2017 PTFC OCEAN HILL ACADEMY PROGRAM WRAP UP

The Ocean Hill Peel Thunder Academy  program has wrapped up for the 2017 season, with the WAFL development carnival held over the September/October holidays. 

The carnival saw the 5 Peel Thunder sides (Year 8 Premier and Development, Year 9 Premier and Development and Year 10) play 4 games across the 2 weeks against Claremont, South West, South Fremantle and Perth, and has given players the ability to test themselves against the best players their age in the state. 

The Year 8 program was designed to give players an understanding of the basic requirements of WAFL football and an introduction to the club environment. The program was heavily focussed on skill development and developing an understanding of the style of football expected as they progress through the club. The squad was coached by Lee Dawson who was assisted by Craig Lindsay, Craig Gault, Theo Kearing and Neville Litchfield. Both the premier and development squads won 2 games and lost 2 through the carnival. 

The year 9 program was designed to continue to improve skill development whilst also aiming to develop players tactical understanding and development. A heavy focus was on teaching elements such as stoppage work, style of play, and defensive skills to prepare the players for under 16 football. The squad was well coached by Michael Glassborow with assistant coaches Pierce Dawson, Darren Dews, Shane Myers, Jayden Heuer, Steve Markham and Kevin Dalgetty. The premier side won 2 games and lost 2 games, whilst the development side won 3 games and lost 1 over the carnival. 

The year 10 program was focussed on developing players for colts and 16s football, with an emphasis on continuing to develop players game understanding and decision making skills. Coached by Chris McMahon and with assistance from Garry Monger, Mark and Tom Spence and Aaron Ballantyne, the squad won 1 of their 4 games. 

Talent Manager John Deitz said "The Ocean Hill Peel Thunder Academy program has been a year long program to develop players individually, whilst also teaching the style of football we want to play as a club. The games gave us a great opportunity to see all players under the pressure of game situations and allows us to provide feedback for individual players to improve their game to hopefully achieve their potential. It was great we were competitive in all games and saw some good signs that we have a talented crop of players coming through our pathway."

Players will receive their feedback over the coming week via email. Any players who haven't received their feedback by COB Friday 20/10 can contact John at pdo@peelthunder.com.au to have it sent out.