The future of the Perth Football League takes centre stage on Friday night as the competition's brightest young talent comes together for the EGT North v South Colts Clash at UWA Sports Park. Bringing together the best under-20 footballers from 27 clubs across the League, the representative showcase gets underway at 6 pm and offers emerging stars the chance to test themselves against the competition's elite under the floodlights.

With the squads now announced, it's clear this year's clash shapes as another tightly contested encounter after South edged North in last year's inaugural fixture, 3.10 (28) to 2.6 (18), to claim the inaugural bragging rights.

As the match draws closer, the anticipation among the players is palpable. Speaking with both coaches, one theme has remained consistent: despite having just three weeks together, both squads are eager to take the field as a united group and make the most of the opportunity.

Both sides will be led by respected Colts coaches, with 2025 PFL coach of the year Kingsley's Andrew Fisher taking charge of the North and David Larsen, coach of Phil Scott’s reigning premiers, Fremantle CBC, guiding the South. The pair have built strong reputations for developing young footballers and will look to bring the best out of squads assembled from a wide range of clubs, grades and playing styles unique to the Colts system.

“The Colts system is a bit different from the senior level in terms of grading; some of the best players are from what would be considered the lower grades. For those players, it's a good opportunity to pop up and show what they can do on Friday night.”

“We've picked a really strong side. We've got players with high skill levels and some real competitors, and hopefully we can show a bit of speed as well,” Larsen added.

South's midfield is stacked with potential, led by inside midfielder Luke Band-Cappa from Roleystone, whose speed around the contest could pose a major problem for North. He'll be paired with Cockburn Lakes ruckman Matt May, who has already impressed Larsen.

“High-quality ruckman, very clean and very efficient with his taps on top of great use of the ball.”

Among the many talented young players in Larsen's South team, several are worth keeping an eye on. Ben Mansell shapes as the focal point in attack after featuring for Bullcreek Leeming's B Grade side, where he ranks second at the club with 8 goals from 11 games.

The firepower doesn't stop there. South also boasts two of the leading goalkickers in their respective competitions: Kalamunda's Alessio Masella, who has kicked 26 goals from 13 games, and Thornlie's Corey Aitchison, who has booted 32 goals from 12 matches. North's defenders will have plenty to contend with.

The North side, by all accounts, is equally eager for the contest and, on paper, has the depth to match South. Down back, Swan Athletic's Ben Ottobrino and Wanneroo's Bryce Barrett have been highlighted by Fisher as players with all the qualities needed for representative football.

“They've shown plenty in the match sim, plenty of energy and enthusiasm, and plenty of leadership from those two.”

One of the key battles looms in the ruck, where North will turn to Kingsley's Sam Curtis, a more than deserving selection after establishing himself as one of the premier ruckmen in the Colts competition. Strong in the air, clean at ground level and capable of influencing around the ground, the matchup between Curtis and May will be massive.

North also boasts one of the competition's most dangerous forwards in Swan View's James Ford, who has been running riot in Laurie Keene Colts with the highest goal total in the competition, with 46 goals from 14 games.

“I reckon it'll be a pretty red-hot contest from the start. I reckon everyone's going to crack in and give it their best effort.”

“If the weather holds off, the boys will get to showcase their skills, and it'll be good viewing for everyone watching,” Fisher said.

North key forwards Ben Crook from Mt Lawley and Sheldon Pickett from Ellenbrook have also stood out during the match simulations, showing composure in front of goal. Through the midfield, Wanneroo's Jae Forde and Mosman Park's Tadhg McGoldrick have impressed despite the limited preparation time.

“It's going to be a great contest. I expect South to rip in at the contest and showcase their skills just like we want to. Obviously, there's no shortage of talent out there. May the best team win,” Fisher said.

Adding another dimension to the contest, the PFL will utilise PowerCoach.ai throughout the match, tracking live statistics that will feed directly into the commentary team at UWA Sports Park to provide additional insight during the broadcast.

While North and South will battle for bragging rights, the fixture represents far more than the final result. The representative clash is another important step in the development pathway for the League's brightest prospects, giving players the opportunity to test themselves against the best Colts talent from across the competition.

“Community footy and what we do in the PFL is about developing connection with your teammates and with your mates, and making that last over the journey of not just your footy career, but life,” Larsen said.

Stream it here: EGT North v South Colts Clash Livestream