South West stars chance to shine for WA.

They are the young sporting stars of the future hoping one day to become household names, and now the South West’s best up-and-comers are getting the ultimate chance to showcase their skills. Twenty-four youngsters from the region have this year been selected to represent the State for School Sport WA, donning the black-and-gold in football, cross-country, soccer, hockey, netball and swimming. With the cancellation of the usual nationals events because of COVID-19, the Department of Education-run program has seen the South West’s rising talents take part in State competitions around WA, still providing the chance for the children to have their big break. Among the 24 athletes is runner Isabella Bidesi who, along with the region’s only other cross-country competitor Jessie Hollins, recently toured with the State team near Capel. The 14-year-old said she was humbled to be selected for the cross-country team and get the opportunity to travel. “I was pretty stoked. That was something I always wanted to do. So when I made it, it was a good feeling,” she said. “It’s one of the first teams I have been in where we have actually travelled somewhere because of COVID. It’s pretty cool to be able to travel in a team and make new friends.” Isabella has been running all her life and can’t remember how many State teams she has been in, but thinks it is about 10. The Dunsborough student said she ran when she was younger before taking a break. “Mum decided to sign me up in under-10s and I was all right,” she said. Isabella is a natural talent and said she did not train or even have a coach. “I don’t really train at all. I just do swimming, strength and team sports,” she said. “That helps me with my fitness, which helps me with my running. “I don’t actually specifically train for running.” Another local talent is Jack Spence, who was recently selected in the 15s boys’ Australian Rules side. The Harvey-born player comes from a long line of Bulls. Jack’s father Ken Spence played for West Perth and the Harvey Bulls, and his mother Katie is part of the well-known Fimmano family. Mrs Spence’s brothers Paul and Ned have coached Harvey, and her nephews Jordan and Braden still play reserves and league football respectively. Braden played six seasons for Subiaco in the WAFL before returning to the Bulls this year, and Ned coached Harvey to premierships in 2004 and 2005 after playing 96 games for South Fremantle. Jack said he and his brother Ethan were the youngest of the extended family, and he was spurred on by the achievements of his relatives. “The whole family is all about footy,” he said. “It’s always been about trying to be as good as my cousins for me. I’ve always tried to go higher than them.” Standing at a towering 194cm, the half-back seems to have an exciting future ahead of him. Jack and Ethan recently signed with the Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academy, meaning the Dockers get first priority on their talents if either enters the draft. The Year 9 student said he did not care where it was or who it was for, he just wanted a taste of AFL footy. “Hopefully (I get) to play AFL. I don’t really care what team, I just want to play,” he said. Jack’s mum Katie said she was still trying to keep a lid on things. “Everyone talks about AFL. We don’t mention that. He’s too young to be even thinking about that. It’s just about him maturing mentally, physically, and growing as a player,” she said. “Development is a very important thing. “Before you start talking about AFL, you have to get all that done first.” Jack will start training with the Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academy later in the year. Bunbury brothers Jake, Toby and Luke Blee have all been named State hockey representatives in the squad, joined by Blake Murdoch, Noah Cartledge and Phaedrus Liddiard. The trio’s mother, Lisa Blee, said she was proud of her boys, who hailed from a “hockey-mad” family. “Watching the boys play great hockey at a high level and at the same time make some great friendships was a highlight for us as parents.” School Sport WA manager Peter Smith said it was important to provide all students around the State with a chance to be selected. “Regional representation and School Sport WA presence in the regions is very high up on our strategic planning,” he said. “It is important that we provide opportunities for students around the State and we do our best to promote the trials Statewide.” Also selected in the Australian Rules team were Bunbury’s Isabel Seivwright, Riley Fisher, Alira Fotu, Basil Hart and Chayse Martinson. Madeline Bone and Andie Williams-Jones, who are also from Bunbury, have been selected in the 12s girls’ soccer side. Manjimup identical twins Tessa and Rachel Kilchenmann have been named in the netball 15s girls’ side. Australind’s Ella Larkman and Jay Pfoeffer, Busselton’s Ruby Eastaugh, Manjimup’s Brielle Krispyn, Collie’s Katy O’Brien, and Bunbury’s Drew Coleman and Stirling Smith have been selected for swimming. Eaton’s Liam Dunning, Bunbury’s Torben Houden and Australind’s Jesse Penman have been selected for the 17 and under boys’ softball team, and Tanner Vogel was selected in the 18s boys’ basketball team.