Teenager primed for WAFL tilt

Wandering teenager Mitchell Brown, pictured, hopes to represent WA at this year’s under-18 national championships as he prepares for his first season at WAFL level with South Fremantle’s colts team.

Brown was selected in the 2019-20 NAB AFL Academy WA squad late last year, a 28-strong group of talented footballers that take part in the programin the lead-up to the national championships.

The 17-year-old will play colts for South Fremantle this season in the WAFL after a breakout 2019 when he played 10 WAFL futures games for the Bulldogs and was part of the WA under-16s side.

At that national carnival, Brown was named in the best players for WA in three of the four games, helping him earn selection in the AFL Academy.

Brown said it was an awesome feeling to be part of the State program.

“It’s pretty special to be recognised as a footy talent — I’m honoured to play for my State and to get selected in the talent hub,” he said.

“Growing up in the country helped me a lot, I think.

“I got to play senior footy a lot earlier than most people.

“It really helped me playing against bigger bodies and smarter footballers.

“My goal this year would be to play for the State 18s, that’s pretty big for me.”

“I will just continue to follow my program and do extra before and after my trainings.”

Brown managed to play five games for Boddington in the Upper Great Southern Football League thirds team last year, winning the Beecham Medal for the best and fairest player, and as a 16-year-old played three league games for the Eagles as well.