There is an air of excitement at Darling Range Sports College as the Telstra AFL Draft approaches this month. Two of the school’s standout athletes, Tylah Williams and Koby Evans, are on the brink of joining the ranks of AFL players. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the college, which holds the distinction of being Western Australia’s first specialist sports institution.
“The year sevens, eights, and nines all look up to Koby and know where he’s headed as one of our year 12s, and Tylah finished school last year, but we’re all really excited for him too,” said Brad Smith, a former West Coast player and recruiter, now a teacher at Darling Range. “Everyone is really keen to see them take the next step.”
Building a Legacy in Sports Education
Darling Range’s impending AFL success is just the tip of the iceberg. The college is actively engaged in nurturing talent across nine high-performance sports programs, including AFL, athletics, baseball, basketball, netball, NRL, soccer, swimming, and triathlon. This comprehensive approach is designed to cater not only to potential professional athletes but also to those who will continue to play at community or state levels.
Smith, who was drafted as a mature-ager for the Eagles in 2004, brings a wealth of experience to the college. Despite knee injuries that curtailed his playing career, he spent over a decade in West Coast’s recruiting department before joining the school. His colleague, Darren Rumble, a six-time WAFL premiership player, coordinates the football program.
Comprehensive Training and Development
Across various year levels, more than 170 students participate in the football programs, including around 30 female players. “We don’t only cater for the very few who might make the AFL,” Smith explained. “We also have to cater for the 98, 99 percent who aren’t going to go on and play AFL and will play community footy or might go to the state league competition over here.”
The college boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including pool facilities, ice baths, and a weights room. Students can engage in up to four sessions a week, focusing on technical skills, rehabilitation, sports science, nutrition, and sports psychology. “They have to comply with all of the requirements in class to attend any games or school carnivals or special events, so there’s a heavy focus on behavior and getting through any academic program they’re working through,” Smith added.
Influential Mentorship and Guidance
Smith has leveraged his connections with the Eagles to bring in special guests, including former teammate Ben Cousins, Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, former West Coast coach John Worsfold, and Australian cricket legend Justin Langer. These interactions provide students with invaluable insights and inspiration.
“Koby has been here from year seven, and he’s a special character,” Smith said. “He’s very well-liked and has an infectious personality. We’ve worked with him to make sure he’s a well-rounded young man, and by year 12, he can transition into life with a lot of skills.”
Tylah Williams, who moved from Tambellup to join the program, has also made a significant impression. “Tylah came up from Tambellup and knocked on our door at the end of year 10 and said, ‘I want to try out for your footy program,'” Smith recalled. “He’s a quiet character, quietly competitive. Darren’s done some great work with him.”
Preparing for the Next Step
Both Williams and Evans are tied to West Coast through its Next Generation Academy as Indigenous prospects. Smith’s experience with scouting teams has been instrumental in preparing the pair for the draft. “We’ve done some mock interviews with them both, so we’ve practiced those answers,” Smith said. “Because I know a lot of the recruiters, I can say, ‘He’s a good guy, that’ll be a conversation’ or ‘They’ll do it this way.’ We spoke about what Draft Combine would be like as well.”
“The main reason I moved to Perth was for my football. When I first went in, it took a while to get used to how everything was there,” Williams said. “But I did that try-out, and as I was warming up, Brad more or less said I’d be getting in the team. We built a relationship through football but also just making sure I was going to class and getting things done, and since I graduated, we’ve still been in contact.”
As the draft night looms, Darling Range Sports College stands as a testament to the power of dedicated sports education and mentorship. The institution not only prepares students for potential professional careers but also equips them with life skills that extend beyond the playing field.
