EFFC Midwest Academy Camp at ATOM Stadium

The East Fremantle ATOM Midwest Football Academy, represented by a squad of 25 players aged from 15 – 20, coach Craig Walker, Assistant Coach Steve Pears and Team Manager/Welfare Heather Brett, took the long drive down to ATOM Stadium on Friday February 6, to stay the weekend and play against the Colts squad. The weekend camp coincided with the East Fremantle Football Club’s first set of intra-club fixtures involving the entire Colts squad, split over two games, and the Development League boys.

The Academy boys arrived while the Colts were training, giving them a first-hand look at what they could expect from the contest not only for the next morning, but should they wish to come to Perth to play Colts football in the future. Craig and Steve had the opportunity to sit in Mark Foster’s (EFFC Colts Coach) team meeting, to further provide some professional development on how we play the “Sharks” brand of football. The Midwest boys then had the first of their meals prepared by the amazing East Fremantle Past Players and Officials, and it was then that Mark Stewart (EFFC President) announced that Kim Schofield and Jaidyn Paradella would be Captain and Vice-Captain respectively.

The first game of Saturday morning saw Midwest boys take on the first of the Colts squads. In what was a fantastic contest, the Colts boys were challenged strongly early in the game, especially by the physicality of the Midwest team, who had spent much of the summer working hard on contested ball and pressure. This was clearly evident throughout the game, but the execution of the Colts eventually saw them take some control in the second half and they eventually ran out winners. East Fremantle Football Club’s senior coach Stephen Malaxos was also at the game and both he and Mark Foster were impressed, stating that the “physical pressure applied by Midwest squad was of the highest calibre.” Craig Walker was really happy with the way the team played, demonstrating an “exciting brand of modern, physical football.” Of the Midwest boys 15 year old Jaimon Alone (many staff and spectators shocked at his age - skill belies a much older player), Tim Steele, Isaac Christoforou and Jaigah Williams stood out.

The boys then had the opportunity to watch the second of the Colts’ Squad take on the Development League boys, who also boasted a few of the senior players in Liam Anthony, Mitch Boyle and Boston Williamson to name a few. This game was played at great intensity with the Colts’ pushing the older, bigger-bodied Development League players right to the very end, falling only a couple of goals short. Both Mark Foster and Stephen Malaxos were very pleased with the hit out, especially with the way the Colts played against more senior players. This game also featured a handful of players who originated from the Midwest in Dylan Coulthard, Carl Green, Harrison King, Jordan Williamson, Dion Anthony and as mentioned his older brother Liam, who has recently returned to the Sharks from North Melbourne.

In line with these players mentioned above there were also several other players from the Midwest Academy who have moved to Perth at the start of 2015 to try their luck in the WAFL Colts program - Jordan Kelly, Nathan Trusso and Jesse Adamini.

The Midwest team took a couple of hours to head out and see a bit of the local area before returning the “Shark Park” to be taken for a light session by non-other than Josh Kennedy (formerly from the Midwest as well). This was a great experience for all concerned, many of the younger boys being huge fans of “JK.” Josh had earlier been the games looking at his next recipient of his scholarship, which he has kindly had in place for a number of years now. The scholarship provides one of the 16 year olds a bit of a kick start to hopefully realise their dream of playing top level football. The scholarship recipient is announced after the 16s carnival. Whilst a bit tired from the earlier game the boys had a fantastic session and the East Fremantle Football Club thanks Josh for giving up his time to give back to these young men.

After a bit of free time on Saturday night, the boys enjoyed the final meal from Mick Jez and the Past Players, before jumping in their cars and heading back home. It is always great to have Craig and the team down to the Club. We are very fortunate to be blessed with our country zone and the GNFL. The club loves the opportunity to host players from the Midwest and to expose them to a professional WAFL experience, which hopefully leads to an easier and more successful transition for those boys who wish to come to the city to play footy.

The East Fremantle Football Club would also like to congratulate Craig Walker, who earlier today was announced as the WA State Country Colts and Senior Coach for the next 2 years. This is great reward not only for the tireless work Craig has given to Midwest Academy but for country football in general.  Well done “Walks”.