Footy Convert Earns WAFC Talent Pathway Invite

The West Australian Football Commission’s inaugural Come and Try Talls Day has produced a success story, with teenage ruckman Cooper Ramsay named in the 2024 WA State 16s Academy Squad.

Ramsay was a stand-out performer at the event late last year and WAFC Talent Manager Adam Jones is excited about what Cooper brings to the squad.

“Cooper is a fantastic story of a player who has only played one year of football at community level, previous having played soccer,” Jones said.

“He nominated for our ‘Talls Search’ in November last year and he was the player that was given an opportunity in the State Talls program over the pre-season.

“He’s a 200cm boy who moves really well and has great skills for a player not having played the game for long.

“The best part of him is his attitude to compete and he’s driven to improve himself.”

Jones has praised all those who have been given an opportunity in the squad.

“Congratulations to all clubs and schools who have had input into the development of these players to help them achieve this selection,” he said.

After the Come and Try Day last year, Ramsay explained his journey to playing footy.

“I played soccer from the age of 5 to 15 and in that time, I also did boxing, jiu jitsu, and had a year in rugby league,” Cooper said.

“Socially I enjoy basketball ball and golf and then when I was 16, I played my first year of AFL and really loved it.

“I heard about the have a go day on TV and thought I would just see what it was like.

“The tryout day was great, and I didn’t know what to expect.

Cooper has entered Year 12 at Melville Senior High School.

“I would like to see how far I can take footy as I love the sport,” he said.

“Ultimately, I want to play at the highest level in the AFL.”

The squad, to be coached by Mick Glassborow, will take part in an induction day on Saturday, followed by a camp later this month.

The players will take part in four trial matches before the first game of the Championships against South Australia in Adelaide in June.

Peel Thunder has six representatives in the 34-player group, while Claremont and Subiaco each have five players named in the squad.

2024 WA State 16’s Academy Squad

Benji van Rooyen

Claremont

Damien Newry

Claremont

Elijah Dennis

Claremont

George Gale

Claremont

Tom Brown

Claremont

Kye Ormerod

East Fremantle

Joshua Nathan

East Fremantle

Cooper Ramsay

East Fremantle

Dylan Connelly

East Fremantle

Garrison Kenh

East Perth

Axel Walsh

East Perth

Lachlan McGlade

East Perth

James Barnard

East Perth

James Whelan

Peel Thunder

Mitchell Stirling

Peel Thunder

Tazzi Faithfull

Peel Thunder

Drew Clarke

Peel Thunder

Austin Lekias

Peel Thunder

McKenna Pringle

Peel Thunder

Jayden Clarke

Perth

Lucas Robinson

South Fremantle

Sam Hookham

South Fremantle

Heath Wilson

South Fremantle

Thatcher Simmons

Subiaco

Angus Abbonizio

Subiaco

Corbin Boylson

Subiaco

Harrison Gilford

Subiaco

Antonio Crupi

Subiaco

Jai Debono

Swan Districts

Leo Steed

Swan Districts

Koby LeCras

West Perth

Samuel Hill

West Perth

Luca Boczar

West Perth

Max Bradbury

West Perth

WA State 16’s Staff

Mick Glassborow

Head Coach

Antoni Grover

Assistant Coach

Corey Gault

Assistant Coach

Fraser McInnes

Assistant Coach

Tim Goodwin

Bench Coach/Selector

Sam Miles

Runner

Lee Walker

Well Being Coordinator

Jamie Douse

Athlete Development Coordinator

Hannah Hong

16’s Strength and Conditioning Coach

Lionel Lim

Doctor

Nick Caputi

Physio

Erin Diamond

Physio

Zoe Bain

Talent Operations Coordinator