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List Mgmt. 2026 Young Talent Time

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That could be one of the worst highlight packages I've ever seen. Literally missed every target bar the hack kick out of a pack that luckily landed in a teammate's arms. A long way to go for this kid.

Not a highlights package, this would be every time he got near the ball for one game but it would be nice if he hit a few more of his kicks.
 
Wasn't his best day with disposal but he didn't look out of place as an under ager in the 18s Championships and was huge in the Colts GF as well.
My mate and I both took notice as one that stood out while watching him.
Definitely one to watch.
 

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If Hibbens- Hargraves has gone from first round prospect to undrafted then all 18 clubs are aware of what any perceived issue is. It's not like the draft gurus to get things that wrong.

Hyphen-Hargraves wasn't the only player touted to go first round before sliding to the outer realms. Whan and Rodriguez did that.

I think Murphy Reid getting to our pick is a significant miss by those draft gurus. It's borderline inexcusable.
 
Hyphen-Hargraves wasn't the only player touted to go first round before sliding to the outer realms. Whan and Rodriguez did that.

I think Murphy Reid getting to our pick is a significant miss by those draft gurus. It's borderline inexcusable.
Recruiters look for certain things and if a player doesn't have them they slide.

Feel like a few players have managed to slide because of one perceived weakness then end up being guns at AFL level anyway.
 
Recruiters look for certain things and if a player doesn't have them they slide.

Feel like a few players have managed to slide because of one perceived weakness then end up being guns at AFL level anyway.
A lot of times it is not football ability, but off field demeanors.. Attitude, responsibility, etc.
 
Already mentioned in the pre-season thread, but as well as Lucas Robinson, we have East Freo duo Finlay Yeo and Josh Nathan as notable NGAs. In the Summer WA squad, and trained with Freo today.

Finlay Yeo is a small fwd - 171cm. Played 18 Colts games in 2025 including 3 finals. Got the Anchor Award. Scored a ripper goal and took a hanger in the same game (Qualifying Final). Listed in the best in 3 of those 18 games, including that final.

Josh Nathan largely a rebounding defender it seems - 179cm. 8 Colts games in 2025 including 3 finals. Listed in the best in 5 out of 8 games including 2 finals. Probably didn't play as many Colts games due to PSA commitments - Wesley College. Oh, and he can play cricket too
 

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Already mentioned in the pre-season thread, but as well as Lucas Robinson, we have East Freo duo Finlay Yeo and Josh Nathan as notable NGAs. In the Summer WA squad, and trained with Freo today.

Finlay Yeo is a small fwd - 171cm. Played 18 Colts games in 2025 including 3 finals. Got the Anchor Award. Scored a ripper goal and took a hanger in the same game (Qualifying Final). Listed in the best in 3 of those 18 games, including that final.

Josh Nathan largely a rebounding defender it seems - 179cm. 8 Colts games in 2025 including 3 finals. Listed in the best in 5 out of 8 games including 2 finals. Probably didn't play as many Colts games due to PSA commitments - Wesley College. Oh, and he can play cricket too
And maybe a basketball back ground.. .😉
 

Still nothing compared to how much QLD and NSW players are doing, and we only have a 1/10th of the talent available to us at best as well.


“In previous years, NGA players would join the AFL squad for about a week in the new year - three half-day sessions covering Individual Development Plans, Matrix, and education. This year, we’ve been able to give them a lot more exposure - 12 sessions spread over eight weeks, both before and after Christmas. It’s a great opportunity for them to really immerse themselves in AFL training,” Hayden told The West Australian.
 
Still nothing compared to how much QLD and NSW players are doing, and we only have a 1/10th of the talent available to us at best as well.


“In previous years, NGA players would join the AFL squad for about a week in the new year - three half-day sessions covering Individual Development Plans, Matrix, and education. This year, we’ve been able to give them a lot more exposure - 12 sessions spread over eight weeks, both before and after Christmas. It’s a great opportunity for them to really immerse themselves in AFL training,” Hayden told The West Australian.
What opportunities or exposure do the rest of the WA talent get if they don’t fall under the F/S, NGA or Academy banner?
 
What opportunities or exposure do the rest of the WA talent get if they don’t fall under the F/S, NGA or Academy banner?

Very limited.

They spend the majority of time with the WAFL clubs, who have little incentive to get them ready for AFL.
TAC cup sides have better facilities than most WAFL clubs. (Two prominent WA football reporters have said this. )

WA U/18 squad may have 4 or 5 trainings before they play against the other states, but this is just a meet and greet. No individual programs I would assume.
 
Very limited.

They spend the majority of time with the WAFL clubs, who have little incentive to get them ready for AFL.
TAC cup sides have better facilities than most WAFL clubs. (Two prominent WA football reporters have said this. )

WA U/18 squad may have 4 or 5 trainings before they play against the other states, but this is just a meet and greet. No individual programs I would assume.
The state u18s program has been running 4 nights a week (2 training, 1 weights & 1 sprint) for the last 6 weeks. You'll be happy to know that they have employed a sprint coach that a group of about 12 have been using (Robinson included). This has been one of his weaknesses, so don't be surprised if he doesn't stay as a high pick.
 

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