TALENT DEVELOPMENT & COUNTRY ZONE REPORT

Garry Addison 2021 saw the return to regular programming for the Subiaco Talent after the COVID-19 affected 2020 season and now with Talent being back in the hands of the Club. The full football season saw over 225 players pulling on the maroon and gold for a game across the Club’s four talent programs; and what looks like a bright future ahead for the Subiaco Football Club.

COLTS

2021 was a tough season for the group, losing some senior players to injury as well as state, school and senior teams made it difficult for the group to get a solid run, however, this did provide opportunities to our younger players to get a taste of colt’s. It was fantastic to see 55 players get an opportunity to play throughout the year with 11 given the chance to train with seniors, which six of those playing senior games in 2021. Well done to Jake South for making Colts Team of the Year, Jed Kemp runner up in the Jack Clarke medal and Matthew Johnson, Neil Erasmus, Jake South and Richie Farmer for being selected as WA State 19s Representatives. A huge thank you to the coaching team lead by Chayce Creedy and assistants John Mansbridge, Jason Hoskins, Josh Leunig, Brett Davis and manager Karen South. Your collective expertise and efforts were invaluable, in not only developing the groups football skills but also helping them mature into young men. Thanks also to Sam Harvey, Andy Bottega, James McKee and the trainer team for running rehab, strength and condition in what was a difficult year with injuries.

TALENT SQUADS

Although we don’t focus on winning games through our development programs, a congratulations must go to the coaching and playing group for almost going through undefeated, only losing one game by one point across the 16 matches in the development competitions. The teams were coached by Subiaco talent veterans Stuart Page and David Emes. Page coached another undefeated Futures campaign in the lead up to the WAFL season. Across the six matches, 43 boys pulled on the jumper for Subiaco including 10 from our Goldfields regional district with Koltyn Tholstrup and Tyzreise Clark being picked to represent the WA in the 17s State Academy as underagers. Thanks to Stuart Page and the support team of Steve Elliot, Steve Sadowski and David Emes and team manager ‘Uncle’ Bill Quartermaine, your knowledge and generosity is very appreciated. Our 14’s and 15’s development squads played off in the July and October school holidays in what turned out to be very average conditions. All four teams pulled together well considering only having a 10-week training block in the lead up to the games, managing seven wins from eigtht games. More impressive was the dedication to the program and development of skills from the group over the short training block. Subiaco’s talent program wouldn’t be possible, let alone successful without the continued support from the pathway sponsors, thanks to the following; our Subiaco Talent naming partner AE Hoskins Building Services and our game day sponsors Topolinis and Vision Financial Strategies.

Stuart Berryman

GOLDFIELDS REGIONAL ZONE

Firstly, an acknowledgement to both Graeme Borchet and Stuart Tholstrup on a successful Goldfields Football League and Esperance Districts Football Association season in 2021. The great final series of both competitions summed up what was a strong and equal competition and it’s great to see participation building especially in women’s football. The relationship between Subiaco and our regional district is vital for the continued success of our Club. A mountain of work goes into the Lions Pride Academy and giving the most talented players in the region an opportunity to travel around and represent Subiaco and their league in carnival matches. The year 9, 10 and Women GFL/EDFA Zone Carnival at the start of the year was a success where both leagues battled for bragging rights. Mid-year saw the Kulin Colts Carnival, both the GFL and EFDA performing exceptionally well with the GFL colts almost taking out the carnival, narrowly losing to a very strong Peel Districts team. The highlight though was the Goldfields representative year 10 team dominating the carnival in Perth over the July school holidays coached by Kody Kelman. There is a tonne of upcoming talent in the region and without the support from a bunch of volunteers, these guys would go unnoticed. Thanks to Rhett Foster and Mike Perry for coaching the Lions Pride academy and bridging the gap the players face when they come up to Perth. To Brent Gouge and Kody Kelman for the huge effort bringing the Year 10s to Perth for the carnival. To Brendon Simpson, Terri Tholstrup and Kate Ainsworth for you administration efforts and always making a regional trip enjoyable. Lastly to Gemma Harrison for the ongoing support connecting Subiaco with the Goldfields region and developing football in the area.

A last thanks goes to everyone at Subiaco Football Club, from the top with President Mark Lawrence, CEO Peter Capes and the board for the support and trust in the Talent program. To Beau Wardman and Kristian Dicton, thanks for the guidance and congratulations on the year. Finally, to office team of Zac, Debbie, Teigan and Mack, cheers for the unwavering support. 2021 was a different looking year for the talent program but a successful year overall for the Club and with the talent coming through the system, it looks like that success will carry on.