Broken Hill full of talent

By James Matthey

Taylor Walker, Brent Staker and Mitch Clisby are just a few of the names currently strutting their stuff in the AFL who perfected their craft on the fields of Broken Hill.

According to the GWS GIANTS, they certainly won’t be the last stars to emerge from the area, with the western Sydney club putting their faith in local rural talent.

Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy manager, Lachlan Buszard, said it was important to give kids in the area greater opportunities to realise their full potential.

“It is important to these kids can get the best opportunities they can,” said Buszard.

“There is certainly talent in the rural and regional areas. We want to keep investing and giving kids the opportunity to develop.

“We go from Sydney to the South Coast, Canberra and Wagga Wagga, there is no real central point. We want to give the kids pathways to play against the best.”

Buszard is currently in Broken Hill to watch some of the best schoolboy prospects compete in the State Championships.

He said that the carnival provided a great chance for youngsters to put their hand up for selection in future GIANTS Academy teams.

“This carnival has brought about 150 children from our zone together,” said Buszard.

“Children that weren’t picked but are playing in the carnival have a chance to get picked to play in our squad that will travel to Coffs Harbour later in the year.

“I will see where they are at and what we can provide for development opportunities.”