Academy Flourishing

On Wednesday 7 February Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar School inducted 49 new students from years 5 to 9 into their AFL/W Academy. This takes the number of participants to over 100, with the girls AFLW cohort proving to be just as popular as the boys AFL program.

The students were treated to an address from special guest Mr Barry Cable who is a four time Simpson medal winner, five-time WAFL premiership player and three time Sandover medal recipient. Barry also presented the students with their AFL/W polo shirts and some words of advice. Mr Cable emphasised the importance of family, parental support, education and of course sport in not only being a successful sportsman, but also being a good person.

"Family comes first and foremost and always will, next comes your education and then your sport." said Mr Cable. "Take this fantastic opportunity and work hard to do yourself proud…and if you make a mistake that's ok. We all do, but it's how you handle yourself after you make the mistake which shapes the person you become."

Head of the AFL/W Academy Mr James Bristow also emphasised the importance of not just being a good sportsperson but also a great member of the community we live in.

"I hope you take this opportunity with both hands and that this academy not only teaches you to be good football players, but more importantly how to be good people" Mr Bristow expressed.

Year 12 student Kate Inglis-Hodge was acknowledged as the inaugural ambassador for the Academy. Principal Ms Patricia Rodrigues said Kate was the perfect example of the values of what the School and academy stand for in Integrity, Humility and Community.

"Kate is not only our Head Girl, Sport Prefect and AFL/W Academy Ambassador but is also at only 16 years of age, the Captain of the East Fremantle Under 18's side and has won the Best and Fairest for the past two years" said Ms Rodrigues. "She depicts the hard work and 'can do' attitude of a great leader, sportswoman and person. I hope that you (academy students) can use Kate's experience and success as something to aspire to".

Applications to trial for entry into the SJGS AFL/W Academy for the remainder of 2018 and/or entry in 2019 are now open. See www.sjgs.wa.edu.au for more information about the Academy, Coaches and application process.

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