Four Kimberley players compete in Nutrien Ag’s Country Football Championships

Four players who competed in the Kimberley Colts Cup Championships in early June have gone on to play in the West Australian Country Football League’s Nutrien Ag’s Country Football Championships. Running from July 7 to July 10 the championship pits country football teams from around the State against each other and showcases the skills of talented regional footballers. Cassum Yeeda, Kyle Lawrence, Darcy Williams and Derek Padoon Jr competed for the Great Southern Storm team, winning three out of four games, only missing out on the grand final by point percentage. Kimberley Spirit co-ordinator Ben De Meo said the boys’ commitment to training had secured them a spot on the team. “Through their commitment to training for their local clubs they were filtered into the Great Southern Storm team and played the champs down in Mandurah,” he said. “It opened their eyes to the standard and style of football down south, which is much different to up here in the Kimberley. “The boys adjusted quite well to the footy and luckily for them there was no wind or rain — perfect conditions for football.” Mr De Meo said Kyle Lawrence who plays in the centre half-forward position put on a great performance representing the Kimberley in the championship. “All of the boys played well and Kyle Lawrence was the stand-out performance out of the boys,” he said. “It certainly got them all keen to pursue their footy to the next level with the Claremont colts when the time is right.” The Peel Football League faced the Great Northern Football League in the colts grand final, defeating them by 39 points, 8.2 (50) to 1.5 (11). West Australian Football Commission Country Football Development manager Brent Sheridan said after a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19 restrictions, the return of the competition had been a success. “It’s been a long couple of years for our leagues and clubs, including 2022, so to see them come together again to represent their communities was fantastic,” he said. “As always, the standard of the championships was excellent. Each division was incredibly competitive which led to some outstanding football.” This year marks the 48th year of Nutrien Ag’s support of country football in WA, one of the longest running sporting sponsorships in Australia.