The 26-year-old victim died in hospital after the assault near Elizabeth Quay Station in the early hours of January 27.
The slightly-built child, who cannot be named, was arrested on Friday and is the fourth person to be charged over the death, while the other three are young men.
He appeared briefly in Perth Children's Court on Tuesday via video link from Banksia Hill Detention Centre with his father by his side.
Children's Court President Denis Reynolds adjourned the case to allow defence lawyer Robert Owen to prepare a plan for the boy if he were to be granted bail.
However, the prosecution says it will oppose the application.
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The boy said "yep" when asked if he understood proceedings and will return to court on February 17.
Aboriginal elder Ben Taylor, 76, told reporters outside court that he had spoken to the victim's family and the mother was very upset.
"They're not coping at all. That's only one son she had," MrTaylor said.
He said it was also sad to see such a young person in custody.
The boy is believed to be one of the youngest people ever charged with murder in Australia.
