Western Australia’s football program is undergoing significant changes as the state seeks to enhance its player development after the 2025 AFL Draft revealed a concerning trend. A total of 10 players from Western Australia were selected this year, the same number as in 2024, with Jacob Farrow, a defender from West Perth, being the highest pick at No. 10 by Essendon. This lack of progress has prompted Adam Jones, the talent manager for WA Football, to outline initiatives aimed at improving the state’s standing in the national league.
Farrow was the only player drafted in the first two rounds, with six additional players chosen in the national draft and four entering as rookie selections. The other draftees included Sam Swadling (No. 37), Koby Evans (No. 38), Tylah Williams (No. 39), Charlie Banfield (No. 41), and Cody Curtin (No. 43). In the rookie draft, WA captain Fred Rodriguez and Swan Districts forward Leon Kickett were picked up by West Coast and Fremantle, respectively. The Dockers also added South Fremantle players Toby Whan and Ryda Luke as Category-B Rookies.
The recent draft highlighted the growing strength of northern AFL academies, which saw six players selected in the first round and nine overall. This included high-profile picks such as Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson from Gold Coast. South Australia dominated the draft this year, securing seven first-round picks and 15 in total, while Victoria had 10 players selected in the first round and 25 overall, led by No. 1 draftee Willem Duursma.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
Jones acknowledged the challenges facing WA Football, emphasizing the need for improvement to keep pace with other states. He pointed out the success of Queensland’s academies and their ability to produce top talent, stating, “You look at the numbers, particularly from Queensland, which ballooned out their numbers, and there’s no doubt there’s a high correlation with the academies and their ability to produce top-end talent.”
He noted that while WA Football is doing well, it must strive to enhance its program to increase the number of drafted players. “We want to get as many of our West Australian kids drafted as possible to give them the best opportunity against other kids in Australia. In WA, we face different challenges with our size and population compared to Victoria,” Jones added.
To address these challenges, WA Football is initiating changes under Jones and Peter Bell, a former Fremantle captain who recently joined as the development director. The organization plans to expand its program by adding more trial games leading up to the national championships next year and tailoring training programs for individual athletes.
“We’re close to implementing an additional four trial games in the reserves, taking our total from two to six,” Jones explained. “We believe that extra time together will significantly boost the development of our players.”
Focus on Individual Development
In the effort to enhance player skills, WA Football has also prioritized personalized training. Jones indicated that the organization is making the gym a focal point to improve players’ contested game skills. “We have had a dozen players working with a sprint coach this off-season, and they will continue through the pre-season,” he said.
As the program evolves, training sessions will be more individualized to meet the specific needs of each athlete. “We’ve become really specific with their training in the off-season to help them develop what they need,” Jones noted.
By implementing these strategies, WA Football aims to not only keep up with other states but also to ensure that local talent can compete effectively at a national level. The commitment to development reflects a broader goal of strengthening the football landscape in Western Australia, nurturing future stars of the game.
