Lighting path for players

A pathway into WAFL senior football and the AFL has been illuminated for six exciting South West football prospects after they were selected to participate in an elite development program.

South West Academy of Sport athletes Jarrad Fazioli, Damon Greaves, Thomas Heenan, Lachlan Riley and Durak Tucker have all secured positions in the DEPPRO WAFL State 16s Academy.

Fellow South West product Louis Miller has also earned a spot in the high-level program.

The young guns are among 37 of the State’s brightest junior footballers who will have a chance to fine-tune their skills before a final WA team is chosen to contest the upcoming NAB AFL National U16 Championships.

SWAS football head coach Jamie Douse said being picked to be part of the State 16s Academy was a major accomplishment.

“Over 300 youth footballers play in the WAFL 16s carnival, the selection vehicle for the DEPPRO WAFL State 16s Academy,” Douse said. “To play good, consistent footy at that level and earn selection in the academy program is a solid achievement.

“The athletes selected will now train and play in an elite environment, with the guidance of some of the state’s best youth coaches, as well as past and current AFL footballers.

“They will be constantly challenged to improve and to continue to work hard to earn selection in the squad of 25 that travels to the national championships in July.

“If they embrace the program it will provide ample opportunity to progress along the AFL talent pathway.”

The inclusion of the footballers in the State 16s Academy continues the SWAS football program’s proud tradition of nurturing gifted youngsters, on and off the field.

Fremantle Dockers’ player Connor Blakely is among the SWAS football program’s alumni.