The future of West Australian football is taking exciting shape, with a new generation of young stars already turning heads ahead of the 2026 AFL Draft. Leading the conversation is a familiar surname to Eagles fans: Koby LeCras, the son of West Coast premiership player Mark LeCras.
The Next Generation: Familiar Names and Fresh Talent
Koby LeCras, a clever small forward, is showcasing his talent for Aquinas College and is aligned with the West Coast Eagles' Next Generation Academy (NGA). His natural goal sense and football IQ have marked him as one of the most watched prospects in the state for his draft year.
He is far from alone. The Western Australian talent pool for the 2026 draft appears deep, with several other players making strong early impressions. Logan McDonald's brother, Kalani, is a key defender also tied to the West Coast NGA, demonstrating impressive athleticism for his size. From the Fremantle Dockers' NGA, Jaxon Douglas – a nephew of Indigenous greats Peter and Phil Matera – is a speedy wingman with excellent skills.
The list continues with Bodhi Karpany, son of former Eagle Ashton Karpany, a hard-running midfielder, and Lucas Raven, a versatile tall from the Dockers' program. These players, all born in 2008, are part of a cohort that recruiters are monitoring closely as they progress through their junior careers.
Academy Systems Nurturing Local Prospects
The role of the club academies is pivotal in developing this local talent. Both the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers Academy systems are designed to identify and foster promising players from diverse backgrounds within WA. For the 2026 draft, these programs are already proving their value, with a significant number of top prospects emerging from their pathways.
This early identification allows clubs to work with these young athletes on their technical skills, game understanding, and physical development years before they become eligible for the national draft. It strengthens the bond between the WA AFL clubs and their local community, with the ultimate goal of securing homegrown talent.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 AFL Draft
While the 2026 AFL Draft is still over two years away, the early signs from Western Australia are exceptionally promising. The presence of players with strong football pedigrees, combined with raw talent coming through the academy streams, suggests WA will be a major contributor when the draft arrives.
For fans of the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, the potential to see local sons pull on the familiar jumpers is a thrilling prospect. The development of Koby LeCras, Kalani McDonald, Jaxon Douglas, and their peers over the next two seasons will be a key narrative in WA football, as they aim to follow in the footsteps of the state's many AFL greats.
