Rob Wiley, left, Aaron Sandilands, Tim Gepp and Phil Matera. Picture: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands and West Coast defender Adam Selwood have been appointed as development coaches for the State under-16s team as a host of players from both clubs begin focusing on potential coaching careers.

With AFL coaching panels expanding at a rapid rate, Selwood, Sandilands, Dean Cox, Matt Rosa, David Mundy, Matt Priddis, Quinten Lynch, Adam McPhee, Darren Glass, Luke Shuey, Nick Lower, Nick Suban and Bradd Dalziell have all enrolled in the State's level two coaching course next month.

WAFC high performance academy manager Raff Guadagnino said it was the first time AFL players had enrolled in the course in Western Australia.

Selwood has completed a commerce degree and is determined to work in football after he retires from playing. He said the opportunity to be part of the under-16s team was too good to refuse.

"I've got a lot to learn but I'm hoping my experience in the game will help to teach the young kids what to expect," Selwood said.

"I want to get into coaching or admin - I'm dabbling at some things and taking courses and working around the club in order to learn more."

Selwood and Sandilands both have a strong relationship with under-16s coach Rob Wiley.

Sandilands is a close friend of Wiley's son-in-law Shane Thompson, while Selwood has stayed in contact with his former assistant coach despite him no longer working in football full-time.

They'll work alongside former Eagle Phil Matera in the development coaching jobs.

Former West Coast chairman of selectors Tim Gepp and football manager Steve Woodhouse will be selectors for Wiley.

"After seeing how the AIS incorporated recently retired AFL champions like Michael Voss and Nathan Buckley, I thought the WA model could be similar. I thought getting the balance between the community coaches and the AFL was the way to go," Wiley said.

The WAFC is keen to develop coaches throughout the State.

WA women's under-18s coach Michelle Harris and her assistant Nikki Harwood have been attending training with the under-18s for the past month.