Demons turn in to Black Swans

The 2014 State Academy has been released with four Perth players making it into the 16s and 18s squads.   While Clem Smith’s natural talent and stellar performances with our League side and with the AIS–AFL Academy made him an obvious inclusion, the next generation of Demon’s players are progressing through the talent pathway with John Levien, Kristian Morisey and Sam Perkusich breaking into the WA16s Squad.

Smith’s reputation continues to grow with outstanding performances in recent League games the Demons and the just completed European Tour with the AIS–AFL Academy.   Playing in defence, Clem has been at his best, matching it with some of the more accomplished players in the WAFL.   Originally from Thornlie JFC, Clem has come through Wesley College and the Robert Wiley Foundation Development Squads and is rated by learned experts as a top draft prospect at the end of the year.

Dongara continues to produce some talented footballers for the Perth Demons and Sam Perkusich joins this growing list.   Sam has a jack-in-the-box leap and a tonne of toe, a real excitement machine who produces some thrilling football.   He can go through the middle or provide drive off the half back line to the advantage of the team.   Has been a class above the opposition and provides them plenty of headaches.   Kenwick JFC’s John Levien has proven himself as a hard running midfielder who racked up plenty possessions in the WAFL 16s Carnival.   He certainly caught the eyes of the State selectors who brought him into the program in the first intake.   John also continues to develop in the school based football program under former Perth Player Clay McLernon at Darling Range Sports College.   Key position player Kristian Morisey played some really consistent football in the Carnival and was in our best players in the majority of our matches.   At 186cm, the 16 year old Aquinas student is sure of hand, agile and strong, playing his best footy as either key back or key forward and giving his team plenty of versatility.   He is sure to play a vital role in the WA16s’ championship campaign.

We wish all of our players and both WA teams the best of luck in the 2014 Championships.