Mitch McGovern drops in as Claremont coaches give Great Southern Storm’s young talent a taste of the big time

Coaches from WAFL side Claremont descended on Retravision Stadium this week to cast an eye on the young talent emerging from the Great Southern. About 75 youngsters were put through their paces by the likes of Claremont head coach Ashley Prescott, combining strength and conditioning sessions with on-field drills and games on Monday. North Albany junior Talon Delacey, who has become a league regular playing 39 games in the past two seasons, received a warm welcome home as part of Claremont’s visit. The players, from talent program Great Southern Storm, were also treated to a surprise session from Carlton defender Mitch McGovern, younger brother of West Coast legend Jeremy, on Saturday morning. McGovern recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Blues, after speculation he may be delisted by the club. However the 31-year-old, who has played almost 150 AFL games, was in full flight as he took part in the session with the budding young Storm players while enjoying some time back in his hometown. Both McGovern brothers started their careers with the Storm and Mitch was at pains to show the assembled group that the Great Southern starting point was a brilliant launchpad when it came to the footy pathway. Storm coach Darrell Panizza said it was wonderful the Albany-born player had returned to his roots. “It’s great that people who have come through the program also remember it when they get to the top,” he said. “There was a time when they were sitting on the grass, just like the kids this week. “It also shows the commitment that Claremont have to their country team that they would send their top staff to do a clinic in Albany.” Fellow Storm coach Rogan Coffey said the aim of bringing Claremont to town was to bridge the gap between country football and the big time. “We want to close the gap between Perth and Albany,” he said. “We have several players who will be moving to Perth, and we want them to be familiar with the coaches and people at the club so it’s not all new to them when they arrive. “It’s a way for them to start integrating straight away and they can get feedback from the coaching staff while they are here.” Claremont continue to have a strong relationship with the Great Southern, one of their country zones, emphasised by the big numbers of listed players from the region including league captain Declan Mountford. The club has also brought a WAFL colts game to the regional for several years.