Mt Lockyer pupil Fletcher Ponsford sole Great Southern pick in School Sport WA’s footy team for nationals

Mt Lockyer Primary School student Fletcher Ponsford, 11, is heading east as the only Great Southern representative in School Sport WA’s football 12s team for the National Schools Championships. The championships start on August 3 in Maroochydore, Queensland and run for a week with Fletcher, who is in Year 6 and one of the youngest players, picked to play in the midfield or at centre-half-back. He was delighted to be selected from an initial cast of 550 boys from all over the State who trialled, especially because his brother Harrison made the same team in 2023. “I was so happy,” Fletcher said. “We had to check on the website after each trial to see if I made it through to the next stage. “So many kids tried out, I was nervous waiting but very happy when I saw my name each time, especially in the final team list. “I was so glad to make the team because my brother made the team too, so I have been wanting to do it since then as well.” The squad has been training every week, playing practice games against Aquinas College and the 2024 State team. A supporter of Albany Sharks and West Coast Eagles, his favourite players are Jeremy McGovern and Liam Baker and, of course, his brother. Fletcher is also a keen rugby player but says he prefers footy. “Footy is my favourite because we have a full season playing and I have always played it,” he said. “Rugby is great too, but I only get to play it a few times a year, in the Albany 7s carnival in October plus some Perth tournaments.” He started in football after watching his brothers play and train and he now plays in the midfield for the under-12 Swans team who are third in the Southern Districts Junior Football Association competition. The team of 23 travelling to Queensland will play the other States and Territories bar Tasmania with Fletcher hoping to upgrade his brother’s bronze medal. “I hope I can do better and come home with silver or gold,” he said.