How Claremont product Heath Mellody has emerged as a strong chance to be WA’s top 2026 AFL draftee

Right now, Heath Mellody may not have the highest profile among WA’s crop of potential AFL draftees.

Unlike many of his teammates in the State’s under-18 side, the 17-year-old is not the son or brother of a top-level footballer, nor is he linked to either West Coast or Fremantle’s Next Generation Academies.

Purely on the strength of his own ability, the classy Claremont junior has established himself as one of WA’s very best prospects and a strong chance to be an early selection in the draft.

Mellody has been among the State’s strongest performers in the ongoing under-18 national championships, standing out with his pinpoint kicking and clean skills.

A half-back who also has scope to play through the midfield, the near-consensus view among online mock drafts is that he will be one of the first 15 players to have their name called in November.

Mellody told The West Australian he tried his best to avoid the scuttlebutt and speculation — but that task was made tougher by well-meaning mates regularly sending it through to him on social media.

“It is cool to see that, but there’s still so much time left. I don’t want to get complacent,” he said.

“I’m a little bit laid-back, I don’t really over-think too much.

“It’s there, it’s hard to hide it, but I try not to focus on it at all.

“I just try to have fun while I’m playing, there’s no point playing if you’re not enjoying it.”

Like many top prospects, Mellody has had his loyalties split between a number of different teams this year, having represented the AFL Academy, the Tigers in the WAFL’s pre-season, WA’s under-18s and Hale in the Public Schools Association competition.

Mellody admitted the constant shuffle between sides had been “a bit of a challenge” which he felt he had “handled pretty well”.

“It’s been a bit of a jump from PSA to State, and then I haven’t got too much in for Claremont this year, but I feel like I’ve managed to stay involved in all three of those teams,” he said.

“It’s a little bit difficult, but the point of it is all the same. You just want to get the best out of yourself, and that’s what I’ve been focusing on.”

While Mellody’s father Martin never broke into the AFL, the legendary State league footballer did everything but. Either side of dominating the VFA and SANFL, the brilliant midfielder won three best and fairest awards in his three years with East Fremantle, which included their 1998 premiership.

Mellody said he was glad his parent had not tried to serve as another coach and had instead focused on being as supportive as he could.

“He’s just let me go on my own path, which has been good,” he said.

“He doesn’t overload me with too much feedback — I’m getting so much feedback here.”