WITH almost 470 AFL games and four premierships between them, West Coast Eagles life members Peter Matera and Chris Lewis stand as two of the finest AFL players to come out of WA.
And for young indigenous football talent, there are few better players to learn from than the former Eagles stars.
The pair is helping with a new youth program run by the Swan Districts Football Club, which focuses on identifying the best local indigenous footballers and giving them a chance to join the club’s development system.
Matera said the five-week program, which looks to develop life skills as well as football talent, had been a great success so far.
“We have had a great response from the local community regarding the program,” he said.
“Myself, Chris and (former Richmond forward) Andrew Krakouer are involved in mentoring and delivering positive feedback and information on leadership, teamwork, (and) healthy lifestyle.
“(We) provide the boys with life skills that will give them the confidence to succeed in their personal life and for their local sporting community.”
The 1992 Norm Smith Medallist hinted that there could be some significant future talent coming through the program at the club that has helped launch the careers of a number of indigenous AFL players in recent years.
“We have the staff and coaches to provide the young indigenous boys in our program the opportunity and the pathways to succeed as footballers in the local community or as a WAFL player,” he said.
“Will there be a star? Only time will tell.”