AFL Draft 2025: West Coast father-son prospect Charlie Banfield to play for Eagles’ WAFL side for first time

A name synonymous with West Coast is set to return to the club this weekend, with father-son prospect Charlie Banfield set to don the blue-and-gold of the Eagles at WAFL level. The West Australian understands draft hopeful Banfield - son of club great Drew - is set to play for the Eagles reserves when they take on Peel Thunder in Mandurah on Sunday. The older Banfield was a dual West Coast premiership player in 1994 and 2006 at either end of a 265-game career, which included a best-and-fairest award in 1996. Charlie Banfield was set to play for the Eagles’ WAFL side earlier this month against West Perth, but injury forced a change of plans. It comes as the Eagles look to trial Banfield as well as Next Generation Academy prospects Koby Evans, Tylah Williams and Wes Walley in the final five rounds of their WAFL season. Under AFL rules, NGA and father-son prospects can represent the club they are tied for at State league level before they are drafted if given approval by their original clubs. It is understood each of them could play two games before the end of the season. Banfield — who also trained at the Eagles over the summer — will be the first on the back of solid form for both WA in the Under-18 Championships as well as Claremont’s colts outfit. The midfielder returned from injury at the weekend with 20 disposals and three goals in a 72-point win over Subiaco in Albany on Saturday night. Banfield’s inclusion at the Eagles comes on the back of several fellow WA draft hopefuls who have already turned out in league football already this season. WA captain Fred Rodriguez made his debut for South Fremantle in round one, as did Subiaco’s Hudson Walker who turned out for the Lions in two league games this season. West Perth handed inside midfielder Sam Swadling and half-back Jacob Farrow both impressed in their first taste of senior footy when they took on the Eagles in round 14. Evans is unlikely to play league football this year, with the talented Perth footballer still two weeks away from returning from a back injury that sidelined him for the entire Under-18 National Championships. Meanwhile, Charlie’s younger brother Harper continues to impress as a bottom-ager in the colts, collecting 23 disposals, eight inside 50s and six tackles in only his fifth game because of PSA commitments for Scotch College. Cody Curtin — the younger brother of Adelaide wingman and rising star fancy Daniel — booted six goals in his best return for the season.

AFL Draft 2025: West Coast father-son prospect Charlie Banfield to play for Eagles’ WAFL side for first time

The No. 1 source of news for every West Australian

Everyday Digital

Everyday Digital + Weekend Papers