Specialist Australian Rules Football Program

The Wanneroo Secondary College Specialist Australian Football Program is designed to provide male and female students with ongoing development in the skills and attributes needed to play Australian Rules Football. The program aims to develop each student’s individual strength of character and personal skills which are essential in emerging as leaders, both on and off the field as well as within the College.

Wanneroo Secondary College has a strong reputation in the football community. The program is one of a select few endorsed by both the Department of Education and the West Australian Football Commission. In addition, we have strong links with the West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers and West Perth Football Clubs which provides students with many outstanding opportunities in community football.

We are committed to providing students with the highest standard of coaching and teaching by expertly qualified and experienced staff and provides players with a holistic footballing education including pathways post school.

Celebrating Our Partnership with Fremantle Football Club

Wanneroo Secondary College would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Fremantle Football Club and their Schools Staff for their incredible partnership and support. Their involvement in our Specialist AFL Program provides students with inspiring learning opportunities both on and off the field.

From coaching opportunities and player visits to playing games at their first class facility in Cockburn, our students are motivated to strive for excellence, embody strong FFC values (Team First, Authentic, Heart, Connection & Best Self) and continue developing their skills in AFL. The partnership strengthens our program and helps nurture the next generation of talented athletes and exceptional young people.

We are extremely grateful for the time, knowledge and generosity Fremantle FC shares with our community, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

Thank you, Fremantle Football Club, for being a valued part of the Wanneroo Secondary College family!

Tours

Being a part of the Wanneroo Secondary College Specialist AFL Program gives students insider access and exclusive opportunities in the football community here in Perth and the Home of Football, Melbourne.
Our Melbourne Tour involves attending AFL games, MCG and Marvel Stadium Tours, AFL training sessions and AFL facility tours. Our itinerary varies each year but is always packed with amazing and once-of-a-lifetime opportunities.  Highlights include AFL Club seminars, all access training tours, access to current day players & attending the ANZAC Day Clash.

Tours and Camps to various regional centres including Bunbury, Pinjarra and Dwellingup give students the opportunity to experience what it is like to travel for football. On tours and camps, students play scheduled games against the regional school or academy, in addition take part in fitness training and testing, high performance coaching, skill drills, team building, goal setting exercises and leadership development sessions.

The Coaches

Mr Damian Verazzi

• AFL Coach/Teacher at Wanneroo SC (2012 – present)
• Level 2 AFL Accredited Coach
• Head Coach West Coast Amateurs A-Grade Women’s (2017 – 2021)
• West Perth Assistant 14’s Development Coach (2018 – 2019)
• West Perth Assistant Futures Development Coach (2019 – 2020)
• Fremantle Next Generation Academy (NGA) coach (2020)
• Playing Career: Claremont Colts, University FC,  West Coast AFC (2017-2023)

Mr Brad McCallum

• AFL Coach/Teacher at Wanneroo SC (2019 – present)
• Previously coached AFL at Ballajura CC & Central Midlands SHS
• Level 2 Umpire
• WAAFL / PFL umpire (2010 – present)
• WAAFL Umpire of the Year (2015)
• WAAFL Grand final umpire (2015 & 2018)
• Playing Career: Hamersley Carine AFC, Moora Rovers

Miss Carla Vidovich

• AFL Coach/Teacher at Wanneroo SC (2023)
• Level 1 AFL Accredited Foundation
• Stirling Saints Year 7/8 Head Coach (2017 – 2018)
• WA PFL State Team Vice Captain (2023)
• WA PFL State Team (2022)
• Playing Career: Bassendean FC (2022- present), Swan Districts FC (2021), Northhampton FC (2019), Subiaco Lions Reserves (2015-2018)

STEP 1

Trial Registration

Registrations for our Australian Football Specialist Program Trials open in March and close end of April each year.  In Area applicants need to complete a Specialist Program Application form and a General Enrolment form to register for the trial process. Out of Area applicants need to complete a Specialist Program Application form and an Application to Enrol form to register for the trial process.

STEP 2

Trial Participation

Shortly after the registration process closes, all applicants are emailed a designated trial timeslot for the day. The trials are conducted at Wanneroo Secondary College during which each students’ skills are assessed. The selection process is detailed, and the selectors’ decision is final.  All applicants are advised via email of the outcome of their trial session.

STEP 3

Offer of Placement

Students who are successful in their trial are advised via email.  Relevant information regarding enrolment in the program for the following year is posted out including uniform purchase details and upcoming information/orientation sessions.

STEP 4

Acceptance of Placement

A reply email serves as official acceptance of the offer of placement in the program.

For all enquiries regarding the Australian Football Specialist Program, please contact the Head of Learning Area, Brad McCallum via email: brad.mccallum@education.wa.edu.au