Next generation shine at Carnivals

The Nicky Winmar and Kirby Bentley Carnivals, held at UWA Sports Park on Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1, saw a positive performance by the East Perth District squads. 

Despite fielding young and undersized squads, the boys and girls in black and blue donned the jumper proudly under the guidance of District Development Officer, Hayden Cobley.

East Perth were strongly represented on both days with 38 boys attending Sunday’s Nicky Winmar Carnival – the most of any district at the carnival. 

The Nicky Winmar and Kirby Bentley Carnivals are designed to draw Indigenous boys and girls, aged 13 to 15, to junior community football and subsequently WAFL Development Squads. 

Lewis Nannup was East Perth's stand out player during the Nicky Winmar Cup - his elite kicking skills and decision making was a key feature throughout the day. Lewis, who attends Trinity College, has an extremely exciting future ahead of him and is certainly one to watch over the next few years.  

The cream of the Nicky Winmar Carnival squads will be selected to represent WA in the Kick-Start National Championships later in the year with the East Perth District excited and confident that a few of their boys will be representing Western Australia. 

The East Perth District is indebted to the dedicated coaching staff and the sensational support of the secondary schools who donated significant resources to make it a positive experience for all players. Special thanks to Kristen Nelson, Kye Willcocks and Shaq McKenzie for coaching the next generation of East Perth’s Indigenous players this past weekend.

The East Perth District is now setting its sights on the 2021 Nicky Winmar and Kirby Bentley Carnivals by developing a transition program designed to enhance pathways for Indigenous boys and girls aged 12 to 14.