SIX junior Peel Thunder footballers are among 30 players selected in the first intake for the WA State Academy Under-18 age group.
Jordan Boullineau (Baldivis), Damon Cramer (Rockingham), Jarrad Fazioli (Eaton), Lachlan Mitchell (Baldivis), Aaron Naughton (Rockingham) and Durak Tucker (Bunbury) are set to represent WA in the upcoming NAB U-18’s National Carnival in June.
Peel Thunder Football Club talent manager John Deitz said the players’ selection was a boost for the club’s development programs.
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READ NOW“These players are a product of The Peel Thunder Ocean Hill Private Estate Academy and I am really looking forward to seeing how the boys progress over the next couple of months,” Deitz said.
“This is also a great reflection on the coaching staff as well as the players themselves.”
Last week, three Peel under-16 players, Ben Middleton, Kyle Penny and Deon Welhan, were selected for the 2017 WA Academy squad.
A second intake of players will be undertaken following trial games this month.
Academy players will participate in the state program over the next three months in preparation for the AFL National Championships.
The State 18s schedule includes trial games against a WA Country Football League representative team and WAFL 21s side.
The State 16s will play trial games against a State 17s team, WA Country Football League Colts and WA Amateur Football League Colts.
Teams will be selected from the 16s and 18s squads to represent WA at the AFL National Championships in June and July.
State talent manager Adam Jones welcomed all of the players to the academy program and congratulated them on their selection.
“We are looking forward to working with each of the players selected to help them develop their skills and achieve their full potential both on and off the field,” he said.
“The State Academy program is a critical part of the WA talent pathway and all of the players selected have a great opportunity to showcase their talent and earn the chance to represent WA at the National Championships.”
AFL National 18s Championships
Saturday, June 10, 11am – WA v SA at Domain Stadium
Sunday, June 18, 11am – WA v Vic Metro at Domain Stadium
Sunday, June 25, 12.30pm – WA v Allies at Leederville Oval
Friday, June 30, TBC – WA v Vic Country at Etihad Stadium