Teams from across WA travel to take part in popular Great Southern Junior Football Carnival in Lake Grace

The region’s next generation of top footballers showed their wares in this month’s Great Southern Junior Football Carnival, with a host of teams travelling across the region to play.

Designed to give young footballers from smaller regional leagues the chance to play against more teams in their own age group and skill level, the annual carnival regularly attracts more than 100 players every year.

A total of 149 players attended this year’s carnival in Lake Grace on June 15, travelling from across the Great Southern and representing six regional football leagues and associations.

The Southern Districts Junior Football Association sent two teams, with players from Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker.

SDJFA White, coached by Nathan Skinner, finished the weekend undefeated to bring home the carnival shield on 24 points.

SDJFA Red did similarly well with coach Rogan Coffey, and finished a close second with five wins and only one loss to their name on 20 points.

SDJFA White’s Ronald Hodgson was also named player of the carnival, singled out for his skill and sportsmanship across the day.

Ongerup Football Association, Eastern Districts Football League, Kojonup-Boyup Brook, and the Upper Great Southern Football League also sent teams, with Upper Great Southern North finishing third, followed by Upper Great Southern South.

A best player from each team was selected at the end of the carnival, with all seven boys receiving medals and footballs.

Zane Veldman claimed the honour for SDJFA White, Fletcher Ponsford for SDJFA Red, Hamish Ramm for UGS North, Matthew Gooding for UGS South, Spencer Brown for the OFA, Dion Parsons for the EDFL and Chevin Noonan for Kojonup-Boyup Brook.