Future AFL stars shine in Indigenous carnival Thursday, February 28, 2013 - 1:50 AM

Indigenous youths from across the state will put their football talent on show at the 2013 Nicky Winmar Carnival.

This event features teams of under-15’s playing in a round-robin style event at Bendigo Bank Stadium in Mandurah on Sunday, March 3.

Coordinated by the West Australian Football Commission and sponsored by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the carnival provides an opportunity for talented young players to be identified by WAFL clubs and given the opportunity to further develop their skills.

Regional players from areas such as the Kimberley, Wheatbelt, Goldfields, Midwest, Great Southern, Pilbara and South West will take part in the carnival with participants placed into teams based on geographic WAFL zones. For the first time teams from Broome and Kalgoorlie will join the carnival.

Some participants will get the opportunity to play under the guidance of former AFL players such as Antoni Grover, which will be coaching the Subiaco team as well as Des Hedland and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls (pictured with Nicky Winmar).

The selection of a state squad of under 15’s to participate in the AFL KickStart Program will also take place during the carnival. WA has won the AFL Indigenous KickStart U15 National Championships two years in a row and are looking for a third.

A female exhibition match will also take place on the day.

The Department of Sport and Recreation’s Director General Ron Alexander played 340 games of WAFL, VFL and State Football. He was a Premiership Captain/Coach with East Fremantle in 1985 and later became the inaugural coach of the West Coast Eagles.

He says the carnival provides a wonderful opportunity for players to develop their skills and draw the attention of WAFL clubs.

The Nicky Winmar Carnival is the only carnival in Australia that provides the opportunity for youth and coaches to have a direct link to feed into the National KickStart model by selecting a state team.

"The event provides a real opportunity for young players to have their talent recognised and we hope to see a number of these players offered a place in WAFL development pathways," Mr Alexander said. "Many of the boys from last year’s carnival were identified and asked to try out for district squads and many have transitioned into community football as well.

"Indigenous people have contributed greatly to the history of AFL and events such of these will allow the next generation to continue playing a vital role in the development of the sport."

Nicky Winmar is regarded as one of the best footballers to have emerged from Western Australia. He played more than 250 games during his AFL career and was named in the St Kilda team of the century. He is a two-time All-Australian and won the 1989 Trevor Barker Award.

For player or coach registrations go to http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/registrations-open-to-play-in-the-nicky-winmar-football-carnival