The second session of the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program got underway last Thursday at Subiaco Oval with a special appearance from former AFL star and now mentor at the David Wirrpanda Foundation Troy Cook.

Three indigenous players chosen from each of the nine WAFL clubs were provided with the unique opportunity to gain a first-hand look into the life of an AFL footballer as they took part in a variety of sessions including a very entertaining presentation by West Coast Communications Assistant Steven Bandy on ‘How to handle the media’.

Troy Cook was able to engage the somewhat shy audience as he told stories of his footballing career and presented the participants with football jumpers generously donated by West Coast’s principal community partner BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

The program, which aims to expose participants to the opportunities that lay ahead of them if they wish to commit themselves mentally and physically to the life of a professional AFL footballer, will culminate with the group given the rare experience of participating in a training session on the hallowed turf of Subiaco Oval.

Spread across three different sessions throughout the year with the progress of players being continuously monitored, the second session of the program saw Eagles players Jordan Jones and Adam Cockie put the boys through their paces under the lights of Kitchener Park with former West Coast legend and Sandover medallist, Phil ‘Magic’ Narkle watching on and giving advice where needed.

Targeting players between the ages of 15-17 who have had no previous exposure to other developmental squads or programs, Narkle, who is also the Indigenous Liaison Officer with the Eagles, says the program promotes improved sporting, leadership, education and employment outcomes for the participants.

‘It allows these young Indigenous boys to experience something they may not have had the opportunity to experience. It teaches them and shows them what they’ll need to do to get to that next level.

'It will also give them an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills in their community or sporting group,' Narkle said.

In only its third year of operation, the success of the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program in providing benefits to Indigenous youth will ensure the continued support from West Coast Eagles and BHP Billiton Iron Ore.