Four WA country boys were selected at the 2011 NAB AFL draft. This continues the recent outstanding results for the country players in the draft.
Three of the boys will get their first taste of AFL action, whilst Beau Wilkes will return to the AFL following an outstanding year in the WAFL.
This will add to the 73 boys from country WA that were on AFL lists in 2011.
With the rookie draft still to come, country players such as Marley Williams (North Albany), Myles Bolger (Manjimup), Haiden Schloithe (Katanning), Kyal Horsley (Kalgoorlie) and Waylon Manson (Kimberley), will all be looking forward to having an opportunity to showcase their talents at the highest level.
Details of the draftees are listed below:
22. Josh Bootsma - Carlton
Club: South Fremantle / North Albany
Age: 18
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 78 kg
"Tall dashing defender that had an outstanding second half of the season with South Fremantle Colts, playing in their winning 2011 Premiership side.”
32. Joel Hamling - Geelong
Club: Claremont / Cable Beach FC
Age: 18
Height: 194cm
Weight: 78kg
“Mobile forward playing in the Colts in WAFL who can also play in defence. Impressive for WA against NT and Tasmania in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, averaging five marks.”
65. Corey Gault - Collingwood
Club: Swan Districts / Mazenod College / Brookton Pingelly
Age: 18
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 84 kg
“Represented WA at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. He played in three games, averaging 10 hit outs, after injury had restricted his availability. He is a naturally a very athletic player who is still developing his craft in the ruck.”
68. Beau Wilkes - St. Kilda
Club: Claremont / West Coast / Railways Albany
Age: 25
Height: 194 cm
Weight: 93 kg
"Had a strong year in the WAFL with Claremont playing as a key forward and was instrumental in their 2011 Premiership, winning the Simpson Medal as best on ground."
