Eagles son-of-a-gun debutant, Sandover medallist highlight players to watch in Round 16Friday, July 25, 2025 - 9:02 AM - by Jordan McArdle

We take a look at the players to watch in Round 16 of WAFL action, highlighted by the son of a West Coast legend pulling on the blue and gold for the first time and a Sandover medallist in red-hot form.

 

Liam Hickmott (Subiaco)

Hickmott was one of few shining lights in Subiaco’s tough loss to Claremont last round, amassing 22 disposals and laying a game-high 10 tackles which is double the next best player on ground.

The elite runner and hard worker will need another big game if the Lions are to pull off an unlikely victory over ladder leaders South Fremantle who have all but sealed the minor premiership.

2025 average stats

Disposals: 23.4

Tackles: 8.2

Hamish Free (South Fremantle)

Free is one of the dominant rucks in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL competition and is set for another big day against the Lions.

The former North Melbourne-listed big man had a whopping 54 hit-outs in his last outings against Swan Districts and is third in the WAFL for total hit-outs with 460 in 13 appearances.

Free combines well with his star-studded midfield brigade which includes fellow ex-AFL pair Matthew Parker and Isiah Winder.

He may spend some time up forward as well with fellow big man Josh Branchi named for an inspiring injury return.

2025 average stats

Disposals: 13.8

Hit-outs: 35.4

Subiaco v South Fremantle

Saturday, 2.10pm at Sullivan Logstics Stadium

 

Jono Marsh (East Fremantle)

The former AFL-listed utility was one of the heroes of the Sharks’ hard-fought win over Peel last weekend, booting the match-winning goal and having a big impact across the game.

Marsh can play pretty much anywhere on the ground but did his best work in the forward half against the Thunder, finishing with 2.3, six inside 50s and three score assists.

2025 average stats

Disposals: 14.2

Goals: 1

Callan England (Claremont)

One of a trio of Sandover medallists in Claremont’s midfield, Callan England has had an interrupted season due to a knee issue.

But the former West Coast rookie produced one of his best performances of the year in the Tigers’ big win over Subiaco last weekend, racking up 31 disposals, four clearances and a goal.

2025 average stats

Disposals: 23.7

Marks: 4.5

East Fremantle v Claremont

Saturday, 2.30pm at The Good Grocer Park

 

Kane Bevan (West Perth)

Bevan is coming off one of the great individual performances of the season against West Coast, amassing 33 disposals and booting three goals in a best-afield display.

The young gun has taken his game to the next level this season and looks right at home in the Falcons’ engine-room.

He finds so much of the footy, is strong overhead and can impact the scoreboard.

2025 average stats

Disposals: 23.3

Tackles: 4.8

Thomas Medhat (East Perth)

The hard-working forward is coming off a best-on-ground performance in East Perth’s Round 14 victory over Perth, booting four majors and taking 12 marks.

The two-time Royals leading goal-kicker has 10 majors in five games since forcing his way back into the team’s best 22 and will be one to watch against his former team West Perth.

2025 average stats

Goals: 1.7

Disposals: 11.4

West Perth v East Perth

Saturday, 3.10pm at HIF Health Insurance Oval

 

 

Liam Reidy (Peel Thunder)

Peel Thunder’s man mountain ruck was at his brilliant best in last week’s thrilling loss to East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park.

He’ll be one of the key for the reigning premiers against West Coast on Sunday against a relatively inexperienced ruck combination.

The 204cm Fremantle-listed talent is averaging a whopping 41.8 hit-outs per game, with his follow-up work also important.

2025 average stats

Disposals: 14.7

Hit-outs: 41.8

Charlie Banfield (West Coast)

A Banfield in the blue and gold once again, what an exciting occasion.

West Coast father-son prospect and Claremont young gun Charlie Banfield will make his debut for the Eagles’ WAFL side against Peel Thunder at Lane Group Stadium on Sunday.

It comes after a strong AFL National Under-18s Championship from the son of dual West Coast premiership player Drew, who was part of WA’s leadership group and won the team’s Trademark Award.

The versatile teen booted three goals from 20 disposals in the Tigers’ big colts win over Subiaco in Albany last round.

2025 EGT WAFL Colts averages

Disposals: 15.7

Marks: 4.3

Peel Thunder v West Coast

Sunday, 2.10pm at Lane Group Stadium