The Naitanui Academy played Fremantle’s next generation academy in two curtain raisers within a week of each other, winning both in strong performances from the squad.
The two Naitanui Academy teams have trained together for the past four weeks as part of the All Nations and Kickstart state-based Multicultural and Indigenous Programs in conjunction with the AFL.
The program offers players of First Nations and Multicultural backgrounds the opportunity to be selected in two AFL squads.
These squads are made up of academy players picked from every state, who later in the year will come together to player one another.
Naitanui Academy Manager Chris Brown said players in both teams were extremely excited for the chance to showcase skills on such a big stage.
“Some have played before but for a lot of them it’s their first time at Optus Stadium so it’s a great opportunity to play on the best ground in the country in front of fans before a big AFL game,” Brown said.
“I think the players lift a step or two when they get to play on Optus because of the importance. It almost feels like a Grand Final for them as there could be almost 5,000-6,000 fans watching them in the final quarter."
The Round 12 team was made up of First Nations boys who pulled out a strong win and put their best foot forward to be selected in the AFL’s Boomerangs team.
“The boys played some really good footy and got on top early, dominating the contest and being very good from inside 50,” Brown said.
"There was some really good fundamental footy, good teamwork, great defence behind the footy and we got going in the second half and moved the ball at a really high level, getting it down to our forwards cleanly.
“We were able to give players an opportunity to play in multiple positions across the ground on the day and stake their claim for the next part of the program which will ultimately be decided by the AFL and the WA Football Commission.”
The second match held in Round 13 was made up of boys from multicultural backgrounds aiming to be selected in the AFL’s World Team.
“While it didn’t rain much it was very wet under foot. The boys had opportunities but struggled to convert on the scoreboard in the first quarter which made it a really good grind until the end,” Brown said.
“Fremantle closed to within nine points with about five minutes to go before young Garrison Kenh kicked an absolute belter, left-foot from the pocket to ice the game.
“We’ve been really wrapped with the teamwork and chemistry that the boys have shown in the four weeks of training. Their ability to be switched on and play the game in such a short bracket of training was really pleasing in both games and to get back-to-back wins was a bonus.”
Academies Coach Steve Malaxos had nothing but praise for both teams and said these opportunities within the Naitanui Academy program were a great chance for players to further develop.
“Playing at Optus and the chance to don the Eagles kit is a great experience for the players and the boys put on a fantastic showcase of talent in both games.
“For some of the players it’s a higher standard of football than what they’re used to playing at junior level which improves their footy.
“These curtain raisers give both players and coaches something to work towards and legitimises the training we do throughout the year. It’s a chance for us to implement all of the structures and learnings we as coaches have been giving the players and with plenty more match opportunities this year, we hope to see continual development in all our squads.”
The 15’s boys will play their final standalone game vs Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park in the coming months, while the 16’s begin preparation for the NGA All Stars Showcase at Cockburn ARC in November as our end of season finale. It will be their final time to represent the Academy in match play before moving into WAFL programs in 2024.
