Dogs' milestone man, dual Brownlow medallist, WA 18s pair on debut highlight Round 17 players to watchFriday, August 1, 2025 - 9:11 AM - by Jordan McArdle

A 200-game South Fremantle champion, two-time Brownlow medallist and pair of State 18s graduates on debut highlight the players to watch in a massive weekend of Round 17 Sullivan Logistics WAFL action.

Zac Strom (South Fremantle)

It’s set to be a massive day for the reliable South Fremantle champion, who’s playing his 200th league game in Saturday’s Fremantle Derby clash at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

The goal-kicking utility has recovered from a calf injury after a bit of a wait to reach his milestone.

Strom will provide another forward target alongside the likes of Trey Ruscoe and also give Hamish Free a chop out in the ruck.

2025 averages

Disposals: 12.6

Marks: 4

Goals: 1

 

Reuben McGuire (East Fremantle)

McGuire is coming off one of his best games of the season and will need another massive game if the Sharks are to knock off the in-form Bulldogs.

The athletic talent will get plenty of time in the ruck once again and will be looking to give his star-studded midfield brigade, led by star Milan Murdock who loves the big stage, first use.

2025 averages

Hit-outs: 14

Disposals: 10

Goals: 1

 

South Fremantle v East Fremantle

Saturday, 2.30pm at Fremantle Community Bank Oval

 

Corey Byrne (Perth)

After an injury-interrupted start to the season, Byrne showed he was back to his brilliant best against Swan Districts before the bye.

The pocket rocket forms part of a dominant Demons midfield alongside former Geelong pair Brandan Parfitt and Charlie Constable.

He finds plenty of the footy, uses it with class going forward and is also strong defensively.

2025 averages

Disposals: 22.6

Tackles: 4.2

 

Lochlain Carpenter (West Perth)

The 194cm defender becomes West Perth’s third WA under-18s squad member to debut in the seniors this season, following in the footsteps of Jacob Farrow and Sam Swadling.

Carpenter has been in strong form in the EGT WAFL Colts, averaging five marks per game and coming off a 23-disposal, five-mark performance in last week’s derby win over East Perth.

The 18-year-old will have his hands full against a strong Perth forward-line which includes returning pair Aaron Clarke and Lochy Paton.

Senior debut

2025 EGT WAFL Colts stats

Disposals: 14.6

Marks: 5

 

Perth v West Perth

Saturday, 2.30pm at Mineral Resources Park

 

Scott Jones (East Perth)

The East Perth man mountain is coming off a staggering 55 hit-outs in his side’s come-from-behind derby win and has had a super consistent campaign.

The former Docker will have a massive job to do against returning Eagle Matt Flynn, who’s been dropped back to the WAFL.

2025 averages

Hit-outs: 43.4

Disposals: 15.9

 

Tylah Williams (West Coast)

It’s an exciting occasion for the West Coast Next Generation Academy talent, who gets his first taste of WAFL footy for the Eagles.

Williams had an eye-catching National Under-18s Championship, with his pace and goal-kicking ability standing out.

The Swan Districts product follows in the footsteps of father-son prospect Charlie Banfield who made his debut for the Eagles’ WAFL side on Sunday.

Senior debut

EGT WAFL Colts stats

Disposals: 13.8

 

East Perth v West Coast

Saturday, 2.30pm at Sullivan Logistics Stadium

 

Nathan Blakely (Swan Districts)

Blakely was named Swan Districts’ best player in their narrow loss to Perth before the bye, moving well around the ground for a big man and finding a heap of the footy.

He will likely go up against Jed Edwards in what shapes up a crucial battle in the context of the match.

He’ll have some serious midfield talent at his feet with Jesse Turner, Jye Chalcraft and Aidan Clarke.

2025 averages

Disposals: 15.4

Hit-outs: 12.4

 

Wil Hickmott (Subiaco)

The Subiaco ball magnet had an impressive return from injury, amassing 22 disposals and seven tackles in his first league appearance since Round 6.

It’s another big assignment coming up for Hickmott, with Swan Districts’ midfield littered with stars.

2025 averages

Disposals: 16.4

 

Swan Districts v Subiaco

Saturday, 2.30pm at Steel Blue Oval

 

Declan Mountford (Claremont)

After a horror run with injury, Mountford finally celebrated his 100th game in Saturday’s comeback victory over East Fremantle.

The Claremont skipper kicked a crucial late goal and will only keep building as the season goes on, with his toughness and leadership important to his team.

2025 averages

Disposals: 15.8

Tackles: 6

 

Nat Fyfe (Peel Thunder)

This man needs no introduction.

While it has been a frustrating season for the two-time Brownlow medallist, who’s struggled to stay on the park, he will be desperate to prove he’s ready for a recall in his return from a calf injury.

Fyfe will add some serious firepower to the Thunder midfield, alongside in-form pair Will Brodie and Quinton Narkle, against a trio of Claremont Sandover medallists.

AFL career stats

Disposals: 23.7

 

Claremont v Peel Thunder

Saturday, 2.40pm at Revo Fitness Stadium