West Australian Football

WA has named a near full strength team of 22 for its Round 3 NAB National 18s Championships game against Vic Country tomorrow at Subiaco Oval.

AFL / AIS Academy scholarship holder Anthony Morabito returns to the squad after a five-week lay off with a hamstring injury. Morabito played his first game back from injury last weekend for Peel Thunder colts and emerged from the game feeling confident of his chances in the upcoming NAB National 18s Championships.

“Anthony is a class act and we are very excited to have him at a stage where he is ready to play at this level,” WAFC Talent and Coaching Manager Jon Haines said.

“He has been through a stringent recuperative program and given that he is such a unique talent we have taken a very cautious approach with his recovery. We are hopeful that he’ll be able to make a significant contribution in our remaining three championship games.”

The squad did not play last weekend due to a bye in the fixture which provided the opportunity for many of the players to re-join their WAFL club or school team.

“This was the first time that the State 18s program has had this situation and it worked extremely well,” Haines said.

“The WAFL clubs, and in particular the WAFL coaches, should be congratulated for the way in which the players’ welfare has been prioritized.

“It was also pleasing to see all the players who did play for their WAFL club perform to such a high standard. To see them make significant contributions for their respective clubs was a credit to their preparation and professionalism.”

The game against Vic Country starts at 2.30pm and will be played as the curtain-raiser to the West Coast versus Geelong game.

Following this game, WA will have another bye before flying to Melbourne on July 3 for their final two games against Tasmania and Vic Metro.

Team of 22 for June 21 game v Vic Country.

Alistair SMITH
Stephen HILL
Matthew DEBOER
Nicholas OLDS
Neville JETTA
Kane LUCAS
Daniel RICH
Bradley SHEPPARD
James KLAUSE
Dylan ROSS
Michael WALTERS
Jesse LAURIE
Mitchell DUNCAN
Clancee PEARCE
Christopher LUFF
Hamish SHEPHEARD
John BENNELL
Anthony MORABITO
Michael MATHER
Christopher YARRAN
Lance DALY
Nicholas NAITANUI

WA State 18s remaining NAB Championship fixtures

Saturday 21st June - WA v Vic Country - Subiaco Oval - 2.30pm
Saturday 5th July - WA v Tasmania - Casey Fields - 10.00am
Wednesday 9th July - WA v Vic Metro - Telstra Dome - 2.30pm