Western Australia   0.2         2.4         3.5         5.12 (42)
Vic Metro     2.6         5.7         9.10      11.11 (77)
 
GOALS
Western Australia: Curtin 3, Swadling, Williams
Vic Metro: McCarthy 3, Dovaston 2, El Achkar 2, Emmett, Greeves, Grlj, McGuane