The West Coast Eagles and BHP Billiton Indigenous Leadership Program continues to see great results, with past participants Bradley Hill and Brendon Ah Chee recently selected in the national draft.

Bradley was taken by Hawthorn with pick 33, while Brendon is now at Port Adelaide, selected at no.45. Both players participated in the club’s inaugural program in 2008.

Together with principal community partner BHP Billiton, the program offers participants a first-hand insight into the workings of an AFL club, with presentations by experienced West Coast Eagles personnel and mentors of the game, together with a training session on WA’s home of football.

This year, the program developed further and is now delivered in partnership with the David Wirrpanda Foundation at high schools within metro WA.

The eight-week course, facilitated by former AFL player and current David Wirrpanda Foundation mentor Troy Cook and supported by guest presenters from the West Coast Eagles and fellow David Wirrpanda Foundation mentors, is a values-based leadership program focusing on promoting the ‘Five Rs’ value system: respect yourself, respect others, respect your environment, reach out into your community, and reach your potential.

The interactive, education-though-sport program teaches valuable life skills for beyond the classroom, empowering participants to take action to lead a positive, healthy lifestyle, and make socially and personally responsible decisions.

West Coast and BHP Billiton would like to congratulate its former pupils Bradley and Brendon on their selection and wish them all the best with their future careers.