PETER Sumich derived great pleasure from Western Australia's surprisingly strong 2017 draft result, and the state under-18s coach holds high hopes another bumper crop emerges during the upcoming NAB AFL Championships.
Ten players under Sumich's watch were snapped up in last year's national and rookie drafts after WA defied expectations by finishing runner-up at the championships.
"It really put a smile on my face and probably, this sounds a bit corny, a little bit of a tear in the eye because you're seeing kids get what they deserve – and that's opportunity," Sumich told AFL.com.au.
"(West Coast's Brayden) Ainsworth is a classic example and he's already played one League game.
"I look at that and think 'Jeez, I had a bit to do with that'. It's just a real good feeling."
Entering his second campaign at the helm of WA, Sumich has again implored his charges to make sacrifices for the team's benefit.
Losing likely co-captains Tom Joyce (hip) and Durak Tucker (ACL) were blows but Sumich is still hopeful of a strong result.
"Last year, we had four or five kids who bobbed up because they played their role," he said.
"They made the better players look better and they made themselves look better.
"I think we've got a good team, and a good bunch of kids who are willing to learn and give effort.
"But how they perform on a bigger stage than colts level football is an interesting one that I find hard to answer sometimes until I see them in the light of battle."
In an otherwise even group, Perth's electric small Ian Hill is the standout and looms as a possible top-10 pick.
However, sons of guns Wil Hickmott and Dillon O'Reilly are also sure to attract plenty of attention.
Hard-running Subiaco midfielder Hickmott will be closely monitored by Carlton, where his father Adrian played 134 games.
O'Reilly, a 194cm forward from East Fremantle, will be available in the open draft after his dad, Stephen, finished two appearances shy of the 100-game father-son cut off at the Dockers.
"I think he's draftable. He's just got a knack of knowing when to lead and how to lead," Sumich said of O'Reilly.
"I don’t think you can teach a lot of that, because I know myself from being a forward, and sometimes those things come naturally.
"The thing he's got to make sure he's working on is his body and his fitness to complement that strength he's got as a natural ability to play forward."
While Freo missed out on rights to O'Reilly, the Dockers have first access to classy Next Generation Academy onballer Jason Carter in the draft.
West Coast fans will keep a close eye on Swan Districts youngster Jarrod Cameron, the brother of Brisbane star Charlie.
The Eagles have first dibs on the Cameron, who has been working closely with NGA coach Drew Petrie.
Due to his last-minute inclusion in WA's squad this week, Cameron won't be picked to face South Australia at Alberton Oval on Sunday.
WA then faces Vic Metro (Optus Stadium, June 10), Vic Country (GMHBA Stadium, June 29) and the Allies (Etihad Stadium, July 4).
It remains to be seen if these championships will be Sumich's last, given his ambition to return to a senior position in AFL ranks.
"It's a bit of wait-and-see. I've got to make sure it's the right role and job," the former West Coast dual premiership champion said.
"Of course, I want to be a senior coach. People are saying 'have you gone about it the right way?'.
"I think I have because I'm coaching and developing, so if there's any side that needed a development-like senior coach who can get a young group up and going and with what I know about being successful … I know how to win them.
"It's just a matter of getting that opportunity."
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