When the Footscray Bulldogs formed their list, they made a deliberate ploy to target rising talent in the Western Region Football League (WRFL) – the Club’s junior partner.
The ongoing commitment to developing and supporting young footballers in Melbourne’s west is a priority of the Bulldogs and the opportunity to play VFL with Footscray further strengthens the partnership.
“We think it’s important that we have got a good relationship with all the leagues but the WRFL obviously is our local competition,” Development Manager Chris Maple said.
“We are rapt to have some of the boys that got named in the team of the year and have been really strong players in the WRFL.”
The chance to be involved in a professional football program will no doubt benefit both the individual players as well as the WRFL league, as they capitalise on the development pathway.
“They also know that we are running an elite development program and they want to be part of that because it is making them a better player here and back at their club,” he said.
“They are excited that they either play senior VFL football or they go and play senior football at their club.”
WRFL General Manager of Football Operations, David Newton, said the Footscray VFL side brings with it a range of opportunities to build and enhance the relationship from senior and grassroots football through to community initiatives.
“We are excited by the continuing growth of the partnership… certainly those who are fans of the Bulldogs have no better access than being involved in the WRFL,” Newton said.
“We’ve got an AFL club on our doorstep that we are working closely with and it is already paying off with some of our younger talent getting opportunities to represent the Bulldogs.
“Whitten Oval has been a venue to host finals for the WRFL in years gone by… so with all the developments that are hopefully going to occur in the short-medium term, it might see us having the ability to host finals here as well.”
Footscray Bulldogs list so far:
VFL: Darcy Fort (South Barwon/Werribee), Jordan Keras (Werribee)
WRFL: Michael Fogarty (Spotswood) Jase Perkins (Port Colts) Todd Finco (Albion) Christian Elliott (Spotswood)
Ballarat League: Hayden Walters (East Ballarat)
VAFA: Nick Jamieson (Old Scotch) Jordan Clarke (Old Scotch)
