The West Coast Eagles State Amateur under 23-team will face their first test of the year on Friday night when they host the WA Country Football League at Warnbro Sporting Complex.

The match will be the first of two West Coast Eagles State Amateur under 23’s games, with the second game against the Tasmania under 23-team on June 9th at Brownes Stadium in Lathlain.

Coach of the West Coast Eagles State Amateur under 23’s side Daine Burnett said even though the team’s main focus is taking on the Tasmanians in June, they will still be giving it their all against the Country League next week.

Burnett said that the 50 players currently on the list were a side lacking size, but boasting skill and experience.

“Size will be a concern for us against some of the taller stronger bodies of the country side, however we have had a few more sessions than the country boys” he said.

“This will enable us to know a little more about the playing style we are trying to incorporate” Burnett said the boy’s strengths were their ability to move the ball very quickly, as well as being on the move for a majority of the game.

“We will look to control the contested ball opportunities and create open options as much as possible with quick and concise ball movement.”

“The impression so far has been that the players are very skilful, with a good understanding of the game.”

“I think it will be a close contest and a lot will depend on the availability of players from both sides.”

This under 23s match is the main preparation for the state game against the Tasmanians at Brownes Stadium on June 9th, which marks the second year of the 2012-2014 tri-annual series.

2012 saw the Victorian Amateur Football Association under 23-team beat Western Australia by 42 points in Victoria.

In order to stay competitive within in 2012 – 2014 tri-annual series, WA must take away a win this year.

The tri-annual series is a three year series between WA, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania where each side plays each other once in a round robin format with the team at the top of the ladder at the end of the series being crowned champion.

The West Coast Eagles State Amateur under 23-team finished the last tri-annual series in second place on percentage, defeating the eventual champions Victoria as well as Tasmania, but narrowly losing to South Australia in the final game.

This years’ West Coast Eagles State Amateur under 23-squad will be looking to win two from two this year, taking wins away from the WA Country Football League and Tasmania.

The West Coast Eagles State Amateur Colts will start their campaign against the WA State 16’s on Sunday 9th June at Brownes Stadium, before taking on the WA Country Football League in Northam on 27th July.

Bounce down for the West Coast Eagles State amateur under 23’s match against the WA Country Football League is at 7.00pm, Friday the 24th May, with free admission and full bar facilities.

We would like to advise all clubs that the WAAFL office will be closed from 12pm on Friday, 17th May.

This afternoon closure is due to the West Coast Eagles v North Melbourne game being held at Patersons Stadium on Friday evening.

We apologise for any inconvenience, and would appreciate any outstanding paperwork be submitted as soon as possible.

Michael Bardsley, most notably from Bullcreek Leeming Amateur Football Club, knows the acknowledgment of The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award all too well, being recognised as the winner in 2012 and receiving a trip for two to the AFL grand final, marching in the Grand Final parade and mixed with AFL legends.

Monday 13 May started National Volunteer Week for 2013, a time when The Sunday Times requests worthy volunteers be nominated for the The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award.

The West Australian football community will recognise some of the game’s most valuable assets, with the West Australian Football Commission conducting a variety of events and functions over the nomination period (May 13 to July 12) to acknowledge and thank volunteers.

At the end of the season, a Volunteer Award will be presented in each of WA’s 17 Football Districts and Regions.

Each of the District and Regional winners will be invited with a guest to the 2013 Sandover Medal count, where each will be acknowledged for their efforts among some of WA Football’s finest contributors.

The overall State winner of The Sunday Times Volunteer of the Year Award will also be announced on the night and receive a trip for two to the 2013 AFL Grand Final, including flights, accommodation and tickets to the Grand Final breakfast function.

Last year more than 1480 nominations were received, with East Fremantle District volunteer Michael Bardsley named overall winner for his commitment over 20 years to a number of different clubs.

The WAAFL encourages all clubs to nominate a worthy volunteer, with Nominations closing on Friday, July 12.

To nominate someone deserving of the award please complete the form online here.

Image: The 2012 Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Michael Bardsley receiving his award from West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold at the Sandover Medal count.