Strong Great Southern flavour in State 18s

The Great Southern will have four members in this year’s WA State 18s Academy, with Tyron Smallwood, Jordan Clark, Tom Baldwin and Anthony Davis to be named in the squad when it is officially released later this week.

Not since 2013, when Darcy Cameron, Steven Edwards and Brenden Abbott were part of the State 18s, has the Great Southern had multiple representatives in the State 18s Academy.

Since moving up from Royals where he starred last season, Smallwood has enjoyed a brilliant start to the WAFL colts season, averaging 27 disposals per game while kicking six goals.

Clark played juniors for Railways before moving to Perth to attend Guildford Grammar and this season is averaging almost 17 possessions across half-back at colts level.

Former Royals forward Baldwin, who hails from Jerramungup, has impressed in his four colts matches this season to earn selection after averaging 16 disposals and four tackles per game.

Borden’s Davis is the fourth Great Southern player picked in the squad and is one of seven younger members of the squad who are in the 17s age group.

The tall utility has averaged 12 touches and kicked three goals in three colts appearances this season.

Both Smallwood and Clark have previously represented WA at State 16s level together, while Davies has also been a part of the WA 16s program.

Claremont talent development officer Warren Parker said it was an outstanding result to have four Great Southern players in line to play at the upcoming National Under-18 Championships.

“To have four in the squad at this stage just shows the talent coming through the region,” Parker said.

“Full credit to the development of the Storm program and the transition each of the boys have made to get to this stage.

“There are no guarantees to play but at this stage I would say Smallwood and Clark will certainly be right up there and once Tommy starts training, they will see his real potential.

“Anthony has been added as a developing tall and he could potentially play as well.”