Families Join Teenagers on Talent Pathway JourneyWednesday, May 8, 2024 - 4:02 PM

WA’s most talented young footballers have celebrated their selection in the State Academy squads at this week’s jumper presentation.

Players from the 16’s and 18’s program were joined by family and friends at a special function at Optus Stadium on Monday.

WAFC State Talent Manager Adam Jones has declared the evening one of the highlights of the year for the Academy program.

“It’s a fantastic night for players and families,” Jones said.

“For the last few years we get someone who has had a strong input into the players football career, which is usually a parent or close family member, to present their jumper which has certainly added to the evening.

“To see the looks of pride on the faces of the people presenting the jumpers makes it a really special night.”

New West Coast Eagle Clay Hall, a former Academy product, spoke to the players about his journey to joining an AFL list.

Having assembled the playing group, training and trial matches are next on the agenda.

“Both squads now enter the trial game phase before the national championships begin,” Jones said.

“We also begin training on a Thursday night and the players essentially are full time to the state program.”

Jones has high expectations for both groups but understands the quality of the opposition this year.

“If we can walk away from the program, win, lose or draw, and the players have played the best football they possibly could and have developed as people and players throughout, then we will see that as a successful program,” he said.