WA State 18s squad finalisedWednesday, April 17, 2013 - 7:12 AM

The WA State Talent Academy has completed its second intake for the State 18s squad in preparation for the 2013 NAB AFL National 18s Championships in June and July.

The State Talent Academy will continue its training program in the lead up to the National Championships and conduct leadership, nutrition and education sessions to enhance the overall development of players.

Leading the team is Head Coach Michael Pratt with Coaching Director Tim Gepp. Assistant coaches are Silv Lombardi, Scott Franklin, Sean Wrigley and specialist coaches Steve Wasley, Carl Woods and Harry Baynard. Managing the off field success are Shane Yardley (selector), Ken Ferguson(selector), Bruce Willis (team manager), Shae Seymour(physio) and Nic Caputi (physio).

The Academy will also play trial games against rising stars and WAFL under 20s teams before final teams are selected to represent WA at each game of the 2013 NAB AFL National 18s Championships.

The WA State Talent Academy program is an elite football environment that focuses on individual player development and ability to contribute in a team environment. The main aims of the program are to:

• Select the most talented developing players to progress into WAFL senior football and / or AFL football
• A holistic approach to player development; physical, emotional, social & mental
• Emphasise individual player development within a team context

National 18s Championship Fixtures

Rd 1 – TAS v WA  10am EST Sunday, June 2 (Launceston)

Rd 2 – WA v NT 12pm WST Saturday, June 8 (Browne’s Stadium)

Rd 3 – WA v Vic Metro 11.20am Saturday, June 15 (Patersons Stadium)

Rd 4 – Vic Country v WA 12.35pm EST Friday, June 28 (Simonds Stadium)

Rd 5 – SA v WA 3.35pm EST Wednesday, July 3 (Etihad Stadium)

STATE 18s Squad