Satellite Success: Expanded Talent Pathway Programs Continues at West Perth FC

West Perth Football Club continues to lead the way in youth athlete development, with the ongoing success of its expanded Talent Pathway Programs reinforcing a simple but powerful belief: every player deserves an opportunity to grow, improve and chase their football goals.

As the only WAFL club currently operating in this space at such depth and scale, West Perth remains committed to providing meaningful pathways for all players — not just those ready earliest, but those willing to keep working and developing over time.

One of the most important realities in junior sport is that no club, coach or competition can claim to be an expert on puberty and maturation timelines. Young athletes develop physically, emotionally and athletically at vastly different rates.

Some players are early developers. Others take more time to grow into their bodies, confidence and capabilities. That is why talent identification at 13, 14 or 15 years of age should never be viewed as a final verdict.

At West Perth, our philosophy is clear: being “not ready yet” is very different from “not good enough.”

Launched in 2024, the West Perth Satellite Academy has become a major success story within our pathway system.

Designed for players who were unsuccessful in gaining initial selection into the Aaron Black 14s Academy or Darren Harris 15s Academy, the Satellite Academy provides a second chance — and more importantly, a structured development environment.

Rather than being left behind, these players enter a program focused on the specific areas that were barriers in their trial process. Whether that be skill execution, decision-making, athletic development, confidence or game understanding, athletes receive coaching support inside the West Perth system for the next 12 months.

They then re-enter the trial process better prepared, more experienced and with genuine momentum.

It is a model built on patience, growth and belief.

The strongest validation of any pathway is the players it helps elevate.

In 2026, four athletes who were previously assessed as “not ready yet” in their 14s and/or 15s journeys earned selection as full-time members of the Futures Program that just concluded:

• Finn O’Grady
• Levi Di Giovanni
• Kayden Haxton
• Josh MacPherson

Their stories represent more than football success.

“West Perth is a really great club as it gives you a second chance with the Satellite program – Instead of cutting you and not showing care.” Said Josh MacPherson when asked about his journey.

Levi Di Giovanni too, had this to say about his experience within the program

“The Satelite program was a great experience after not making the 15’s program. It allowed me time to further develop and strengthen my skills. This prepared me better for the Futures trials.”

They reflect resilience, commitment and the maturity to keep turning up after setbacks. They also validate the philosophy behind the West Perth pathway model — that players grow differently, learn differently and mature differently.

Kayden Haxton felt the door was closed on his time with West Perth, but the reality was that it never was:

“It was pretty rough getting injured in Round 1 after a strong pre-season — especially after smashing my 2km PB on day one of trials. Finding out it was a hairline fracture and missing 12 weeks, I thought I’d blown my chances with West Perth and Futures.

The club backed me the whole way, kept me involved, and helped me improve through the satellite program. Playing as an overeager in the 14’s gave me great exposure and really helped prepare me for Futures — the responsibility definitely pushed me.

I’ve come out a better player for it, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Getting picked for Futures and pulling on my favourite #4 was unreal. It just shows that if you miss out early, it’s not the end.

Keen to keep working, keep improving, and be ready to have a good crack at Colts trials at the end of the year.”

When asked about his biggest learning from the program, Finn O’Grady had this to say:

“My experience with the satellite program has been positive. It benefited me to get to the level I needed to be looked at for Futures. I faced setback after setback with non-selection in the 14s and then 15s but the behaviours, skills and determination I learnt through the Satellite Academy made me realise I was a real chance at the Futures when that opportunity came knocking again.”

Satellite Academy Head Coach, Adam Brown, had this to say about the program he has led:

“I’m incredibly proud to see four of our Satellite Academy players earn selection into the 2026 Futures squad, which is a fantastic reflection of what this program is building.

Over the past 12 months, these players have set a great standard with their consistency, work rate, and willingness to put in the extra time to improve their game. Their work ethic and willingness to embrace coaching has played a huge role in getting them to this point.

Their selection highlights the value the program as we focus on genuine development and a commitment to helping every player reach their potential.”

At West Perth, we believe pathway programs should not be exclusive environments that close doors early. They should be systems that keep doors open.

The continued success of our expanded Talent Pathway Programs, and particularly the Satellite Academy, demonstrates what can happen when clubs invest in development rather than simply selection.

Not every athlete is ready at the same time.

But every athlete deserves support, coaching and the chance to become ready.

That is what West Perth continues to deliver.