AFL Academy
Mater Dei College Hawks Australian Rules Football Academy
Mater Dei College (MDC) introduced its Australian Football League (AFL) Hawks Academy in 2018. The program is available to both boys and girls in Years 7 to 12 who wish to pursue excellence in the sport of AFL.
Aims of the Program
The MDC Hawks AFL Academy aims to provide talented students with an opportunity to further develop their footballing ability, with an emphasis on skill development, gameplay strategies and tactics as well as theoretical components.
Structure of the Academy
The Academy follows the structure of a Specialised Physical Education (SPE) class, made up of practical and theoretical lessons. This structure reflects the commitment of the College towards the holistic football development of all students within the Mater Dei College Hawks Academy.
Throughout the year, external coaches, and speakers from the West Perth Football Club, West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers and The Stephen Michael Foundation feature in delivering football development and coaching to our players.
In addition to students footballing development, students will be led through umpiring and coaching courses to encourage involvement in other roles of our game and supporting the growth of AFL.
Players of the Academy will have the opportunity to achieve a WA Football accredited Level 1 Umpiring accreditation. In addition students will also have the opportunity to learn about Exercise and Sport Science principles such as: Strength and Conditioning, Training Types, Recovery, Nutrition and Sport Psychology.
Students in the program will have the opportunity to play in ACC and WAFC tournaments throughout the year, as well as competing in the weekly CAS season. Mater Dei College has competitions against various schools and other leading AFL specialised schools.
Future Pathways
There are a multitude of AFL industry related certificate courses, university qualifications and career pathways as well as:
- Western Australia State Academy
- WAFL/W Futures Squad selection
- WAFL/W Colts & Rogers Squad selection
- AFL Pathway
Current Coaching Staff
The Hawks AFL Academy is committed to delivering the highest standard of coaching and development. Led by accredited AFL coaches with elite playing experience, the program provides students with expert instruction and a clear performance pathway.
Mr Scott Nelson leads the Hawks AFL Academy with a clear vision: to build high standards, strong habits and a culture that develops both the player and the person.
Passionate about creating positive, high-performing environments, Mr Nelson focuses on developing strong fundamentals, confidence and game understanding, while fostering values, discipline and consistent effort. His approach encourages students to strive to be the best version of themselves, on and off the field.
A former League player with the West Perth Football Club, Mr Nelson brings nine years of senior WAFL experience and exposure to elite coaches and high-performance environments. His depth of knowledge and commitment to development ensure our student-athletes are guided with genuine expertise and purpose.
Application Process
Entry to the MDC Hawks AFL Academy is subject to confirmed enrolment at Mater Dei College.
The general College enrolment application process takes place while students are in Year 5.
Students who are successful in gaining enrolment to the College will, in Year 6, be invited to apply for entry into the Hawks AFL Academy and to be considered for an AFL Scholarship.
Applications for the AFL Academy will only be considered in conjunction with an application for enrolment at the College. A successful Academy application does not guarantee a place at the College. Therefore, students who are currently waitlisted for enrolment are welcome to apply for the Academy; however, an Academy position cannot be offered until their College enrolment is confirmed and finalised.
Physical skill and fitness testing for the Hawks AFL Academy will be held during Term 2. Selection is based on academic performance, attendance, behaviour, and physical skill and fitness.
Selection Criteria
The Hawks AFL Academy caters for full-time current students enrolled at Mater Dei College and confirmed future students (enrolment secured and accepted).
Selection will be based on three sets of criteria:
- Academic Performance
- Attendance and Behaviour
- Physical Skills & Fitness (assessed during trials conducted at the College)
A positive attitude towards all aspects of College and Academy life is an important part of the selection process. Reports will also be required from the student’s current school.
Successful applicants will be required to sign an Academy Agreement, committing to the following expectations:
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Maintain excellent attendance and behaviour.
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Display a positive attitude towards the College ethos.
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Participate consistently and to the best of their ability throughout their involvement in the program.
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Maintain a positive attitude towards their academic studies.
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Participate in College sporting activities in addition to AFL, and engage consistently in College co-curricular activities.
Application Form
AFL Academy 2027 Trials: May 2026
Academy Contacts
Mr Scott Nelson, Director of Football
scott.nelson@cewa.edu.au
Mrs Patricia Buys & Mrs Kerry Boscarino-Hunter, Enrolment Officers
enrolments@mdc.wa.edu.au
9405 4777
The Academy in the Spotlight
Mater Dei College Hawks
Mater Dei College Hawks
Mater Dei College Hawks
Mater Dei College Hawks
Mater Dei College Hawks
Mater Dei College Hawks
