Sharks visit the Midwest

East Fremantle will look to take their Mid West Academy to the next level during the offseason.

East Fremantle CEO Adam Kelly said stronger communication between the Sharks’ and academy coaches will make for an improved 2013/14 program.

Kelly said meetings held last week were aimed at brainstorming ideas on improving the academy blueprint.

“To be honest the program is modelled on similar set ups in Country Victoria,” he said.

“The East Fremantle Football Club is extremely fortunate to have Midwest Academy staff with the passion that they do for providing opportunity to our Midwest players to be as best prepared for the talent pathway as possible.

"We have an excellent Coach in Craig Walker, a Strength and Conditioning program being overseen by Todd Teakle, Heather Brett holds the position of player welfare and transition, Mark Starling is Team Manager and Jo Starling is trainer.  Their commitment cannot be questioned".

"The academy is an extension of the great work being done in the Midwest by the GNFL, President Colin Cox and his fellow Board members, along with all Senior and Junior Clubs, the Regional Football Development Council led by Chairman Jerry Dawson and Development Manager Paul Pirrotina and the wider community."

“We will look to sharing and communicating with each other so the players get the best start possible.”

Kelly was joined in Geraldton this week by Sharks’ league coach Steve Malaxos and football operations manager Darryn Fry (both pictured along with Craig Walker - Academy Coach).

The trio held a meeting with academy coaches and managers on Tuesday before hosting school clinics at seven schools on Wednesday which included the involvement of current Sharks players and former mid west residents, Andrew Stokes and Luke Murphy.

To finish their trip on Wednesday night, the East Fremantle representatives met with all seven GNFL clubs and Board representatives to discuss the partnership of the two parties.

Kelly said the Sharks would look to help the GNFL with coaching development this season.

GNFL products Mitchell Boyle, Aidan Tropiano and Jack Perham played for East Fremantle in round one of the WAFL competition last Saturday whilst another seven Mid West players pulled on the Sharks jumper in the reserves competition while Tyler Sutton flew the local flag in the colts.