Recently, footy young guns Jesse Motlop and Seth Connor were named in the Fremantle Next Gen Academy squad. The Next Generation Academies are a joint initiative between the AFL and clubs aimed at attracting, retaining and developing young star players such as Motlop and Connor.

To be named in a squad is to be exposed to an elite football environment with access to top-level training, first-class facilities and the combined knowledge and experience of health, fitness and personal development professionals. Basically, it means that AFL drafters have their eye on you.

“Being a part of the Freo Next Gen Academy has been a great experience and opportunity for Seth and myself. It allows us to have access to great facilities and to great coaches, such as Tendai Mzungu and Roger Hayden,” Aquinas student and Durack house Captain Jesse Motlop said, “Past players from the academy - such as Liam Henry, Leno Thomas, Joel Western and Brandon Walker - have all gone on to be drafted by Fremantle, and I think Seth and I are hoping to follow in their footsteps.”

For the two, the announcement comes after years of dedication to their sport and representation of the College in the PSA competitions. While their eyes may be on the major prize – a contract as a Fremantle Docker in the bigger leagues - their immediate goal is taking home the 2021 Alcock Cup.