Four West Australians Named in All Australian Side Thursday, August 4, 2022 - 1:04 PM - by Mark Readings

Four West Australians have been named by the AFL in the 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys All-Australian Team. 

Swan Districts trio Thomas Cathcart, Anthony Hansen, and Chayse Martinson were joined by Subiaco small forward Malakai Champion in the side. 

West Australian Football Commission State Talent Manager Adam Jones is delighted for the quartet. 

“It’s a fantastic result and great recognition of the football that each of them played throughout the carnival,” Jones said. 

Having three players from Swan Districts in the side is a major achievement. 

“It’s a wonderful effort, particularly with two of those boys being from the South West Academy, which provided several players to the State Academy. 

It’s a terrific reflection of the work our WAFL clubs and Pathway program are doing in developing our players,” he said. 

Swans midfielder Chayse Martinson earned a double reward for a standout Championship. 

“He had a terrific carnival and thoroughly deserved our MVP and All-Australian selection. 

 His work ethic, footy smarts, and competitiveness over the three games were a real standout.  

He’s a humble kid who was delighted to hear the news today,” said Jones. 

This year’s Championships featured 10 teams competing across two divisions, with 15 matches played across Australia over the past two months. 
 
WA won two of their three matches to finish equal top with South Australia and Victoria Metro. 

The South Australians claimed the Division One title in the Round Robin Series on percentage. 
 
The 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys All-Australian Team was selected with 18 players on the field and five players on the interchange, with players selected in their best position. 
 
South Australia’s Julian Farkas was selected as coach, with Victoria Country’s Finn O'Sullivan was named captain. 
 
The All-Australian Team was selected by a panel comprising Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chairman), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy Coach/Manager), Mick Agresta (Carlton), Robert Forster-Knight (Essendon), Leon Harris (Brisbane Lions), Derek Hine (Collingwood) and Richard Taylor (Adelaide). 
 
The team MVP winners, as selected by the coaching staff of each program, were awarded to Chayse Martinson (Western Australia), Tom Fry (Brisbane Lions),?Leonardo?Lombard (Gold Coast Suns),?Cooper Bell (GWS Giants),?Waylon Davey (Northern Territory), William McCabe (South Australia),?Joel Cochran (Sydney Swans),?Oliver Depaoli-Kubank (Tasmania),?Finn O'Sullivan (Victoria Country), and Josh Smillie (Victoria Metro). 
 
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan congratulated everyone selected in the All-Australian team and said it was deserved recognition for their outstanding performance throughout the 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys. 
 
“Selection in the 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys All-Australian Team is a significant honour and all players are thoroughly deserving of their selection in the team,” Sheehan said. 
 
“The players selected represent the best young footballers in the country and highlight the quality of talent coming through the national pathway programs.” 

Get to know the four:

Thomas Cathcart - Back Pocket 

(Western Australia/Swan Districts/Caversham) 

Date of Birth: 28/05/06; Height: 189cm; Weight: 78kg 

Very composed third tall defender who reads the game exceptionally well. Showed safe hands overhead and at ground level and used the ball efficiently by hand and foot. Outstanding in Western Australia’s win over Victoria Country and was consistent throughout, averaging 21.7 disposals.

Chayse Martinson - Centre 

(Western Australia/Swan Districts/Carey Park) 

Date of Birth: 06/02/06; Height: 179cm; Weight 75kg 

Hard-working midfielder who was a consistent ball winner and leader of his team throughout the Championships, averaging 20.7 disposals and 4.7 tackles. Won his team’s MVP award. 

Malakai Champion - Forward Pocket 

(Western Australia/Subiaco/Mines Rovers) 

Date of Birth 17/05/06; Height: 170cm; Weight: 64kg 

Small forward who is both quick and creative and a difficult match up. Was outstanding in Western Australia’s win over Victoria Country, with his connection with Anthony Hansen a feature of the match. Averaged 13 disposals (5 contested) and always looked dangerous around goals. 

Anthony Hansen - Forward Pocket 

(Western Australia/Swan Districts/South Bunbury) 

Date of Birth: 26/02/06; Height: 172cm; Weight: 61kg 

Small forward who is quick and elusive with excellent fundamental skills. Provided an excellent avenue to goal in both of Western Australia’s wins over Victoria Country and Victoria Metro. Across the Championships he averaged 10.3 disposals and kicked 3 goals, as well as setting up his team on many occasions.

Please click here to see the results and watch replays of all matches in the 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys.