West Coast Eagles father-son prospect Harper Banfield does not have to look far for inspiration as he pursues a footy career at the top level.
Brother, Charlie, made the grade last year and has impressed with his character and skillset at St Kilda and Dad, played 265 games for West Coast, winning two premierships.
Both have been important sources of support as Harper has put himself strongly in draft contention after a strong Under-18s National Championships where he averaged 23 disposals and six tackles and he was particularly influential in turning the tide in Western Australia's comeback win over Vic Country at Marvel Stadium.
“From a mindset point of view, this year has been less stressful because Charlie has been through year 12 and football which is a stressful time but his ability to focus on the little things and not think too far in the future has given me the best preparation,” Harper told Zero Hanger.
“His insight to pull the mind back and focus on the little things has been huge.
“He loves to give me feedback on my game which is pretty good and he's taught me how St Kilda go about football which I translate into my game. If you're a role player it gets your teammates involved in the game which then gets you involved in the game.”
The Banfield brothers, both noted as popular squad members through their time in the pathway, won a WAFL Colts flag together last year which Harper counts as a clear highlight of his junior career having grown up grappling and training with his older brother daily.
"Being able to celebrate with him after the game and having link up plays in the game, you couldn't play without a smile on your face. There were times throughout the game we'd look at each other and be like ‘oh my god, are we living right now?'" Banfield recalled.
In particular, Charlie navigated similar questions over his ball-use as what Harper has faced throughout his time in the talent pathway which the younger brother has leant on.
Harper's aerobic capacity and strength have been big ticks which were consistently on display across the carnival, but more important has been making himself a threat by foot.
“It's purely around my composure. Having a steady mindset that if you cough up the footy it's a turnover, you need to think about the game,” Banfield explained.
“If it's a fast play you need to get the ball moving, but if it's a slow play just hit it into space and don't overdo things because if you overdo it, it won't turn out well.
“Twelve months ago, I was the blastaway kid who wanted to do everything with the footy but I've learned to adapt and get other people involved with the short little things like getting it back and impacting the game that way.”
Dad Drew has helped Harper develop more confidence and rhythm in his kicking and was also an important source of support as he sought to grow his athletic profile.
The Eagles overlooked Charlie at last year's national draft as St Kilda put a bid on at Pick 41 and he has since played three AFL games - and would likely have played several more if not for an untimely shoulder injury, but Harper indicated the club has been "fully supportive" of him and there is no ill-sentiment.
Drew's links to West Coast provided Harper with the opportunity to spend part of pre-season training with the Eagles' midfield group where he leant on Finlay McRae and Matt Owies.
“The insights he give me daily about the little things in football and get your body right for peak performance has been massive. He's massive about feedback and improving.
“He's someone I can lean on when it gets tough and he has celebrated the wins with me so has been massive.”
Claremont coaching staff have also observed a considerable uptick in his running capacity in 2026 which Banfield puts down to a mindset shift he
“At Scotch College, we're taught about the grunt and determination when you're running which is what I try to remind myself of when I'm out there,” Banfield said.
“Everyone feels that pain out there but it's whether you can overcome that and step on a footy field and put external pain behind you and keep grinding away.”
The Eagles will also have priority access to AFL Academy member and Next Generation Academy prospect Garrison Kenh and father-son prospect Noah Braun who both featured at the Under-18s National Championships.
Kenh is a flashy half-back who comes forward to start counter-attack and Braun is a left footer who has risen in the past two months with strong form in the WAFL Colts as a dynamic left footed ball-winner.
All three present as potential selections in the second half of the national draft at this stage.
