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Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy program, proudly supported by Woodside Energy, has wrapped up its 2026 season, recognising ten players at its annual awards presentation on Sunday 1 November ahead of Fremantle’s AFLW clash with Sydney. 

The program supports talented young footballers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural backgrounds. 

Players come from across Fremantle’s metro and regional zones, aligned with East Fremantle, South Fremantle, Peel, Claremont and West Perth, with girls’ and boys’ programs running from 14s through to 18s.

Alongside access to Fremantle coaches, facilities and strength and conditioning, players are supported with goal setting, nutrition, education, culture and wellbeing.

The NGA strives to develop good people first. Achieving that usually then sees the football side of things take care of itself.

Over the course of 2026, 22 participants across the male and female programs were involved in the State 16s and 18s programs, highlighting a strong year for the NGA academy.

The NGA also continued its engagement across all of its regional zones, while its partnership with WA Football and the state talent pathways grew stronger.
2026 award winners

The Anchor Awards recognise players who have been the anchor of their squad, showing consistency, commitment and setting the standard for others.

The Legacy Awards recognise an 18s player who leaves the program better than they found it.

Girls’ program

  • Female 14s Anchor Award – Milani Colbung: Selected in the East Fremantle Development Squad and connected with the STARS Foundation
  • Female 15s Anchor Award – Mylee Ireland: Represented Peel in the Rogers Cup and captained the Woomeras.
  • Female 16s Anchor Award – Alice Lee-Burwood: Represented South Fremantle in the Rogers Cup. *Not present on the day
  • Female 17s Anchor Award – Alexis Edgley: Made her league debut for South Fremantle and earned selection in the State 18s, Indigenous Academy and Futures Academy.
  • Female 18s Legacy Award – Avuya Nomlatyu: A member of the program since the age of 12, Avuya made her league debut for East Fremantle and earned State 18s and Multicultural Academy selection.

Boys’ program

  • Peter Bell 14s Anchor Award – Ben Mourish: The Hammond Park junior was selected in East Fremantle’s 14s Development Program. *Not present on the day
  • Roger Hayden 15s Anchor Award – Archie Nicholas: Selected in East Fremantle’s 15s program and the World Team program, and plays PSA football for Aquinas.
  • Tendai Mzungu 16s Anchor Award – Lenny Anastas: Selected in the Claremont Futures Squad and plays PSA football for Christ Church.
  • Antoni Grover 17s Anchor Award – Max Riley-Jones: Played in South Fremantle’s Colts Grand Final and earned Multicultural Academy selection.
  • Stephen Hill 18s Legacy Award – Josh Nathan: Another member of the program since the age of 12, Josh made his league debut for East Fremantle, was selected in the State 18s and is a Colts premiership player. *Not present on the day

Fremantle NGA Game Development Manager Wade Spilcker thanked the countless people who make the NGA a success.

“To all our NGA coaches and staff, Fremantle’s AFL and AFLW teams, the community and strength and conditioning staff, and major partner Woodside Energy, thank you for all your support of the program,” Spilcker said.

“Thank you also to our WAFL aligned clubs, schools and community clubs, and the families behind every player.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners and every player in the Next Generation Academy.”