West Coast will unveil its eighth debutant of 2025 after naming small forward Malakai Champion to take on GWS on Friday night at Optus Stadium.

Champion was tied to the Eagles as a product of the club's Next Generation Academy, with the teenager getting exposure at the senior WAFL level this year on top of his commitments at the U18s National Championships.

The dynamic, electric forward has kicked seven goals in his 11 outings at WAFL level, whilst also applying immense pressure to the opposition, highlighted by his 11 tackles against Peel Thunder in Round 10.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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His threatening speed and forward craft are likened to AFL small forwards such as Bobby Hill or Kysaiah Pickett.

Champion was taken by West Coast as a Category B Rookie in last year's draft intake.

Champion joins fellow 2025 debutants Archer Reid, Sandy Brock, Hamish Davis, Tom Gross, Bo Allan, Tom McCarthy and Jobe Shanahan.

He is also the fifth member of last year's draft intake to debut.

 2025-07-04T10:20:00Z 
GWS WON BY 59 POINTS
Optus Stadium
WCE   
52
FT
111
   GWS