A total of 12 West Australian players have been offered places in the elite AIS/AFL Academy program for 2013 to enhance their sporting, personal, educational and vocational opportunities.“This is a great result for the WAFC player pathway and as a state we continue to produce elite footballers. In recent years the pathway has provided an increased representation within the AFL/ AIS Academy. This year demonstrates again that the WAFL development programs are producing first round draft picks, with past draftees including Anthony Morabito, Brad Sheppard, David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Reece Conca, Jaeger O Meara and Steve Coniglio”, State Academy Manager Guadagnino said.
The AIS/AFL Academy curriculum delivers upon six core components including physical preparation, skill development, nutrition & recovery, personal development, athlete & career education and AFL policy.
Scholarship holders remain in their home states but gather for three national camps and other training programs at various times during the course of the year. Squad members are also given the opportunity to represent Australia in an international tour.
The AIS/AFL Academy includes a Level One program (17 year olds selected from the National 16s Championships) and Level Two program (18+ selected from Nationals 18s and senior State League competitions), with WA placements as follows:
Level 1:
Clem Smith (Perth)
Brad Walsh (Peel Thunder)
Jermaine Miller-Lewis (South Fremantle)
Matt Ah Siu (South Fremantle)
Jarrod Pickett (South Fremantle)
Ryan Lim (Claremont)
Warrick Wilson (Swan Districts / WA North West)
Level 2:
Jesse Hogan (Claremont)
Jack Martin (Claremont)
Dominic Sheed (Subiaco)
Dylan Loo (Perth)
Nick Robertson (West Perth)
