Nine Peel Thunder youngsters have been selected in the first intake of players for the 2017 WA State Academy.
The Mandurah-based WAFL club pitched in six of 30 players named in the state 18s initial squad, and three of the 29 selected to the under 16s.
Jordan Boullineau (Baldivis), Damon Cramer (Rockingham), Jarrod Faziolli (Cardinals), Lachy Mitchell (Baldivis), Aaron Naughton (Rockingham) and Durak Tucker (Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault) were all chosen in the under 18s first squad, while Ben Middleton (Halls Head), Kyle Penny (South Mandurah) and Deon Welhan (Secret Harbour) were named to the under 16s.
Academy players will participate in the state program over the next three months in preparation for the AFL National Championships.
The state 18s schedule includes trial games against a WA Country Football League representative team and WAFL 21s side, while the state 16s will play trial games against a state 17s team, WA Country Football League colts team and WA Amateur Football League colts team.
Teams will be selected from the 16s and 18s squads to represent WA at the AFL National Championships in June and July.
State talent manager Adam Jones welcomed all of the players to the academy program and congratulated them on their selection.
“We are looking forward to working with each of the players selected to help them develop their skills and achieve their full potential both on and off the field,” he said.
“The state academy program is a critical part of the WA talent pathway and all of the players selected have a great opportunity to showcase their talent and earn the chance to represent WA at the National Championships.”