WAFL 2026: Next Generation Academy prospects Garrison Kenh and Finlay Yeo start colts season in style

A pair of Next Generation Academy prospects tied to West Coast and Fremantle starred in the first round of the WAFL colts season. Eagles-linked rebounding defender Garrison Kenh racked up 25 disposals in East Perth’s 18-point win over Subiaco on Good Friday, after Dockers-tied excitement machine Finlay Yeo notched a team-high 24 disposals and applied six tackles as East Fremantle beat Peel Thunder by 49 points on Thursday. The left-footed Kenh will spend parts of this year among the company of the country’s best draft prospects as a member of the AFL Academy and was a regular participant in West Coast training over the summer. Last season, Yeo won the competition’s mark of the year and goal of the year awards inside the same game and Fremantle’s NGA coach Roger Hayden has expressed excitement over his aerial ability and clean skills. Benji Van Rooyen — the brother of Melbourne star Jacob and one of WA’s four AFL Academy members — was everywhere in Claremont’s seven-point victory over West Perth in Joondalup on Saturday, stuffing the stat sheet with 26 disposals, 16 hit-outs and a goal. Rugged on-baller Leo Steed shone for Swan Districts despite a 29-point loss to South Fremantle, leading all comers with 31 disposals and eight tackles.