WEST Australian powerhouse Claremont has proven to be a juggernaut at Colts level in recent history, claiming three consecutive premierships and producing a raft of eventual draftees. The trend is set to continue into 2026, with the Tigers contributing an equal-high nine players to WA’s state summer squad.

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With an equal number of representatives in this year’s state setup, Claremont had two prospects drafted among the Sandgropers’ overall haul of 10. In their previous two premiership seasons, the Tigers had five and three players drafted respectively, making for a total of 10 in the last three years.

Further highlighting the club’s hopes for 2026, Claremont is one of five teams from around the nation to have multiple players (two) selected for the AFL Academy – Heath Mellody and Benji van Rooyen. The pair is among a stacked crop of talent which stretches across several roles and positions.

We put Claremont’s outstanding Colts program under the spotlight with a look at their 2026 prospects.

Harper Banfield
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 18/12/2008

Another Banfield is coming through the ranks after Bailey found his way to St Kilda via this year’s draft. Harper is shorter in stature but incredibly energetic, playing a high-octane style at full intensity. He established himself in Claremont’s premiership side this year as a high forward who pinch-hit in midfield, leaning on his endless running tank to provide a crucial connection piece. He averaged 20.7 disposals and 6.8 tackles per his 10 Colts appearances, and knows where to find the footy.

Harper Banfield celebrates a goal | Image Credit: @mobby_pix

Tom Brown
Tall Defender | 187cm | 29/07/2008

A strongly-built defender who was part of the state Under 16 setup in 2024, Brown was a solid contributor for the Tigers this year. He played the first three games after debuting in Round 1, before cementing his spot down back during the run into finals. At 187cm, he is often entrusted with playing slightly taller and is capable of locking down opponents, averaging only 7.1 touches per his nine games.

Elijah Dennis
Tall Defender | 191cm | 26/05/2008

Another member of Claremont’s stingy but dynamic defence, Dennis made his Colts debut in Round 3 with 17 disposals and four marks. He ended up becoming an integral squad member who offered reliable output each week. His qualities were indicative of the Tigers’ back six, proving capable of absorbing pressure before releasing it on counterattacks. Dennis made seven appearances for Claremont and was part of the premiership side, likely to become an even more central figure next year.

Robert Farmer
Small Forward | 178cm | 17/07/2008

A small forward among the raft of defenders and tall prospects, Farmer showed some serious glimpses of talent in 2025. He was omitted from the Grand Final side but managed nine goals in his seven bottom-age appearances this year, including back-to-back hauls of three to kick off his Colts career. He’s a classically lively type inside 50 with terrific smarts and a keen eye for goal. Farmer was also a train-on with the state Under 18 squad, so naturally follows through as a summer squad staple.

George Gale unloads a kick | Image Credit: Jack Foley/Claremont FC

George Gale
Wing/Defender | 187cm | 06/09/2008

A stylish mover and ball user, Gale has already garnered some national attention having featured in this year’s Under 17 Futures match on AFL Grand Final day. He turned out 10 times for Claremont, averaging 20.1 disposals and 5.3 marks per game en route to premiership success. Whether out on a wing or across half-back, Gale’s class stands out with deft side-steps and bullet-like delivery by foot. He’s super composed and deceptively good aerially at 187cm, able to both intercept and rebound prolifically.

Jacob Kee
Tall Defender | 188cm | 15/04/2009

The lone 2009-born player on this list, Kee couldn’t quite crack into Claremont’s strong Colts side so instead managed five Futures games. He was also part of Western Australia’s Under 16 squad this year, plying his trade as a key defender. There, Kee showcased his intercept marking ability, either peeling off to impact aerially or support transitional play. He’ll be one to watch for the 2027 draft.

Heath Mellody
Midfielder/Defender | 181cm | 27/07/2008

Mellody had plenty of people singing his praises with a sparkling end to the season. He starred with a shift to half-back in the Tigers’ premiership success, gathering 28 disposals, eight marks and a goal in the decider. Whether back or up on the wing, Mellody’s dual-footed kicking stands out along with his clever running patterns and positioning on the intercept. He only further stamped his credentials with an industrious display in the National Futures game on AFL Grand Final day, having previously been part of WA’s Under 18 setup. There, Mellody played three of a possible four games.

Heath Mellody is all class with ball in hand | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central

Benji van Rooyen
Ruck | 203cm | 17/09/2008

One of the many distinguished rucks to look forward to next year, van Rooyen will be hoping to follow big brother Jacob into the AFL ranks. Projecting to have over 10cm of height over his elder sibling, the Claremont tall gets first access to the ball with his reach and developing craft. He’s wiry but super clean overhead and effective on the follow-up. van Rooyen held down Western Australia’s starting ruck role this year and has begun to develop his impact around the ground, as shown during Claremont’s run to a third-consecutive Colts flag.

Elijah Williams
Defender | 185cm | 20/07/2008

Williams locked away a spot in Claremont’s stacked team towards the back-end of the year, making 12 appearances after his Round 11 debut. He managed a high of 14 disposals in the Grand Final having otherwise averaged 8.9 touches per game, plying his trade across half-back. He hails from Royals down in Albany, so shapes as a prospect with plenty of upside and talent to enhance.