Albert Esterhuysen joined WA ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season after an impressive campaign for Rockingham-Mandurah in Premier Cricket.
Esterhuysen is a unique prospect, with his combination of raw pace and steepling bounce causing trouble for any opponent he comes up against.
The right-arm quick made a strong impression in his first year under contract, making his One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield debut.
A three-wicket haul against South Australia on One-Day Cup debut helped his side to an emphatic victory, before going on to take another four wickets in as many outings over the rest of the season.
It wasn't just the One-Day Cup where Esterhuysen shone, taking 4-37 on his Sheffield Shield debut against Queensland at Allan Border Field.
Esterhuysen's appetite for a contest with the bat was on display in his second Shield outing, helping WA hang on for a tense draw against New South Wales.
He was a standout for Rockingham-Mandurah in First Grade in season 2024-25, finishing as the side's leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps.
The 19-year-old also showcased his ability with the ball during the U19 National Championships, taking 8 wickets at 14.13 in four matches.
His 3/21 off nine overs in the Final against Victoria Metro saw him named Player of the Match, as WA claimed their first U19 National title in nine seasons.
A Second XI debut against Tasmania at the WACA Ground shortly followed, with the teenager not looking out of place against more seasoned opponents.
