Western Sydney locals looking to impress at AFL trials

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Western Sydney locals will be looking to become future members of Team GWS' Academy following their selection in the Pioneers squads for the upcoming Joss State Zone Trials in Albury.
Having already made their way through a number of training sessions since early August the top 24 players have been chosen in the Pioneers' under 13 and under 14 teams. Full team list is attached, including players' local club.

The time is now for players to impress with Team GWS looking for members of its 2011 Academy while in Albury for the AFL (NSW/ACT) Joss State Zone Trials from October 4 to 7.

Already this year, NSW/ACT players Kurt Aylett, Sam Schulz, Anthony Miles, Mark Whiley, Jacob Townsend and Josh Bruce have joined the AFL's 18th club based in Sydney's west.

This number is likely to rise in the coming years with the introduction of the state of the art Academies for Team GWS and the Sydney Swans.

AFL (NSW/ACT) State Talent Manager Darren Denneman said it is an exciting time to be playing AFL in the state and territory.

"To have the academy programs and the quality of resources available presents itself with a unique opportunity for players in our market," Denneman said.

The Joss State Zone Trials provides players with a rare opportunity to come together to compare and compete against other AFL aspirants from around NSW and the ACT.

Denneman said he encourages all players to take advantage of their selection for the Joss trials.

"For four days, players must maximise access to coaches and staff, by seeking feedback relevant to team and individual performances," he said.

"AFL is a team game and you can't operate without others. From our point of view we've got teams of 24 and they get rotated regularly.

"The fact is they [the teams and players] come from different towns and different geographies so they really need to find a way to gel quickly and put their best foot forward as a group.

"We always know that the most successful groups have the most number of players selected in All-Australian sides and those types of things."
Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6593