West Coast's indigenous liaison officer, Phil Narkle, has been appointed as head coach of WA’s North West Talent Academy, which will compete at the 2012 NAB AFL Under 16 Championships as part of an expanded Division 3 competition.
 
The former AFL and WAFL champion will join the WA North West squad at its next talent camp in Broome from April 11 to 14. Narkle will continue his role with the West Coast Eagles and manage his coaching commitments with the support of the club.
 
Narkle said he was looking forward to the opportunity of being involved in WA’s talent pathway and nurturing the talent in the north west region.
 
“It’s always been a vision of mine, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
 
“I enjoy passing on my knowledge and experience and helping to develop young players. I believe there’s a real need for a academy in the north west and I’m glad to be involved.”
 
Narkle joins other high profile coaches in the WA State Talent Academy program, including Rob Wiley (State 16s head coach) and Michael Pratt (State 18s head coach), as well as selectors Steve Woodhouse and Tim Gepp .
 
Former AFL players Phil Matera and Jarrod Schofield and current Dockers and Eagles players, including Aaron Sandilands and Adam Selwood, are also involved with the WA State Talent Academy coaching team.
 
The WA North West program was established this year as part of the State Talent Academy, providing an exciting opportunity for the players to have direct access to an elite development experience without relocating to Perth.
 
The squad includes players from the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne regions, and is being managed by the West Australian Football Commission with the support of the AFL and WAFC Regional Development staff, in partnership with the V Swans program and Garnduwa.
 
PHIL NARKLE PROFILE
•    St Kilda: 48 games (1984-86)
•    West Coast Eagles: 18 games (1987-90)
•    Swan Districts: 178 games (1978-83, 1990-93)
•    Swan Districts premiership player 1982, 1983, 1990
•    Sandover Medal 1982
•    Swan Medal 1981,1991
•    Swan Districts Team of the Century
•    Medallist Medal WAFL Colts 1977
•    WA State Team: 5 games
•    All Australian 1987
•    Wesley College head coach 2005-2006
•    Nominated Indigenous Team of the Century 2005
•    WA Football Hall of Fame 2006
•    West Coast Eagles Indigenous Liaison Officer 2009-present