WAFL 2026: Fremantle NGA prospect Lucas Robinson makes early case for WA’s top draft spot after stunning debut

Fremantle next-generation academy prospect Lucas Robinson is already taking charge in a stacked South Fremantle midfield, putting AFL scouts on notice. The Bulldogs were without stalwarts Matt Parker and Tom Blechynden for their first-round clash against Swan Districts, with the 18-year-old picked and thrown into the deep end operating alongside star onballers Isaih Winder and Jake Florenca. Yet the boy from Tarin Rock, just 25k away from Nat Fyfe’s domain in Lake Grace, arguably outshone them all, seamlessly translating his outstanding colts form into senior footy. Robinson gathered 27 disposals, including a game high 14 contested possessions from nine clearances and generated three score involvements. Star Bulldogs ruck Hamish Free saw his work up close and said Robinson had been setting high expectations since day one. “He was pretty nervous before the game about whether he knew the structures or whatnot, but it was pretty much like ‘go play footy mate, you’ll be right’ and he absolutely was,” he told The West Australian. “It got to the point where maybe like even as early as halfway through the first quarter, he was telling me where to hit it and what he wanted to do, which was impressive and good to see. “He does the simple things well and has a crack, which is all you really ask.” Despite his proximity to Fyfe, Robinson was initially part of West Coast’s NGA, originally playing with Claremont, before the Dockers and South Fremantle investigated where his farm was and switched him into their program. Robinson has previously stated that Fyfe was his hero growing up, and at 192cm at just 18 and a willingness to use his size to break out of contests, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to the two-time Brownlow medallist. While he was a surprise omission from the AFL Academy squad, Free says Robinson’s professionalism will hold him in good standing as more eyes turn to him as the season progresses. “He’s been really impressive. He only just started training with the senior group a month ago, and really just stepped up to the level, which shows why he will probably get picked up at the end of the year,” Free said. “Hopefully, we can have him for as much of the year as possible. He’ll play state 18’s, which we’ll lose him for, but outside of that, I wouldn’t envision him playing too much colts.” Robinson will have another chance to impress this weekend against the Demons on Saturday, holding his spot despite the returns of Parker and Blechynden from injury.