Powell-Pepper Named State 16s Captain

Mt Hawthorn junior footballer, Sam Powell-Pepper, has been named captain of the WA State 16s team that leaves today to take part in the 2014 NAB AFL National 16s Championships on the Gold Coast, from July 5-12

Powell-Pepper is one of 5 players from East Perth’s city and country zones to be selected in the squad, and one of three Royals in the leadership group.  The other East Perth players in the squad are Stan Wright (Dunsborough), Connor De Campo (Deanmill), Alex Di Placido (Noranda) and Jed Kemp (Busselton).

The Academy players have undertaken skills training, leadership, nutrition and education sessions to enhance their overall development in the lead up to the Championships. The final squads have been selected based on form, fitness and commitment to the program.  

WAFL Pathways Manager Darren Davis said the Academy program aimed to provide a team and coaching environment in which every individual had the opportunity to develop.

“It’s also a chance to display their talent, leadership and work ethic in an environment that prepares players for progression to WAFL Colts or the WAFL State 18s Academy,” he said.

“We are confident that we have put together a group of talented young footballers who are more than capable of matching it with their peers.”

East Perth also has two players who will represent the World team that will play in Division 3 of the Championships.  Eric Bashemule (Morley Bulldogs) and Tarir Bayok (Ellenbrook) were named in the AFL World team that will be coached by former Carlton star, Anthony Koutifides.

Koutoufides, who is from an Italian and Greek background, said he is excited to coach the World Team for the second year in a row.

“The World Team provides international and multicultural AFL players with elite training, personal development and AFL talent pathway opportunities.

“I hope to uncover great talent and lead the team to success again this year after we won the Division Three title in 2013.”

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES

Division 1

Game 1: Saturday July 5 - 9.30am                           WA vs VIC M                                      Metricon Stadium

Game 2: Tuesday July 8 - 11.00am                          WA vs VIC C                                      Metricon Stadium

Game 3: Friday July 11 - 9.45am                              WA vs SA                                          Southport

Division 3

Game 1: Sunday 6 July - 3.40pm                              WANW vs Boomerangs               Broadbeach

Game 2: Wednesday 9 July - 9.00am                     WANW vs South Pacific                 Broadbeach

Game 3: Saturday 12 July - 9.30am                         WANW vs World                           Metricon 2