High Performance AFL Program

Endorsed by the WA Football Commission

Mission Statement

To provide a quality program which fast tracks the player’s development along their Australian Football League pathway within the associated WAFL/AFL Club Development Programs.

To provide quality academic, sporting, and personal opportunities for talented students from Year 7 to Year 12.

The program follows the National curriculum established by the AFL.

What does the program entail?

• 4 hours per week developing their skills including fitness and team strategies and tactics.
• Included in the 4 hours is the highly regarded Sport Science Program incorporating a focus on diet, nutrition, sports medicine courses, psychology, recovery and rehabilitation, coaching and refereeing
• Opportunities to compete in SSWA Competitions at Zone, Regional and State levels
• Opportunities to compete against leading Private Schools (PSA)
• Specialised skills development including role play and game based training
• Individual programs for players
• Strength and conditioning programs
• Sprint coaching
• Fitness Assessment twice a year with formal feedback provided

How does the program work?

• The program follows the National curriculum established by the AFL.
• To better prepare them for entry into WAFL Development Squads and the AFL system.
• There is a heavy emphasis on individual offensive and defensive fundamentals and also teaches advanced team principles of play.  Players are conditioned to absorb pressure by hand and foot.
• Players have the opportunity to gain certificates in coaching and umpiring.
• The program is supplemented with a full academic curriculum, with the opportunities to gain University Entrance, TAFE Entry or complete a Certificate II in Sport.
• Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and pastoral care needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.
• In Years 10-12 students have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne during the July holidays to attend AFL fixtures, participate in elite training sessions and play against Victoria’s Specialist AFL Schools.

How does the program link to AFL clubs?

• All players are required to be members of a WAFC affiliated Junior Club.
• The program complements programs conducted by WAFL and AFL Development Programs.
• Through our AFL network and relationships with National and State coaches, all players are provided with a multitude of opportunities to enhance their AFL careers.
• Visit the WAFC website for more information on their programs and clubs.

Who are the coaches?

Shaun Clifford
AFL Program Coordinator

Coaching Roles
Level 2 AFL Accredited Coach
East Fremantle Football Club – WAFL Colts Assistant Coach
Perth Football Club – WAFL Colts Assistant Coach
DRSC  – 1st XVIII Head Coach

Playing Career
Perth Demons – WAFL Player
Subiaco Lions Football Club – WAFL Player

Darren Rumble
AFL Program Coach

Player Development Roles
Gold Coast Suns Football Club – Personal Excellence Coordinator
West Australian Talent Pathways – Wellbeing and Development Coordinator

Coaching Roles
Subiaco Football Club – Senior Program Assistant Coach
Subiaco Football Club – Development Academy Head Coach
Subiaco District Coaching Co-ordinator

West Australian Talent Pathways
WA State Academy Assistant Coach

Playing Career
Subiaco Football Club – 229 WAFL Games
Subiaco Football Club – 6 WAFL Premierships
Subiaco Football Club – 5 WA State Representative
Fremantle Dockers Football Club – AFL Rookie List Player

Brad Smith
AFL Program Coach

Player Development Roles
Schools and Community Development Officer- 5 years with West Coast Eagles
Recruiting Officer- 10 years with West Coast Eagles

Coaching Roles
WA Under 18 team – Forwards coach

West Australian Talent Pathways
WA State Academy Assistant Coach

Playing Career
Subiaco Football Club – 143 WAFL Games, 3 x WAFL Premierships
Subiaco Football Club – 2  WA State Representative
Subiaco Football Club – 4 Bernie Naylor Medals
Subiaco Football Club – Simpson Medallist 2007
Subiaco Football Club – Runner-up Sandover Medal
Subiaco Football Club – Club Champion 2007
West Coast Eagles – 2004 draftee

What has the program achieved?

• AFL & AFLW Representatives
• WAFL & WAFLW State Representatives
• WAFL State 16’s & State 18’s Representatives
• SSWA State 15’s Representatives
• All Australian Representative player
• 2020 Simply Energy Cup Champions (Cable Division)
• 2019 Year 9 Zone Carnival Champions
• 2019 Selection of male students in U/18 State team
• 2018 Upper School Finalists (Cable Division)
• 2018 Year 7 Finalists (Eagles Cup)
• 2018 WAFL debut of 4 former AFL program students
• 2018 Selection of student to U/16 All Australian male squad
• 2018 Selection of 2 students to Fremantle Football Club female squad
• 2018 Selection of 2 students to the State Schools U15 female and male squad
• 2017 Upper School RediMed Cup Finalists (Jakovich Division – B division)
• 2017 Zone Carnival Premiers Years 7, 8 and 9
• 2017 Year 8 and 9 girls AFL Fremantle Dockers Semi Finalists
• 2017 WAFL debut of 2 former AFL program students
• 2016 RediMed Cup Champions (Cable Division)
• 2016 Freo Dockers Cup Champions (White Division)
• 2015 RediMed Cup Champions (Cable Division)
• 2014 Sports Ready Cup Champions (Cable Division)
• 2014 Schoolsport WA Year 10 State Champions
• 2013 Schoolsport WA Year 10 State Champions
• 2013 WAFC Cup 8/9 Runner Up Champions
• 2012 WAFC Cup 8/9 State Champions
• 2011-2012 Sports Ready Cup Semi Finalists
• 2007 & 2008 Reconciliation Cup Champions
• 2006 & 2007 Belt Up Cup Semi Finalists
• Sports Ready Cup Zone Champions since its inception in 2006
• A Zone Champions Years 8, 9 & 10

Selection Process

• Entry into our High Performance Sport Programs is through a selection process.
• All applicants must complete a physical tryout (Stage 1).
• If the applicant is successful for Stage 1, we will require copies of the last two (2) school reports to assess your child’s academic and behavioural achievements (Stage 2).
• If  your child is successful in both stages, they will be offered a position in their chosen program.
• Written communication will be sent advising the outcome of your child’s application.

Enquiries

If you have any queries regarding the trial or enrolment process, please contact our Enrolments Officer on 9453 0139 or at darlingrange.sc.enrolments@education.wa.edu.au.