There is an air of excitement at Darling Range Sports College as the Telstra AFL Draft approaches. Two of the college’s standout athletes, Tylah Williams and Koby Evans, are on the cusp of being drafted into the AFL, marking a significant achievement for Western Australia’s first specialist sports college.
Brad Smith, a former West Coast player and current teacher at Darling Range, expressed the school’s enthusiasm. “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,” Smith said. “Everyone is really keen to see them take the next step.”
Building a Legacy in Sports Education
Darling Range’s potential AFL success is just the beginning of what the college is achieving through its nine high-performance sports programs, which include AFL, athletics, baseball, basketball, netball, NRL, soccer, swimming, and triathlon. The college’s comprehensive approach to sports education is setting a new standard in Western Australia.
Smith, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2004 but sidelined by knee injuries, brings a wealth of experience to the school. After a decade in West Coast’s recruiting department, he joined Darling Range, where he collaborates with six-time WAFL premiership player Darren Rumble, the AFL coordinator of the school’s football program.
“We don’t only cater for the very few who might make the AFL but 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 a lot might go to the state league competition over here,” Smith explained.
Comprehensive Training and Development
Darling Range offers extensive facilities and training opportunities, including pool facilities, ice baths, and a weights room. Students can engage in up to four sessions a week encompassing technical skills, rehab, sports science, nutrition, and sports psychology. This holistic approach ensures students are prepared for talent programs and beyond.
Smith emphasized the importance of academics alongside sports, stating, “They have to comply with all of the requirements in class for them 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.”
Mentorship and Real-World Insights
Leveraging his connections from his Eagles days, Smith has brought in notable figures like Ben Cousins, Matt Priddis, John Worsfold, and Justin Langer to share their insights with students. This exposure provides students with invaluable real-world perspectives on professional sports.
“Koby has been here from year seven and he’s a special character, he’s very well-liked and has an infectious personality,” Smith noted. “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 benefited from the college’s nurturing environment. “The main reason I moved to Perth was for my football,” Williams said. “When I first went in, it took a while to get used to how everything was there.”
Williams excelled at the Draft Combine, placing second in the 20-metre sprint and fourth in the agility test, showcasing the effectiveness of Darling Range’s training regimen.
Looking Ahead
Both Williams and Evans are linked to West Coast through its Next Generation Academy, with Smith’s scouting experience playing a crucial role in their preparation. “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.”
As the AFL Draft night looms, the anticipation at Darling Range Sports College is palpable. The potential success of Williams and Evans is not only a testament to their talent but also to the comprehensive support and development provided by the college. Their journey underscores the importance of a balanced approach to sports and education, setting a benchmark for future generations of athletes.
