AFL
Banfield’s off-field role

Fremantle's Peter Bell NGA Squad (14's) took on the West Coast Eagles Naitanui Academy for the second and final match up of these squads for season 2022, with both teams providing opportunities for a number of players to play their first game for their respective Academies.

Following a fantastic turnout throughout the training program with close to 50 players developing their skills under the guidance of NGA Coach Roger Hayden, 26 boys were selected for the Peter Bell squad with 18 of them chosen for their NGA debuts.
 
The game was played under lights in slippery conditions, with light rain falling consistently throughout the majority of the match, however, this did not deter the players with the coaching staff and spectators treated to a fast-paced and highly skilled contest.
 
Fremantle dominated field position throughout the first term with Myles Reynders leading the way in the ruck and Luke Bellini proving elusive up forward, however, a late goal to West Coast saw the Peter Bell Squad take just a two-point lead at the first change.
 
The second quarter began the same as the first with Joshua Nathan providing plenty of drive through the midfield with support from Noah Hayden but unfortunately, Fremantle weren’t able to translate their dominance on the scoreboard.

Peter Bell NGA Squad Match - 20 July

18 players were chosen from a squad of 26 to play in their Peter Bell Squad debuts.
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West Coast took control in the second half of the quarter with three quick majors. A late goal to Bellini (his second) following a courageous mark saw West Coast lead at the main break by 11 points.
 
Abiye Gordon and Daniel Cortez were working hard across the ground in the third term to try and wrestle the momentum Freo’s way, creating a number of scoring opportunities, but inaccuracy in front of the big sticks saw Freo boot just two goals for the term to reduce the margin to seven points at the final change.
 
The final term was more of the same with both teams displaying some excellent ball movement in the conditions. Laith de Fraine finished off a solid four-quarter performance whilst Cameron Jetta also showed some excellent glimpses in the final term.
 
Overall it was a fantastic game with West Coast converting their opportunities in front of goals a little better to run out winners by 13 points.
 
FINAL SCORE 
Peter Bell Squad 5.11 (41)
West Coast Naitanui Academy 8.6 (54)

Fremantle Goal Scorers
2 Luke Bellini, 1 Elwyn Colbung, Jimmy Garlett, Harper Connor, Xavier Taylor.