AFL Football

Coaching Staff

All our coaching staff are highly qualified, bringing extensive AFL playing and coaching experience. Program Coordinator Mclaine Thomson has played for numerous local clubs across the Perth metropolitan area and the Pilbara region for over 20 years. With four years of school coaching experience, he is dedicated to developing young footballers, refining their skills, and instilling strong community values. His passion for the game and commitment to player growth make him a valuable leader in the program.

Pre-season Camps, Regional, and Interstate Tours

Students are exposed to a variety of tours and experiences. Two cohorts have travelled to Melbourne for a football tour in the past, where they learned about the game’s history and attended AFL matches. Future tours will include games against other regional schools, preseason team-building camps, and regional tours.

Facilities and Resources

Ellenbrook Secondary College Football Academy students have access to a state-of-the-art fitness suite, featuring equipment such as treadmills, rowers, weight machines, plyometric gear, boxing equipment, free weights, resistance tools, and recovery machines. Students also use heart-rate monitors and GPS game tracking monitors. Coaches record training and game footage to help correct skill errors and enhance player technique. Additionally, students have access to State Swim Ellenbrook for recovery and hydrotherapy. In 2020, Richmond FC Premiership player Nathan Broad visited the college to run a clinic for Year 9 and 10 students.

Prerequisites

This course is specifically for students who are experienced in playing to the club standard in football – this is an intensive course that requires a good level of skill, also a clear understanding of the rules and regulations of the game. Parents will be required to sign a contract to secure a place in this course and students may be removed from this program, should their behaviour or standard of participation be deemed unacceptable.

• It is expected that students partaking in this course are actively involved in Ellenbrook Secondary College’s after school football teams.
• Students are expected to come to AFL Specialist with their PE uniform. Failure to bring their uniform regularly will result in removal from class.
• Students’ attendance at school needs to be 90% or higher to remain in the course.
• Students must behave in accordance with ESC’s behaviour management plan in all classes across the college to remain a suitable candidate for the course.

Application Process  NOW OPEN!

To be in the ALF Specialist Program, students must:

• Submit an AFL Application Form.
• Attend a trial at Ellenbrook Secondary College Oval on one of the following dates:
  • 15 September 2025
  • 8 December 2025
• If successful, students will be offered a place in the academy. To confirm acceptance, complete a general Ellenbrook SC Enrolment Form.

Note: Football clinics for Year 5 and 6 students of all abilities will be held at Ellenbrook Secondary College Oval in Term 4, focusing on fundamentals and basic skills.