Albany’s Malcolm Roberts, Jai Roberts and Robert Farmer help WA to victory in Clontarf State of Origin Series

A trio of Albany teenagers were in the WA team which retained the Clontarf Foundation State of Origin Series in Melbourne on November 12. Twins Malcolm and Jai Roberts, plus Robert Farmer, all 17, headed east with the WA team and returned victorious after beating Victoria in the final. The three-day event was hosted in partnership with Collingwood Football Club and every State and Territory was represented. The Albany contingent was representing the Clontarf Academy at Perth’s Scotch College where they are combining football with their studies. Nic Munro, who runs the academy, said the annual State of Origin was the highlight of the year. “The competition is one of the biggest carrots, as it gives the boys something to aim for throughout the year,” he said. As well as playing football, the event included off-the-pitch activities and mentoring, a visit to the MCG and other educational opportunities. Although the trio came through two rounds of selection, making the WA squad was not based on footballing ability alone. Mr Munro said the team had been picked after the Clontarf Cup in Perth, with the metro students challenging for spots alongside students who had competed in similar tournaments based in the Pilbara and Kimberley. “It is not just about how good they are at football, it also factors in their attendance at school, community involvement and all-round behaviour,” Mr Munro said. “The trip is great because it teaches them about going away with a team and, once they are over in Melbourne, there are scouts so that can also relate to gaining experience of draft opportunities. “The grand final was also televised, so that was another great opportunity.” WA opened their campaign with a two-goal loss to Victoria but wins over South Australia and Northern Territory gave them another crack at their hosts in the grand final. This time, although they were a point down at half-time, WA dominated the last two quarters to run out champions by 24 points. The victory gave Farmer his second championship medal after earning the title with WA last year. The Clontarf Foundation engages more than 11,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Australia and has academies in 160 schools. Brisbane Lions premiership player Ash McGrath was part of the WA coaching set-up.