New Eagle Sends Strong Message at State Jumper Presentation

RECENTLY drafted West Coast Eagle Greg Clark has revealed the setbacks and challenges he faced before becoming an AFL player this season.

Clark was a special guest speaker on Wednesday night as the State Academy 16s and 18s squad members were presented their jumpers for their upcoming WA campaigns.

West Australian Football Commission State Talent Manager Adam Jones declared Clark’s message was a vital one.

“Listening to Greg and his story form State 16’s and 18’s Captain to the WAFL and now an AFL player was inspiring,” Jones said.

“It’s a fantastic message to the playing group. All players will have setbacks and disappointments in their football careers, including Greg, who missed out on being drafted for 6 years.

“His story of perseverance to finally reach his goal of getting drafted at the age 24 is such a strong message to all players to stick at it and not hold any regrets looking back on your football career.”

The presentation at Optus Stadium brought together the two age groups for a jumper presentation for the first time since the pandemic struck.

“I think for the 18s group it was very meaningful as they’ve had two interrupted years,” Jones said.

“For the first time they’ll be heading into a proper championship schedule with the opportunity to showcase their talent.”

The night took on special significance with most players presented jumpers by family members.

“The parents, families and support networks play a huge role in the players’ careers and without them, the players simply wouldn’t be in the position they are,” Jones said.

“We also have two very experienced coaches in Ross McQueen and Ben Dyer, who both have an excellent track record as development coaches.”

The expectations for both squads are high, with one caveat according to Jones.

“It’s very hard to know how the groups will go as you don’t have a true grip on the opposition until the Championships begin,” Jones said.

“We’re happy that both groups have a level of talent that can develop into strong senior footballers. We’ll walk away happy with our groups if we can compete strongly and play team football.”

STATE 16s SQUAD

1

Cooper

Moore

Perth

2

Cody

Ryan

Swan Districts

3

Malakai

Champion

Subiaco

4

Baylee

Payne

West Perth

5

Anthony

Hansen

Swan Districts

6

William

Thomas

Claremont

7

Ali

Al-Shuweli

Perth

8

Mitch

Bell

Subiaco

9

Austin

van der Struyf

Claremont

10

Caylon

Seelander

Subiaco

11

Chayse

Martinson

Swan Districts

12

Kayde

Sherwood

West Perth

13

Lukas

Jakovich

Peel Thunder

14

Harry

Jones

Swan Districts

15

Harrison

Creighton

Swan Districts

16

Deian

Roberts

Peel Thunder

17

Hugh

Boxshall

Claremont

18

Otis

Harvey

Swan Districts

19

Thomas

MacGillivray

Subiaco

20

Tyler

Lindberg

East Perth

21

William

Akec

East Perth

22

Xavier

Hickey

Subiaco

23

Harry

Case

Peel Thunder

24

Jaxon

Douglas

Claremont

25

Bo

Allan

Peel Thunder

26

Koopa

Walsh

Subiaco

27

Thomas

Cathcart

Swan Districts

28

Trent

Hiscock

West Perth

30

Albert

Esterhuysen

Peel Thunder

31

Xavier

Walsh

East Perth

32

Kayle

Gerreyn

West Perth

36

Colby

McDonald

Swan Districts

37

Lucas

Ravenhill

Claremont

38

Jacob

Calabrese

East Fremantle

39

Darcy

Petersen

Peel Thunder

STATE 18s SQUAD

1

Darcy

Jones

Swan Districts

2

Jed

Hagan

East Fremantle

3

Koen

Sanchez

East Fremantle

4

Mitchell

Barron

Claremont

5

Steely

Green

South Fremantle

6

Daniel

Gathercole

West Perth

7

Chase

Bourne

South Fremantle

8

Tyrell

Dewar

Subiaco

9

Riley

Hardeman

Swan Districts

10

Koltyn

Tholstrup

Subiaco

11

Elijah

Hewett

Swan Districts

12

Griff

Julian

West Perth

13

Jordyn

Baker

East Perth

14

Conrad

Williams

Claremont

15

Jordan

Douglas

South Fremantle

16

Sam

Gilbey

Claremont

17

Connor

Carbone

Peel Thunder

18

Ethan

Logan

Peel Thunder

19

Luke

Michael

West Perth

21

Reuben

Ginbey

East Perth

22

Jack

Cleaver

East Fremantle

23

Clay

Hall

Peel Thunder

24

Rohan

MacNeill

Claremont

25

Edward

Allan

Claremont

26

Joshua

Draper

Peel Thunder

27

Jasper

Scaife

West Perth

28

Daniel

Curtin

Claremont

29

Jedd

Busslinger

East Perth

30

Coen

Livingstone

Perth

31

Tom

Smith

Swan Districts

32

Mitchell

Edwards

Peel Thunder

35

Kane

Bevan

West Perth

36

Jed

Adams

Peel Thunder

37

Corey

Tregenza-Cashell

Peel Thunder

38

Harry

Cole

Claremont

39

Hugh

Davies

Claremont

40

Jackson

Broadbent

Peel Thunder