WAFC acknowledges State 18s Coach Andrew LockyerWednesday, August 24, 2016 - 12:48 PM

The West Australian Football Commission thanks State 18s coach Andrew Lockyer for his outstanding contribution to the State Talent Academy program and the development of WA’s most talented young players.

Lockyer has advised the WAFC that he will not continue as State 18s coach next year and will pursue other avenues to make a contribution to the football community.

WAFC Executive Manager Football Operations Jon Haines said Lockyer had provided great leadership and commitment to WA’s talent development pathway during two stints as State 18s coach.

“Andrew has made a terrific contribution, not only to the State 18s group but to the broader Talent Academy, its players, support staff and volunteers,” Haines said.

“He is one of only four coaches to have lead WA to a National 18s title and whilst his coaching record speaks for itself, the consistent observation from those who have worked with Andrew has been the level of passion, integrity and love for the game that he brought to the role.

“On behalf of everyone involved with the State Talent Academy and the West Australian Football Commission I thank him for the important role he has played and we look forward to Andrew continuing to make a contribution to the game in his new endeavours.” 

Lockyer said he would miss being involved with the program but had taken the time to carefully consider his decision to pursue other opportunities such as coach education, athlete skill or leadership development.

“This decision is not a light one for me personally as I have the passion and skill set to contribute in a positive way to the Academy, but I think the time is right for me to pursue other avenues to make a contribution to the football community,” he said.

“I have enjoyed my time at the Academy and I can’t speak highly enough of my staff. They were all fully supportive and great to be with. The program has always been a passion of mine, not for what I could get out of it, but for what everyone else could get out of the program, especially the players.

“The most enjoyable thing was to see how players grew throughout the program and finished not only as better players but also better people. To this day I get a kick out of the 34 players who have gone through the Academy in my time and onto AFL lists.

“Out of the players I have coached there has been a Brownlow medallist, premiership players and players who have played in Grand Finals. I am also so proud to have coached WA to a National title at the 18s level. As a proud Western Australian, the players in that group will always be my heroes.

“I also want to thank everyone at the WA Football Commission for their support over the four years. The program can continue to grow if it strives to maintain quality people,” he said.

The West Australian Football Commission will now begin the process to appoint a new State 18s coach for 2017.