Six WA talents feature in AFL's Multicultural v Indigenous Academy clashMonday, June 23, 2025 - 10:48 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Six WA talents travelled to Melbourne over the King’s Birthday Long Weekend for the Multicultural Academy versus Indigenous Academy clash.

The Multicultural Academy edged out the Indigenous Academy in a nail-biting five-point result at La Trobe University to finish off a three-day camp.

Penelope Punaivaha, who plays for Hills Rangers in the Metro Central Junior Competition, and East Fremantle and State 18s forward Avuya Nomlatyu were part of the winning Multicultural Academy side.

Nomlatyu, who’s also part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, also played in the AFL National Under-18s Girls Championship clash against Queensland, booting a nice goal in the second half.

Peel Thunder’s Heidi Ireland, South Fremantle and WA under-18s forward Shaya Yarran and West Perth pair Jamarah Walley and Rikisha Nannup lined up for the Indigenous side.

The Indigenous and Multicultural Academies comprise of talented Indigenous and Multicultural footballers aged 16 to 18 years of age.

Participants complete a year-long program that encompasses monthly online development modules. 

“The Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies provide a unique football experience for our emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers,” AFL Diversity Talent Programs Manager Narelle Long said.

“The program is designed to prepare our participants for a transition to the elite level of game by providing further on-field and off-field coaching and education to assist their development.

“In addition to retaining and transition our talented young footballers, the Academies also aim to bring back talent to the sport by providing new opportunities for our young athletes to fulfill their potential.

“The Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies are an extension of our Woomeras and Medleys programs for girls and Flying Boomerangs and World Team programs for boys, which many of our Academy participants featured in as part of their 15^th year.”

The boys camp will be held in Melbourne in October with nine West Aussies involved.