THE West Australian Football Commission has appointed Michael Pratt to the role of State 18s Head Coach following an extensive selection process involving a number of high quality candidates.
Pratt, 39, is a product of the WAFL and High Performance coaching pathway, having developed under the guidance of highly regarded mentors such as Craig Starcevich, Rob Wiley, Trevor Williams and Mark Neeld .
Pratt, who has also coached WAFL Colts and been an assistant at WAFL League, State 20s and TAC Cup level, said he was looking forward to working with the most talented young players in Western Australia, as well as developing his own coaching credentials.
“I am super excited about getting involved. It is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to getting started,” Pratt said.
“It was a great experience being involved as a midfield coach this year. I stepped away from coaching Colts full time to get involved with the talent academy and I really enjoyed the opportunity.”
WAFC High Performance Manager Craig Starcevich congratulated Pratt on his appointment and said he was an excellent fit for the State 18s program, which aims to not only develop young players but up-skill coaches and support staff for success at an elite level.
“There was an excellent level of interest in the role and the quality of applicants was of the highest standard,” Starcevich said.
“It is great to have a coach like Michael progress through the pathway and into this role. We focus on providing a pathway for everyone that is involved, whether it is a player, coach, assistant coach or trainer.
“Michael is qualified as a Level 3 coach and has the ambition, commitment and experience at both a senior and development level so this is a great appointment for the Academy.”
Pratt commenced as an assistant coach with South Fremantle in 2004 and then spent 2005-07 as an assistant coach at the Western Jets in Victoria’s TAC Cup competition. He returned to WA and coached Peel Thunder Colts to two Grand Finals between 2008 and 2010 and was named WAFL Colts Coach of the Year in 2008.
During his time as Peel Thunder Colts Coach, Pratt saw 19 players progress to League level and five drafted onto an AFL list. He was also involved with WA’s State 20s as an assistant coach in 2009 and 2010 and as an assistant League coach with Peel Thunder and WA’s State 18s side in 2011.
He now runs his own fitness centre after sacrificing a high profile corporate career to focus more on his aspiration of coaching football at an elite level. He will commence in the role immediately, with the first player intake scheduled for late November.
Starcevich also paid tribute to outgoing State 18s coach Brad Wira for his contribution to the State Academy over the last few years.
“Brad has been a wonderful ambassador for the program and instrumental in the development of the players and everyone else he has been involved with,” Starcevich said.
2012 STATE 18s SCHEDULE
June 2 – QLD V WA (Blacktown International Sportspark)
June 10 – WA v NSW/ACT (Patersons Stadium)
June 17 – WA v VIC Country (Patersons Stadium)
June 29 – WA v SA (Skilled Stadium)
July 4 – VIC Metro v WA (Eithad Stadium)
Appointments are still being finalised for a new State 16s Head Coach and Talent Academy assistant coaches.
