Game Time for AAMI WA Football Summer Programs

The AAMI WA Football boys and girls Summer Programs have entered match play stage.

The WA Under 18 girls faced the WAFLW Under 23s All Stars at Victor George Kallis Oval at Cockburn ARC last night.

Kate Orme, State Talent Manager – Female Academies at WA Football, believes the first up performance was promising.

“The purpose of the game was for our players to put together a strong performance against challenging opposition,” said Orme.

“Our group was significantly overpowered by the more experienced U23s, but I was pleased with their fight and their intent.

“This summer we have focused on the growth that comes from embracing challenges and last night was another terrific learning opportunity.

“We also had 8 players travel to Melbourne over the weekend and play in the National Indigenous and Multicultural Academies exhibition game.

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“On the whole, 30 players from our squad of 36 played, and one of our assistant coaches, Tiah Toth, travelled to Melbourne as a coach.

Lunay Van Den Heever was named best afield for the multicultural team after kicking three goals in their win.

Orme detailed some standout performers in last night’s game.

“For the 18s, Cara Dziegielewski was our strongest performer,” she said.

“She has had an incredible pre-season and has led the way with her professionalism and training standards throughout the summer.

“An athletic key position player, Cara’s strong summer has laid the foundations for a big WAFLW season and National Championships campaign.

“Miley Hynes also shone particularly brightly using her speed and skills through the midfield throughout the 80 minutes.”

Orme has embraced her new role at WA Football, including expanding her coaching experience.

“I’m loving the role and working within our female talent team,” she said.

“We’ve focused on creating a strong learning environment, high performance habits and a leadership framework that empowers our playing group.

“We have seen significant growth across both our top and bottom age players.

“It’s been exciting to watch these individuals grow in their footy and themselves.

“Each of them has improved and are well prepared for the upcoming WAFLW season.”

The girls Summer Program squad’s next match is against Peel’s WAFLW side on Friday March 13 at Lane Group Stadium.

The boys play a practice match on Saturday at HIF Oval in Joondalup at 9.30am.

The game involves the summer program squad as well as 10 top up players from WAFL clubs who have had strong pre-seasons with their clubs.

WA Football State Talent Manager Adam Jones says the match signals the final stage of the program.

“It’s effectively the conclusion of the Summer program, an opportunity for players to display their talents,” Jones said.

“There will be nearly all AFL clubs in attendance, and we are also conducting a football speed dating session after the game for players and clubs.”

Jones has declared the group has made great gains heading into 2026.

“We believe it has been a huge success,” he said.

“The opportunity for the best players in the state to train against and with each other helps drive the standards of the squad.

“Also getting to work with our full-time staff allows for greater opportunities for development.

“We have added different aspects to the Summer program this year such as sprint training for certain players, a greater emphasis in the gym, a specialist tackling coach and a more time focusing on the contest at training.”

Jones confirmed the group will have one more catch up next Monday.

“We will have a final session on Monday next week and officially exit all players from the Summer program with one-on-one meetings,” he said.

“From there the players will fully immerse themselves back into their WAFL clubs in preparation for the start of the upcoming season.”