Colts Update with Head Coach Mansbridge

Subiaco’s Colts squad played the first of their pre-season matches this past weekend, with a practice match against South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday.

The Colts is the WAFL’s Talent Pathway program for under-19 players. The 9 traditional WAFL clubs compete in a 20-round season that plays alongside the senior League.

“Most players that join our program come from our Futures program and our country zone,” Colts coach John Mansbridge explains. “Our program is based on education, development and the implementation of our club standards to prepare these players for the next step on their football journey.”

While the Subi Colts did suffer a 109-point loss to South Fremantle over the weekend, Mansbridge doesn’t see reason to dwell on the margin.

“Preseason games are a great opportunity for us to expose our first-years to the standards and requirements of Colts footy. Whether it’s the speed of the game, the bigger bodies or just adjusting their attitudes as most are coming from junior football.”

“The other side of preseason is focused on our line craft, ball movement and general gameplay. So, we don’t necessarily focus on the result and scoreboard as much as we do on the outcome and how the game eventuated.”

Despite the teething problems, Mansbridge is adamant that 2025 will be an exciting year for the Colts and Subiaco.

“The beauty of Colts footy is that every year we get a new influx of young players; country boys relocate and our country zone produces another crop of talent that we can bring into the program at different stages of the year,” he elaborated. “This year we have 4 players that trained with the WAFC’s Summer Program [Wes Walley, Hudson Walker, Rydn Rae-Anthonysz and Thatcher Simmons], and we have several players training with our senior squad as part of our transition program to gain more experience and exposure to that level of play. We have a great buy-in from this group who want to learn and grow.”

Mansbridge also stressed the importance of showing up and supporting the Colts at games throughout the year.

“These young players get great excitement if members of our club are watching, whether it be senior players or coaches, members, recruiters or fans of the club. It gives players a great sense of belonging and pride. Although we do understand our Game time slots can be difficult at times.”

“If anyone reading this has not seen Colts footy for a while, get down and have a look. It’s extremely competitive, a good brand of footy and these are the players of our future.”

“I’m really excited for 2025.”

The Subi Colts will challenge Claremont for their next pre-season match at East Fremantle Oval this Sunday.