West Australian Football

Following a player-driven voting process, Subiaco midfielder Daniel Rich has been named as captain of the WA State 18s side ahead of the team’s 2008 NAB National 18s Championship campaign.

Athletic ruckman Nicholas Naitanui and Matt DeBoer have been appointed the team’s two vice captains. All three of these players were involved in the successful 2007 team and were voted unanimously by their peers as the players to lead the team into the 2008 championships.

The process for the selection of the leadership group was driven by the players and the coaching staff was excited by the players chosen.

“All of the boys selected display some excellent leadership traits. We sometimes forget that they are still only 18 years old and for young men of that age, they really do conduct themselves in an outstanding fashion,” said Jon Haines, the West Australian Football Commission’s Talent and Coaching Manager.

“Not only are these three young men outstanding footballers, but they are tremendous citizens, all with their own set of individual characteristics. They are a credit to their families and their football clubs and we have no doubt that they will represent WA with pride and integrity.”

The WA State 18’s complete their preparation for their Round 1 NAB National 18s Championship game on Sunday, June 1 with a final practice game tomorrow (May 24) against the West Australian Country Football League State side at Fremantle Oval. The final squad will then be announced at the WA State 18s jumper presentation on Monday May 26th at Subiaco Oval.

State 18s current squad

Claremont  -- Tom Swift, Dylan Ross, Matt DeBoer, James Klause, Jess Laurie
East Fremantle -- James Bayliss, Kane Lucas, Nicholas Olds, Brad Sheppard
East Perth -- Mitchell Duncan, Daniel Murray, Hamish Shepheard
Peel -- Johnny Bennell, Anthony Morabito, Chris Luff
Perth -- Blake Warner, Rhys Peedle, Alistair Smith, Kane Goodwin, Joel Fiegert, Michael Mather
South Fremantle -- Mitch Marsh
Subiaco -- Daniel Rich
Swan Districts -- Clint Garlett, Neville Jetta, Nicholas Naitanui, Clancee Pearce, Michael Walters, Chris Yarran, Lance Daly
West Perth -- Stephen Hill

WA State 18s NAB Championship fixtures