Last night Mark Hutchings was announced captain of the State 18's with fellow East Perth player Mitch Duncan named vice captain along with Kane Lucas and Brad Sheppard from East Fremantle. It is a great honor for both players to able to lead the best players in the State in the National championship which begins against South Australia on the 30th May at Subiaco Oval.
League Coach Tony Micale commented that he was not surprised both players were in the leadership group. "It was apparent early on to the match committee that these two boys had outstanding leadership qualities and were forthright and unafraid to express their opinion which is unusual for players of their age amongst senior players". He also went on to say that "Mark and Mitch are outstanding students of the game and show an understanding beyond their years, which they are not afraid to pass on to other players in the team. It is a great achievement for both boys and I have no doubt academy made the right decision appointing them as leaders"
Mark Winnett the Football Manager at the Club backed up Tony's comments saying " It is a magnificent achievement for Mark and he definitely showed leadership potential amongst the senior group. He is very mature for his age and will do an outstanding job in the role. Mitch has developed his leadership skills at both the AIS and East Perth and will complement Mark very well. It can only be beneficial for the future of both boys to be in these leadership roles.
Gold Coast Stadium will host the opening of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on May 23, with the Docklands set to stage its conclusion with a four-match bonanza on July 1.
This year each of the eight competing teams will play five matches, giving the country's brightest young stars one extra game to show their wares in front of AFL recruiters.
Each of the eight competing teams – New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria Country, Victoria Metropolitan and Western Australia – will host matches in their respective states/territories.
Teams in division one – South Australia, Vic Country, Vic Metro and Western Australia – will play each other once, plus two teams from division two. It is vice-versa for the remaining teams in division two.
The schedule for WA is below:
May 30
Western Australia v South Australia (Subiaco)
June 5
Northern Territory v Western Australia (TIO Stadium, Darwin)
June 13
Western Australia v Vic Metro (Subiaco)
June 27
Tasmania v Western Australia (Casey Fields)
July 1
Vic Country v Western Australia (Docklands)
