Joeys head coach Brad Maloney assesses WA talent

New Australia U17 boys head coach Brad Maloney was in Perth this week on a talent identification visit before naming his squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

Maloney was in town to cast his eye over potential Joeys ahead of the Group G qualifiers, which will take place in Shepparton, Victoria, between 1-9 October.

More than 30 players born in 2006 and later took part in the match, which was organised by Perth Glory and took place at Dalmatinac Park.

Also in attendance were Football West Football Development Officer Gareth Naven and Glory Academy Director Kenny Lowe.

“It was great to catch up with the guys and to see some of the young talent coming through at Glory and in WA,” Maloney said.

“There was good quality on show. I was aware of a few of the players, but one or two others provided food for thought.”

Glory youngsters Daniel Bennie, Andriano Lebib and Jaylan Pearman are already on Maloney’s radar, having been in the AFF U16 Youth Championship in Indonesia earlier this month.

While results did not go the team’s way, Maloney said the players will be all the better for the experience.

“They lost two and drew one but it was a first international experience for all of the players and I think that will be invaluable going into the AFC qualifiers,” he said.

In Group G with Australia are China, Cambodia and Northern Mariana Islands.