The WA State Talent Academy has recruited well from a coaching and player perspective for the 2012 season.
This year’s program will see former and current West Coast members such as Rob Wiley (State 16s head coach), Steve Woodhouse, Tim Gepp, Phil Matera, Jarrod Schofield and Adam Selwood involved in the WA State Talent Academy coaching team.
Fremantle Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands is also involved with the State 16s, while WAFL development coaches including Michael Pratt (State 18s head coach), John Hancock, Silv Lombardi, Mark Pashby, Larry Cavallo and Gino Stefani will add further experience and knowledge to the mix.
This will set the foundations for a high performance environment that is expected to provide elite athletes with the opportunity to exceed their football potential. The initial intake of Academy members will undergo individual leadership and skills training over the next two months.
The WA State Academy program is an elite football environment that focuses on individual player development. It is centred on the development of the person and their ability to contribute in a team environment. The main aims of the program are to:
- Select the most talented developing players available i.e. players who demonstrate the most distinct attributes 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;
The next intake of Academy players will occur prior to Round 6 of the WAFL season in April. Players will then be selected to represent WA at the State 16s and State 18s NAB AFL National Championships in June and July.
State Talent Academy Squad - 1st Intake 2012
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES
STATE 16s
Saturday 7 July – WA v Vic Country (Blacktown)
Tuesday 10 July – WA v SA (Blacktown)
Friday 13 July – WA v Vic Metro (Blacktown)
STATE 18s
Saturday 2 June - 11am - WA v QLD (BISS Stadium)
Sunday 10 June - 12pm - WA v NSW/ACT (TBC- in Perth)
Sunday 17 June - 11am - WA v Vic Country (Patersons Stadium)
Friday 29 June - 2:30pm - WA v SA (Skilled Stadium)
Wednesday 4 July - 7:35pm - WA v Vic Metro (Etihad Stadium)
STAFF & COACHES
STATE TALENT ACADEMY
Academy Manager – Raff Guadagnino
Administration Assistant – Sharni Rowe
Academy Doctor – Lionel Lim
Medical Officer – Shae Seymour
Specialist Coach – Jay Burton
Specialist Coach – Steve Wasley
STATE 16s
Head Coach – Rob Wiley
Chairman of Selectors – Steve Woodhouse
Assistant Coach – Larry Cavello
Assistant Coach – Mark Pashby
Assistant Coach – Gino Stefani
Development Coach – Phil Matera
Development Coach – Tom Morrison
Development Coach – Aaron Sandilands
Development Coach – Adam Selwood
Team Manager – Bruce Willis
Selector – Tim Gepp
Selector – Shane Yardley
Strength & Conditioning – Steve Gravina
Strength & Conditioning – Daniel Bomford
Physiotherapist – Shani Blay
STATE 18s
Head Coach: Michael Pratt
Chairman of Selectors – Ken Ferguson
Assistant Coach – John Hancock
Assistant Coach – Silv Lombardi
Assistant Coach – Jarrod Schofield
Specialist Coach – Devin Martin
Team Manager – Brearly Hollingsworth
Property Manager – Bob Dickson
Selector – Shane Yardley
Strength & Conditioning – Ashley Cripps
Strength & Conditioning – Daniel Anderson
Physiotherapist – Nic Caputi
Physiotherapist – Kayte Neates
