Ready to go: Joe Williams is prepared to be the sole Far West representative at this year’s AAMI State Youth Championships.
PORT Adelaide has selected their list for the 2012 AAMI State Youth Championships, making their announcement after the Kinlough Cup competition at Ceduna Sports Club on Saturday.
The Port Adelaide Under 17 players departed from their various regions to Adelaide by bus on July 9.
The team played three games, first against Central District at Elizabeth Oval on July 10, North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on July 11 and finally Norwood at Daly Oval on July 12.
The team is made up of Under 17 players from across the Eyre Peninsula, encompassing leagues including Far West, Mid West, Greater Flinders and Eastern Eyre.
The Kinlough Cup, along with the Power Cup, has been a vital part of Port Adelaide’s Talented Player Pathway.
Port Adelaide has used the Kinlough Cup as a chance to view the players up close before selecting the team
From last year’s Kinlough Cup, 28 players have played with Port Adelaide’s Under 16 or Under 18 teams so far this year.
This is seen as a great opportunity for the 25 players and four reserves selected to take part in this year’s Youth Championships.
In total, three Mid West players and one Far West player was selected for this year’s team.
Joe Williams of Blues was the only Far West player to be selected for the team and said he was excited to be selected.
“I’m a bit nervous about going over to the Youth Championships but it should be a good experience,” he said.
“I’m hoping from this experience it will help develop my skills and knowledge in the long run, and hopefully lead to playing in the SANFL.”
Callum Cook of Western Districts, Tyler Chapman of Central Eyre and Matthew Williams of Elliston were selected from Mid West, while Rhys Kelsh of Elliston was selected as an emergency.
Tyler Chapman was selected for the Under 15 team in the past and said it was a great surprise after playing in the Kinlough Cup.
“It was good to learn after playing in the Kinlough Cup and I plan to make the most of this opportunity,” he said.
“I am hoping to bring my skills and experience back to use for the club.”
Matthew Williams was selected for the Under 15 team in 2010 and the Under 17 team last year, so he knows what to expect from the competition ahead.
Matthew said it’s a good opportunity for the Eyre Peninsula players to fully display their skills.
“It’s pretty overwhelming to learn you will be representing Eyre Peninsula and getting a chance to display your skills,” he said.
“The Championships bring good exposure to Eyre Peninsula football.”
Selected players
Callum Cook (Western Districts)
Tom Gray (Eastern Rangers)
Glen Dunning (Lincoln South)
Harley Bodger (Weeroona Bay)
Tyler Chapman (Central Eyre)
Tom Muecke (Tasmans)
Justin Mills (Cowell)
Ryder Thomas (Waybacks)
Jack Vigar (West Whyalla)
Joe Walker (Tumby Bay)
Lochie Paech (Cougars)
Ben Glover (United Yeelanna)
Joe Williams (Blues)
Matthew Williams (Elliston)
Michael Karoussis (Roopena)
Travis Beard (Lock)
Jaedyn Rayner (Kimba Districts)
Dominic Papazoglov (Bostons)
Dylan Wandner (Cougars)
Ciaran Hollingworth-Hughes (West Whyalla)
Tom Phelps (Cougars)
Brandon Dix (South Whyalla)
Fraser Kessling (Kimba Districts)
Sid Masters (Ports)
Alex Will (Eyre United)