Deven Robertson is on the way to becoming an AFL football star.
The 16-year-old Northam boy captained the State under-16 football team that defeated South Australia, Victoria Country and Victoria Metro in July.
He was also named WA Carnival Most Valuable Player.
Robertson was recently chosen, along with 22 others, for the Australian Institute of Sport National AFL Academy that will travel to Melbourne in December for a five-day football camp.
During the week-long program, the players train and learn about the game as if they were part of an AFL team.
It was something I enjoyed doing when I was growing up and I kept playing
- Deven Robertson
Last year Deven also represented WA at the National School Sports AFL Championships where he was names in the All Australian Team.
Robertson attended St Joseph’s School in Northam and played junior football growing up.
He said his uncle Darren Glass inspired him to pursue a career in the AFL.
“I was keen to follow in his footsteps,” Robertson said.
“It was something I enjoyed doing when I was growing up and I kept playing.
“In Northam I played more as a social thing but still have mates from when I played then.”
He will be able to enter the draft in 2019, when he turns 18-years-old.
“I’m not too fussed about what team I would play on,” Roberston said.
“If any team gave me the opportunity – it would be great.”
The Aquinas College boarder said he will start training with the Perth Colts this Sunday morning, in the lead up to next season.
State-wide sports grants program lauched
Community TAB of Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) has launched a new grants program where metropolitan and regional sporting clubs in WA are welcome to apply for a grant of up to $4000 to support their club.
Community TAB will provide one grant each month to a sporting club to further their contribution to the sport and recreation industry in WA.
RWWA Chief Executive Officer Richard Burt said it is an exciting new initiative for Community TAB and a great opportunity for sporting clubs.
“We recognise the importance of grass roots sport throughout WA and understand that it takes time and resources to keep a club running within the community,” Mr Burt said.
“RWWA has been supporting the WA sport and recreation industry for many years through providing over $30million of TAB turnover over 10 years to the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR).
Sporting clubs can apply for a grant at communitytab.com.au. Terms and Conditions apply.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
