Endorsed by the WA Football Commission
Our specialist AFL Program provides comprehensive skill development, strength and fitness to improve performance and game play strategies and tactics which provides students with the opportunity to perform at their best.
The Program is endorsed by the WA Football Commission and gives students the opportunity to fast track their development along the AFL pathway within associated WAFL/AFL Club Development Programs.
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?
Darren Rumble
Program Coordinator & 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
Program Coordinator & 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
Selection Process
- Entry into our Specialist 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