Western Australia’s top AFL Draft prospects for 2025
Western Australia kicks off its under-18 carnival this weekend – and insiders are confident at least 10 young stars will stamp their draft credentials on the big stage. These are the names to watch.
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Western Australia starts its national under-18s titles bid this Saturday against Vic Country at Mineral Resources Park.
Despite clubs anticipating a highly compromised draft pool, WA Football is confident that the this year’s team, coached by Marc Webb, will produce at least 10 prospects by the end of the championships.
“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.”
Here are the 15 best prospects from WA heading into the championships this year.
1. Fred Rodriguez
South Fremantle, 184cm
He was tipped as one of Western Australia’s best draft prospects at the start of the year, and Rodriguez has done nothing but impress. The AFL Academy gun is set to play a starring role in WA’s midfield as he aims to underline his top 10 credentials. He made his WAFL league debut in round one but has averaged 30.5 touches at Colts level. Boasts one of the best work rates in the competition and has the classy foot skills to match.
2. Cody Curtin
Claremont, 200cm
The brother of top 10 pick Daniel, there’s a strong chance Cody could also be the first WA product picked in this year’s draft. The 200cm talent can play at both ends of the ground but has settled up forward in 2025, kicking five goals in a trial match against West Perth’s reserves. He also kicked eight in a pre-season game.
3. Toby Whan
South Fremantle
A left-footer with explosive pace, you can find Whan bursting out of stoppages for the Bulldogs. The Fremantle NGA prospect is averaging 29 disposals for South Fremantle’s Colts side and he’s hit the scoreboard in all but one game. He showed the sort of game he was capable of in round two against Peel Thunder, finishing with 35 touches and two goals.
4. Sam Swadling
West Perth, 187cm
Swadling is fighting a prolonged case of leather poisoning this season and looks set to be WA’s main accumulator at the championships. He is currently averaging 35 touches for the Falcons and he’s already hit the 40-disposal barrier twice this season. Swadling does some freakish things that not many other players can do.
5. Jacob Farrow
West Perth, 189cm
The Grant Birchall clone has shot up in size in the last 12 months but he’s maintained his quality disposal. West Perth loves what he offers and the State selectors have caught on too. Farrow is averaging 25.8 touches for the Falcons this year and looms as a key distributor down back.
6. Wes Walley
Subiaco, 181cm
He’s got the best name in this year’s draft class but Walley has the class to match. The Eagles NGA prospect has kicked six goals from his four games for Subiaco this year and looks set to play a vital role in attack after getting a taste of the championships last year as a bottom-ager.
7. Koby Evans
Perth, 187cm
The AFL Academy and West Coast NGA prospect will unfortunately miss the championships this year due to a back injury but Evans showed what he was capable of as a bottom-ager last year. Evans racked up 28 touches and kicked two goals in his one outing this year for Perth and will be hopeful of returning in the back half of the season.
8. Tylah Williams
Swan Districts, 175cm
Those who’ve seen Williams play think he has a bit of Bobby Hill about him and here’s hoping that comparison comes to the fore at the championships. Doesn’t need a lot of the footy to have an impact and the Eagles will get first dibs on him as an NGA product.
9. Charlie Banfield
Claremont, 191cm
The son of premiership Eagle Drew, West Coast will get first dibs on the father-son prospect. A versatile tall midfielder who can also go forward and have an impact, Banfield is back again for WA after lining up as a bottom-ager last year.
10. Tom Phillips
East Fremantle, 183cm
Meet WA’s FIFO footballer. Phillips is a product of the Sharks’ futures pathway but in 2023, he relocated to Melbourne to board at Scotch College a program that has produced the likes of Cyril Rioli and Sam Darcy. Phillips will fly back and forth from Perth to represent WA at the championships in between Oakleigh Chargers commitments.
11. Blake Kelly
Swan Districts, 182cm
Kelly showed glimpses of his talent as a bottom-ager at the National Championships last year but has slid slightly in this year’s calculations. He still remains a prolific ball-winner and racked up 30 touches and three goals against Peel Thunder earlier this season.
12. Matthew Becker
Peel Thunder, 190cm
Looks set to be a key distributor down back for WA after taking some of the kick-ins in a recent trial game. A tall rebounder, Becker is also good in the air and has state experience, playing one game last year as a bottom-ager.
13. Ryda Luke
South Fremantle, 187cm
The Fremantle NGA prospect showed what he’s capable of in round two against Swan Districts, kicking eight goals from eight disposals. A raw but exciting talent who’s lighting fast and capable of a hanger.
14. Dale Sutherland
Perth, 183cm
A train-on with the State 18s squad last year, Sutherland is a classy halfback who reads the play well. Sutherland continues to improve and looks set to share kick-ins with Becker down back.
15. Basil Hart
Peel Thunder, 185cm
The Fremantle NGA prospect is a crafty small forward who’s made inroads on his fitness and endurance in the last 12 months. Hart has kicked seven goals in his four games for Peel this season and combined with Walley, looks set to cause havoc in attack for the Sandgropers.
Originally published as Western Australia’s top AFL Draft prospects for 2025
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