It has been less than three weeks since the last football was kicked in season 2012, but Geraldton’s young WAFL hopefuls are already planning their preseason.

The East Fremantle Mid West Football Academy will hold its first training season of the 2012/13 preseason on Sunday, October 28.

The academy is aimed at helping hopeful East Fremantle players prepare themselves over the preseason to be fit and ready to chase their dream at the Sharks.

Players such as Andrew Stokes, Dion Anthony and Matt Librizzi benefited from the program last year and broke into the Sharks’ grand final colts team.

Academy coach Craig Walker said the training sessions are a must for anyone hoping to play WAFL football.

“We work hand-in-hand with East Fremantle on everything they do,” he said.

“The GNFL is a lot about attacking game style but we teach the guys the defensive side of the game, East Fremantle’s structures and their game plan so when they get there they know what to expect.”

Walker said the academy will be able to send one player to Perth every week in season 2013 and give them a chance to play colts.

They also have five games throughout the season where GNFL players can pull on the boots in the reserves division.

The academy will open up the preseason sessions to players up to the age of 21.

Anthony said he would recommend the tough preseason training to everyone.

“It really helped me with my fitness and I think you definitely need to do it if you want to have a really good go at making it at East Fremantle,” he said.