Alan Dickson with ball
Camera IconAlan Dickson with ball Credit: Supplied/Louise White

Future footy stars sharpen skill set

Staff ReporterEastern Reporter

Led by coaches and former AFL players Aaron Davey and David Rodan, the program provided 50 indigenous men aged 18 to 24 years old with exposure to elite AFL programs and training.

Participants including Swan Districts colts youngster Dino Ross, from Midland, took part in a range of cultural, educational and community activities, as well as intensive training ahead of the Team Davey versus Team Rodan match played on Saturday.

Coinciding with AFL’s indigenous round, the second training camp will be held in Melbourne in May, culminating in a curtain-raiser match to the Dreamtime at the G clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

AFL head of diversity Jason Mifsud said the program was dedicated to helping the young footballers to achieve their goals and reach their potential.

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‘The Footy Means Business program is committed to providing talent and development opportunities for young indigenous men from all over Australia, with the aim of seeing an increase in the number of indigenous players selected to play at State and AFL level,’ he said,

Participants were selected by AFL Talent Managers based on football ability, engagement with their communities and their potential to serve as role models.

WA players to take part in Team Davey included Donald Lockyer (Port Headland), Albert Dean (Perth), Ashley Cooper (Karratha), Tim Yarran (Bunbury), Matthew McKenzie (Kalgoorlie), Steven Edwards (Joondanna), Kevin Pickett (Bunbury), Micky Ball (Wickham), Traye Bennell (Bunbury), Aaron Birch (Beagle Bay) and Nelson Ansey (Wickham).