Queensland under 16 State championships

[rossco]

The Queensland under 16 state championships commence tomorrow at ZillmereThe strong Gold Coast Stingrays unit will start as slight favorites ahead of the South East Bushrangers,the team that defeated them in the under 14 final 2 years ago.Northern Raiders and Western Taipans shouldn't be too far off the mix, and the Sunshine Coast Power could prove a handfull too. The Kookaburras along with newcomers the AFLQ Colts team and Papua New Guinea, should be worth watching despite being a bit off the pace.Here is a guide to the best of the talent to watch over the next 5 days-
GC Stingrays-
Taylor Rolfe.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. All Australian selection also.Left footed medium sized midfielder, very fast over the first 20 metres busts through packs.Probably the best player this age going round.
Jesse Haberfield.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. courageous medium sized ,versatile,very good skills,and hard at the ball.
Cheyne Hutchinson.- Captain of Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Tall forward /Ruckman , strong overhead, leads well.
Daniel Ramage.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. small midfielder, very good in and under, a ball magnet. picks up many possessions
Hamish Watts.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. KP(Key position) player, tall, can player forward or back. leads well. Very strong overhead.
Marc Lock.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. KP, tall, can play forward and back.Judged player of the final in last years state schoolboys final.
Benjamin Dovey.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small, utility loves to run and bounce . Good linkman.
South East Bushrangers-
Justin Harding.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. All Australian selection 2006. Small goalsneak. Very quick over the first 20 metres,
an opportunist and slips his man regularly. Very good football skills.
Joe Perovic.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. medium/tall. backman.very good left and right. Hits targets well,strong overhead, disciplined, mops up well.
Ben Jeanke-Cain.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Medium onballer/backman, big motor runs hard all day. Gets a lot of leather.
Josh Thomas.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small, quick hands plays tall, strong over head.Splits the pack with clean pickup and acceleration.
Mitch Harley.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Medium, onballer/back prodigeous leap. Very good in and under.
Jack Angus.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Tall, Ruckman , marks well around the ground, tough robust player.
Ashley Dean.- Solidly built Forward/Onballer. marks strongly.
Troy Jamieson.- medium onballer. Very good in and under player.
Northern Raiders.-
Declan Bevan.- The only 15 year old in QLD to play under 16 State last year. Tall, KP/ruckman,strong overhead. Kicks goals, runs well.
Would have made the u/15 schoolboys last year easily,
but instead played u/16 nationals.
Ryan Thomson. Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Medium/Tall. Utility.Hard at the ball, marks and kicks well .
big motor.
Matt May.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Tall, KP,Big bodied hard nosed backman.
Aaron Fabian.- Tall Forward,very good left and right. Kicks bags of goals if he's onsong. Arguably the best under 16 player going round. Attitude the key.
Micheal McCoy. Medium/tall, can play onball/or key position. Long kick.
Sunshine Coast.-
Nick Price.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Medium sized utility.Very fast runner, elusive ,has pace to burn, loves to bounce the ball.
Jack Parkes.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Solid Medium forward, can kick goals.
Todd Panaho.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Solidly built medium onballer. Likes bursting through packs ,has courage.Can inspire.
Shaun Guthrie.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small goalsneak. finds space well. good at goaling on the run.
Western Taipans.-
Gerrard Moore.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Tall Ruckman. Strong overhead, works hard around the ground.
Sean Yoshiura.- Tall, utility. Big motor finds the ball well.
Rex Liddy.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Only 14 year old to be named all Australian 2006. very pacy over the first 20 metres. likes to carry the ball.
Kookaburras.-
Lachlan Cox.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Key position Tall, solid defender. works hard.
hrisHunt.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Tall, ruckman, works hard.

[*Crash*]

Any results from any games so far?

[Lenny29]

No Damien Hewitt in there? Was in the Lions academy last year...

[rossco]

Damien Hewitt had a strong game. Highly regarded by the Bushrangers. I would think he is on the cusp of Queensland selection status. Got to be in the mix.

[rossco]

here is a link to the first days play.
http://www.aflq.com.au/

[Chasing the Dream]

GC Stingrays-
Taylor Rolfe.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. All Australian selection also.Left footed medium sized midfielder, very fast over the first 20 metres busts through packs.Probably the best player this age going round.
Jesse Haberfield.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. courageous medium sized ,versatile,very good skills,and hard at the ball.
Cheyne Hutchinson.- Captain of Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Tall forward /Ruckman , strong overhead, leads well.
Daniel Ramage.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. small midfielder, very good in and under, a ball magnet. picks up many possessions
Hamish Watts.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. KP(Key position) player, tall, can player forward or back. leads well. Very strong overhead.
Marc Lock.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. KP, tall, can play forward and back.Judged player of the final in last years state schoolboys final.
Benjamin Dovey.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small, utility loves to run and bounce . Good linkman.


I do get to see many of these players go around on a weekly basis.

Rolfe and Habberfield are both very good players at their age. I actually would put Jesse ahead of Taylor marginally, his ability to dominate in any position is very good. Have seen both their football mature over the past four years or so, and have always thought they have both got the game to go all the way to the AFL.

Jesse this season moved like many do at his age from Surfers to Southport and is primarily playing u/18's at Southport.

[Kenmore_Bears]

Western Taipans Had A Close Lose To The Gold Coast Stingrays, By 12 Points, Really Awesome Game, Taipans Have Plenty Of Good Players.

[rossco]

Well done by Taipans. With 5 minutes to go the unthinkable looked possible. Taipans were great. Gold Coast just held on. Having said that, I think the final between Gold Coast and Bushrangers Tuesday will be a real nailbiter.
Kookaburras defeated Colts by 40+. Sunny Coast beat PNG by 80 odd. and Bushies obliterated Raiders by 50 odd.
Results should be posted within the next 24hours on the AFLQ site.

[stmookeyj]

It's always bloody difficult for the Kookas. I doubt they'd have a session together before the championships and would only be seen in the Country championships (held 2 weeks ago here in Rocky, I believe Townsville won the whole thing). Same goes with the Colts.

[Kenmore_Bears]

Yeah, The Final Will Be Great, Depends How Well Bushies Can Stop The Stingers Run. The Taipans Shut Down Ramage, Habefield and Rolfe Fairly Well Today.

[rossco]

I do get to see many of these players go around on a weekly basis.

Rolfe and Habberfield are both very good players at their age. I actually would put Jesse ahead of Taylor marginally, his ability to dominate in any position is very good. Have seen both their football mature over the past four years or so, and have always thought they have both got the game to go all the way to the AFL.

Jesse this season moved like many do at his age from Surfers to Southport and is primarily playing u/18's at Southport.
I would think Jesse Haberfield is looking the better of the two at the chamionships. Both his games have been solid. Rolfe started getting a bit of ball after half-time vs Taipans ,but didn't do seem to be his usual dominant self in game vs Kookas.
Fowler of Taipans has impressed to date. And looks the goods. Any others ?

[Kenmore_Bears]

Yeah Fowler Would Be The Taipans Best Thus Far. Rex Liddy Has Shown Glimpses Of The Freakish Talent Hes Got, The Taipans Midfield Of Gerard Moore, Chris Mclennan, Fraser Nicholson Blisner, Tom Baldwin, Daniel Wayne and Samuel Usherwood Has Been Solid Aswell.

[rossco]

Results – Day 2 at Zillmere
Game 1
Country Kookaburras 0.4.4 3.7.25 6.9.45 9.13.67
AFLQ Colts 1.0.6 2.0.12 3.2.20 3.2.20

Kookaburras: Jake Goldsmith 3, Richard Possi , Billy Morehead, Mitch Nicholson, Wiley Heineman, Trent Monzone Colts: Max Beattie, Carl Stevenson, Sam Taylor
Kookaburras: Billy Morehead, Mitch Nicholson, Locky Cocks, Nik Clarke, Trent Monzone, Ben Masso Colts: Will Sutton, Mitch Weller, Jake Evans, Joel Jeffrey, Ben Boston, Sam Mulligan
Kookaburras Comments: Better effort but still more improvement possible. Lacked penetration into forward line and need to lift skills.
Colts Comments: Much improved game against a very quick team. Intensity and tackling was a feature of our play today although at times poor decision making and skill errors left ourselves down.

Game 2
Suncoast Power 5.0.30 10.1.61 13.4.82 18.6.114
Papua New Guinea 1.0.6 1.0.6 3.1.19 3.1.19

Power: Shaun Maxfield 3, James Mueller 2, Jack Parkes, Jack Tickner, Will Troedel, Shaun Guthrie, Jesse Hawksworth, Declan Magill, Nicky Price, Dean Werchon, Alik Magin, Lanze Magin, Josh Martin, George Branco PNG: Garry Kelly, Raphael Malau, Kenneth Buka
Power: Todd Panaho, Jack Parkes, Harry Wilson, Shaun Maxfield, Lanze Magin PNG: Ferdinand Musi, Jolan Tonga, Willie Tamia, Nelson Kerowa
Power Comments: A pleasing win against a spirited opposition. The boys lifted their intensity and worked better at our game plan giving us a confidence boost going into our last game.
PNG: Better effort today and a good four quarter effort with improvement shown from our first game.

Game 3
Gold Coast Stingrays 2.0.12 3.1.19 5.4.34 5.6.36
Western Taipans 0.2.2 1.3.9 1.5.11 3.6.24
Stingrays: Brodie Grant, Luke Shreeve, Ben Dovey, Jack Stanlake, Jesse Haberfield Taipans: Sam Usherwood, Tyler Contessi, Matthew Fowler
Stingrays: Hamish Watts, Marc Lock, Jack Ramsay, Alex Huston, Brodie Grant Taipans: Sam Usherwood, Mitchell Kosch, Sean Yoshiura, Tom Baldwin
Stingrays Comments: Good defensive game although skills were down today.
Taipans Comments: Not Supplied.

Game 4
South East Bushrangers 4.4.28 8.5.53 12.7.79 13.8.86
Northern Raiders 2.0.12 3.1.19 3.3.21 4.6.30
Bushies: Justin Harding 4, Jake Woods 4, Daniel Mowat 3, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Nathan Carroll Raiders: Grayson McIvor 2, Will Driffield, Aaron Fabian
Bushies: Joe Perovic, Ben Jaenke-Cain, Damian Steven, Byron Spurling, Nathan Carroll, Troy Jamieson Raiders: Ryan Thomson, Jarryd Denaro, Declan Bevan, Dale Seeto
Bushies Comments: Fantastic team effort, everyone performed their role as instructed. Great hard running and work right from the backline through the midfield to the forwards.
Raiders Comments: Game played in good spirits. Raiders did not play to their capabilities today.


Draw for Final Day – Tuesday 8th May @ Zillmere

9:30am AFLQ Colts vs. PNG
11:00am Suncoast Power vs. Country Kookaburras
12:30pm Northern Raiders vs. Western Taipans
2:30pm Gold Coast Stingrays vs. South East Bushrangers.
(Grand Final)

[morphous]

Lets go for 2/2 Bushies!

[*Crash*]

Anyone got the final QLD U16 team?

[rossco]

As I predicted, Gold Coast won narrowly from the SE bushrangers.
I believe the initial squad will appear on the AFLQ site tomorrow, Thursday. According the spiel at the carnival program, the state coach will pick an unknown number of players that fit his criteria.
link here- http://www.aflq.com.au/

[pero]

Congratulations , Stingrays. I thought our boys were going to win it. Cheers to Hamish Watts and the boys from the coast.

[Kenmore_Bears]

Final Day Results - AFLQ State U16 Championsships

“AFL Sports Ready” 2007 AFL Queensland State Under 16 Championships


Results – Day 3 at Zillmere


Game 1

Papua New Guinea 1.2.8 5.3.33 8.5.53 10.8.68
AFLQ Colts 1.2.8 2.4.16 2.5.17 2.6.18


Goals - PNG: Amua Pirika 3, Greg Aki 2, Garry Kelly 2, Raphael Malau, Willie Nicholas, David Mele Colts: Stuart Allen, Adam Hughes

Best - PNG: Ferdinand Musi, David Mele, Jalal Gori, Wille Nicholas, Charles Nalong Colts: Luke McKeown, Will Sutton, Ben Boston, Brent Pearson, Adam Hughes, Tamati Young

PNG Comments: N/A.

Colts Comments: A much improved game, we moved the ball well into our forward line today. Costly skills errors caused the ball to be turned over and the PNG boys were able to capitalize on the scoreboard.


Game 2

Suncoast Power 1.4.10 3.6.24 5.9.39 8.12.60
Country Kookaburras 0.0.0 2.1.13 3.2.20 5.3.33


Goals - Power: Alistair Stevenson 2, Shaun Maxfield 2, Jack Parkes 2, Shaun Guthrie, Declan Magill, James Mueller Kookaburras: Jaffa Crocker, Jake Goldsmith, Thomas Holland, Jak Johnston, Mahdi Chizari

Best - Power: Lanze Magin, Todd Panaho, Jake Crwaford, Nick Price, Jack Parkes Kookaburras: Jarod Addison, Billy Morehead, Matt Story, Locky Cocks

Power Comments: A great finish to our campaign! The boys turned up the intensity & worked hard at pressuring the Kooka’s. Well done boys on four solid quarters.

Kookaburras: Not disgraced, team came a long way over 8 days & will take better football back to their regions.


Game 3

Western Taipans 5.10.40
Northern Raiders 5.5.35

Goals - Taipans: Matt Fowler 2, Rex Liddy, Zane Pringle Raiders: Tim Beaven 2, Grayson McIvor, Ed Kimball, Aaron Fabian

Best - Taipans: Chris McClennan, Tom Baldwin, Connor Sengstock, Matt Fowler, Fraser Nicholson-Bliesner Raiders: Matt May, Declan Bevan, Will Bradley, Jarryd Denaro, James Nelis

Taipans Comments: Good team effort.

Raiders Comments: Raiders failed to play up to their capabilities bue to lack of application on the field. Although there were a lot of contributors on the day, as a team they did not gel. Better luck next year.


Game 4 – Grand Final

Gold Coast Stingrays 0.1.1 4.3.27 4.7.31 6.8.44
South East Bushrangers 3.0.18 4.1.25 4.3.27 5.4.34

Goals – Stingrays: Cheyne Hutchinson 2, Jesse Haberfield 2, Ben Dovey, Rory Thompson Bushies: Ashley Dean 2, Jake Woods, James Chester, Ben Jaenke-Cain

Best – Stingrays: Hamish Watts, Daniel Ramage, Jesse Haberfield, Brodie Grant, Ben Dovey Bushies: Damian Steven, Dom Russo, Byron Spurling, Joe Perovic

Stingrays Comments: N/A.

Bushies Comments: Fantastic game of football by both sides with the Stingrays better on the day. Thanks to the whole team who worked hard over the 3 days of the championships, just short of the mark in the final game.


Coaches Awards:

AFLQ Colts - Will Sutton
PNG - Ferdinand Musi
Kookaburras - Mitch Nicholson
Power - Harry Wilson
Raiders - Matt May
Taipans - Sam Usherwood
Bushies - Byron Spurling
Stingrays - Daniel Ramage

[rossco]

QUEENSLAND U16 YOUNG SCORPIONS SQUAD NAMED

Fifteen-year-old Lions AFL Academy Squad members Luke Shreeve, Sam Usherwood and Rex Liddy have been included today in the Australia Post Queensland U16 Young Scorpions squad.

Selectors, impressed and almost embarrassed by the depth of the talent, named a 34-man squad in preparation for the NAB Australian Championships to be held in Brisbane in late July.

Ordinarily, they would pick no more than 30 players but AFLQ Talent Manager Mark Browning said they were compelled to extend the size of the group, which will be cut to 25 players for the national carnival.

“It’s a pretty talented group – there were others we could have picked as well,” he said.

Shreeve, from Broadbeach, Usherwood, from the Redbacks, and Rex Liddy, from Hopeton on Cape York and now playing at Kenmore, are the three 15-year-olds chosen by the three-man selection panel of Browning, coach Neville Miller and assistant-coach John Seebohm.

Familiar names in the group include Morningside’s Justin Harding, younger brother of Brisbane Lions speedster Scott Harding, and Broadbeach’s Taylor Rolfe, brother of U18 Scorpions midfielder Aaron Rolfe, and Rory Thompson, son of ex-Southport full forward and Labrador AFLQ coach Brett Thompson.

The Young Scorpions will gather for the first time next Wednesday, 16 May, for a campaign which includes a practice match against NSW/ACT on 2 June in Canberra, where they will stay at the Australian Institute of Sport, and against NSW on 16 June in Darwin, when they’ll be the scurtain-raiser to the AFL game between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle.

Then, on 11 July, they will play a combined side from the AFLQ U18 competition, most probably at Zillmere’s O’Callaghan Park, before two games against Brighton Grammar from Melbourne at Coorparoo on 26 June and 28 June.

In announcing the squad, Browning confirmed that players who did not play in the recent State U16 championships due to injury or were injured early in the championships had not been considered, but that didn’t mean there could not be later changes.

Guidelines to initial selection included attendance and performance at regional centres, achieving fitness levels set by State fitness staff (injuries allowing) and match performances during the State U16 Championships and the ability to play a role within the State squad.

The selectors also consulted regional coaches and regional managers in the selection process.

The Young Scorpions squad includes 10 players from the Gold Coast Stingrays, who won the State U16 Championships, nine from the South-East Bushrangers, seven from the Western Taipans, four from the Northern Raiders, two from the Suncoast Power and two from the Country Kookaburras.

This year there are no players from PNG but Browning said four players from PNG would be brought to Brisbane for a four-six week block of training with the State squad.

The squad is:

SOUTH-EAST BUSHRANGERS
Mitchell Harley, Troy Jamieson, Damien Hewitt, Damien Steven, Ethan Reading (Mt.Gravatt), Bradley Rees (Redlands), Ben Jaenke-Cain (Sherwood), Justin Harding, Ashley Dean (Morningside).

GOLD COAST STINGRAYS
Luke Shreeve, Taylor Rolfe, Tyler Green, Cheyne Hutchinson (Broadbeach), Ben Dovey (Tweed/Coolangatta), Jack Stanlake (Surfers Paradise), Marc Lock, Jesse Haberfield, Hamish Watts, Rory Thompson (Southport).

WESTERN TAIPANS
Sean Yoshiura, Rex Liddy (Kenmore), James Pennycuick, Matt Fowler, Gerard Moore (Sherwood), Fraser Nicholsen-Bliesner (Ferny Grove), Sam Usherwood (Redbacks).

NORTHERN RAIDERS
Ryan Thomson, Aaron Fabian, Declan Bevan, Michael McCoy (Sandgate).

SUNCOAST POWER
Todd Panaoho (Caloundra), Nick Price (Maroochydore).

COUNTRY KOOKABURRAS
Lochlan Cocks (Townsville), Billy Moorhead (Bundaberg/Wide Bay).

[*Crash*]

QUEENSLAND U16 YOUNG SCORPIONS SQUAD NAMED


This year there are no players from PNG but Browning said four players from PNG would be brought to Brisbane for a four-six week block of training with the State squad.




Is this because they weren't good enough, or due to the tyranny of distance that would make it too difficult for the four players to be able to be part of the squad for practice (or the cost to get them there)? Any chance of any of these four guys being brought into the squad for the national champs or just fostering them for U18s?

[bananabenda]

In my opinion,-Not good enough. But to encourage them,they will have those boys join in training.I doubt whether the 2 country kids were good enough too. However, They need to be included, otherwise country kids might become disillusioned and see no avenue to the AFL.

[bananabenda]

Blazes, batman!!!!!!!!!! there were some noticable omissions as well. While I congratulate the kids in the squad, I saw a few better ones not picked. God, there must be some talent in this age group.
A good carnival and many good players involved. Good signs for AFL in QLD.

[*Crash*]

So what games/days did you see bananabender?

[bananabenda]

Quite a few. I'm looking at omissions and will replysoon with my observations.

[bananabenda]

I must confess to having little Idea as to what traits the selection panel look for in potential squad members
Commonsense suggests players have characteristics akin to AFL players of today.
What I saw and what the selectors picked had quite some parity. I think they are 90% right.Having said this. Here are the most notable omissions. -
Daniel Ramage Gold Coast Stingrays. He played onballer. Constantly burrowed into packs and won so much ball he may be suffering leather poisoning.
Perhaps thats why he was overlooked. Achilles might be his kicking, some didn't find their mark.Not overly tall aprox. 175cm, I thought he was a shoe-in.
Brodie Grant Gold Coast Stingrays. Where did this boy come from? Got a mountain of possessions,
kicks well, beat some very good oponnents in the final match against SE Bushrangers. No weaknesses noticable. I think he might be 176-178cm-ish?
Joe Perovic SEBushrangers. Played Fullback. Not sure if he was played in position to suit his style. (Looks like a likely wing/flanker type). In the best players 3/3 matches.
No goals on him in a losing Final against Stingrays. Excellent overhead. Was shorter than his opponents, though. Thought he was a shoe-in.
Mathew May Northern Raiders Was noticable earlier but camew into preceedings by the final match. May was as solid across CHB and built solidly too. at 185-ish might I say, a tad short for such a pivotal position.
He could easily play as a pocket or flank at state u16 level.
Pick of the State squad members I believe are-
1 Habberfield
2 Jencke-Cain
3 Declan Bevan
4 Hamish Watts
5 Mitchell Harley
6 Justin Harding
7 Marc Lock

[pero]

Jesse Haberfield is the best by far.;)

[hotpies12]

The two sunny coast guys are both guns, Todd Panaho and Nicky Price. Nicky has been playing for Caloundra U18s in Div. 1 and has been close to our best player this year. He is a midfielder is hard at it, put on some good hits (rugby union background) and disposes well. Could lose him to other sports down the track as he is part of a squad similar to the AIS in rugby and is also a state Cricketer. Todd is also a freak also has a rugby background and is very hard at it, pputs on some big hits, gets heaps of it but doesnt always dispose of it too well. Watch out for both trust me.

[bananabenda]

Rumour file.
Overheard some parents conversing.
Rumour 1. "my son ------ played rugby last night. Goodness knows how he will go today at the championships". ( I observed his effort and he struggled.)

Rumour 2 player x wanted to play rugby and was told in no uncertain terms he would have his AFL funding evoked if did! And must play in the championships.

-Both players made the state squad. Suprise , suprise!

[Kenmore_Bears]

Habberfield is gun, but i feel daniel ramage could be the best player in the state, god knows how he did not make it?

[morphous]

Rumour file.
Overheard some parents conversing.
Rumour 1. "my son ------ played rugby last night. Goodness knows how he will go today at the championships". ( I observed his effort and he struggled.)

Rumour 2 player x wanted to play rugby and was told in no uncertain terms he would have his AFL funding evoked if did! And must play in the championships.

-Both players made the state squad. Suprise , suprise!

You're starting to sound like me now BB:p

[Lenny29]

Rumour file.
Overheard some parents conversing.
Rumour 1. "my son ------ played rugby last night. Goodness knows how he will go today at the championships". ( I observed his effort and he struggled.)

Rumour 2 player x wanted to play rugby and was told in no uncertain terms he would have his AFL funding evoked if did! And must play in the championships.

-Both players made the state squad. Suprise , suprise!
Yeah, it's bullshit and one of the reasons why I cannot stand Daniel Merrett. Not because of him per se, just for what he stands for and encourages. Why play footy when your'e 8, just go some other sport until AFL lures you over at 16. Rubbish.

[bananabenda]

Right on the money ,Lenny.
How many "Daniel Merritts" in this current QLD team?

[morphous]

Right on the money ,Lenny.
How many "Daniel Merritts" in this current QLD team?

Merritt is the perfect example. Sure hes athletic but he has the footy smarts of a baby elephant.

[bananabenda]

Merritt is the perfect example. Sure hes athletic but he has the footy smarts of a baby elephant.
Morphous. Your brother was a victim.

[Lenny29]

Before I go on I must admit I was somewhat a "victim" - I was overlooked from an U/18 Bushrangers team in favour of a bloke my height with less ability but a gun baseballer. So I do have a vested interest.

But to be perfectly honest, I'm not at all bitter because I wasn't at that level anyway. If I was, I would've been the fourth or fifth tall in the side instead of the 9th or so. I'm more concerned with kids I've known for a long time at my local club - great kids with football ability, and D.Hewitt is just one example - who might get overlooked from more important sides, state sides and the like. It really is a ridiculous concept and, although I know they have to find a balance between rewarding quality footballers and trying to groom AFL players, I really think the balance is skewed too far in favour of the "other sporters".

Has there been another Daniel Merrett that's come through the system?

[rossco]

Of the 25 players representing QLD at Darwin schoolboys only half are in the under 16 squad of 34.
This my player profile of the new members-
Troy Jamieson- medium onballer and utility hard at the ball
Damien Hewitt- medium tall, KP forward,good overhead, slick hands
Damien Steven -medium utility very good left and right foot, hits targets
Ethan Reading- Tall, KP, aggressive, can play forward or back.
Bradley Rees- medium onballer, or utility, very good left and right feet .Good in traffic
Luke Shreeve- Lightly built 15 year old, very good skills, great ball sense.
Tyler Green- Athletic, runs well, good leap.
Jack Stanlake- KP forward very good at kicking for goal.
Rory Thompson- Tall forward (195cm) very good on the lead and overhead.
Sean Yoshiura- Tall, utility. Big motor finds the ball well
James Pennycuick- Likes to run and take them on ,well balanced
Matt Fowler- Medium tall, excellent natural leap, accurate at goal, good allround.
Fraser Nicholsen-Bliesner
Sam Usherwood- The best 15 year old going round. Medium tall, still growing very good all round.
Declan Bevan.- The only 15 year old in QLD to play under 16 State last year. Tall,(195 cm) KP/ruckman,strong overhead. Kicks goals, runs well will be a key in this years nationals
Aaron Fabian- Tall Forward,very good left and right. Kicks bags of goals if he's onsong. Arguably the best under 16 player going round. Attitude the key
Michael McCoy- Medium/tall, can play onball/or key position. Long kick
Billy Moorhead - marks well and has ball sense.
How I rate qld u/16 squad members championship performances-
SOUTH EAST BUSHRANGERS.
Mitchell Harley- very consistent- 9/10
Troy Jamieson- very good first up was quieter in the final 7/10
Damien Hewitt- solid in the first matches, had stiff opposition in the final, 7/10
Damien Steven- pretty steady all three games. 7/10
Ethan Reading- started well and was consistent, marking was suspect 6/10
Bradley Rees- excellent first match faded slightly 8/10
Ben Jaenke-Cain - very good , faded second half of the final 8.5 /10
Justin Harding- solid, got caught a few times in the final 7/10
Ashley Dean- Same as his team-mates found the final a higher gear 7/10
GOLD COAST STINGRAYS
Luke Shreeve- consistent effort 7.5 /10
Taylor Rolfe- Found himself back with the pack, not the clear champion he was last year. 7/10
Tyler Green- Steady, 7/10
Cheyne Hutchinson- worked hard, but dropped too many overhead marks on a lead 6.5 /10
Ben Dovey- loves to run and run and run.... got cuaght a bit. 7.5 /10
Jack Stanlake- started well , well held in the final by a player who didn't even make the squad.6/10
Marc Lock- very good all 3 games 9/10
Jesse Haberfield- player of the carnival for mine- 9.5 /10
Hamish Watts- Excellent carnivall. 9/10
Rory Thompson - good overhead played off the bench in games one and two. 5 marks in the final. 6/10
WESTERN TAIPANS
Sean Yoshiura- ran hard and got a fair bit of ball. 7.5 /10
Rex Liddy - Quiet and found the going tough. 5/10
James Pennycuick- ran well plenty of dash from the backline. caught a number of times though. 7/10
Matt Fowler- excellent carnival, earned a spot in the squad 9/10
Gerard Moore - at 195cm won his share of hit-uts. all that was required- 8.5/10
Fraser Nicholsen-Bliesner - ran well was consistent 7.5/10
Sam Usherwood - very solid all 3 games. One to watch out for.8/10
NORTHERN RAIDERS
Ryan Thomson.-Got better as the championships went on. 8/10
Aaron Fabian-kicked 10 goals in game one. which earned him a gig. was well beaten in game 2. Too much of a Jeckle-Hyde. Not as good as I was led to believe. 6/10
Declan Bevan- At 195cm and mobile football is a simple game. 3 good games 8.5/10
Michael McCoy- solid carnival- 7.5/10
SUNCOAST POWER
Todd Panaoho - very good all 3 games. 9/10
Nick Price - very quiet game one, barely did enough against quality opposition. 6/10

[morphous]

Morphous. Your brother was a victim.

I'm glad someone outside of my club agrees. He moved to Shepparton about a month ago for work. He's playing with the Shepp Swans seniors and doing well.

[rossco]

Young Scorpions Squad for Canberra Trip

Congratulation to the following list of players on their inclusion in the Australia Post Under 16 Scorpions squad that will play AFL NSWACT on Saturday 2 June. Please note that the players full intinerary follows the squad list.

Luke Shreeve
Brad Rees
Ben Jaenke-Cain
Troy Jamieson
Lachlan Cocks
Taylor Rolfe
Damien Hewitt
Matt Fowler
Billy Moorhead
Nick Price
Todd Panaoho
Marc Lock
James Pennycuick
Declan Bevan
Aaron Fabian
Gerard Moore
Tyler Green
Cheyne Hutchinson
Sam Usherwood
Ashley Dean
Damien Steven
Ben Dovey

All boys in the Young Scorpion training squad of 33 players must attend training at Coorparoo next Monday and Wednesday as usual.

[bananabenda]

Must be a few injuries, huh?

[swans12]

Before I go on I must admit I was somewhat a "victim" - I was overlooked from an U/18 Bushrangers team in favour of a bloke my height with less ability but a gun baseballer. So I do have a vested interest.

But to be perfectly honest, I'm not at all bitter because I wasn't at that level anyway. If I was, I would've been the fourth or fifth tall in the side instead of the 9th or so. I'm more concerned with kids I've known for a long time at my local club - great kids with football ability, and D.Hewitt is just one example - who might get overlooked from more important sides, state sides and the like. It really is a ridiculous concept and, although I know they have to find a balance between rewarding quality footballers and trying to groom AFL players, I really think the balance is skewed too far in favour of the "other sporters".

Has there been another Daniel Merrett that's come through the system?


Its unfortunate, but welcome to the real world 2007.

I am involved in Development at this age group in Nth NSW. There is a scholarship scheme run by the AFL where all AFL Clubs can scholarship a player 15 to 17. (subsidised by the AFL)

What is happening, if youre say 195cm and play another sport to a rep level (state say), then you have I would say a 10 times better chance of getting scholarshipped than a player who plays the code even if he's a gun.

They are all chasing the Roberts Thomson and Moran's of this world.

Essendon, Geelong and St Kilda all took project players new to our code.

Very frustrated and embarassed to have to speak to the really hardworking and dedicated kids that are devastated at being constatntly overlooked.

NSW are even starting to pick them in their State sides as well, meaning they are taking the spots of football kids.

[Lenny29]

Its unfortunate, but welcome to the real world 2007.

I am involved in Development at this age group in Nth NSW. There is a scholarship scheme run by the AFL where all AFL Clubs can scholarship a player 15 to 17. (subsidised by the AFL)

What is happening, if youre say 195cm and play another sport to a rep level (state say), then you have I would say a 10 times better chance of getting scholarshipped than a player who plays the code even if he's a gun.

They are all chasing the Roberts Thomson and Moran's of this world.

Essendon, Geelong and St Kilda all took project players new to our code.

Very frustrated and embarassed to have to speak to the really hardworking and dedicated kids that are devastated at being constatntly overlooked.

NSW are even starting to pick them in their State sides as well, meaning they are taking the spots of football kids.
No doubt it's happening and the PTB want it to keep happening but it's wrong.

[bananabenda]

Funny that! ex-AFL player Cameron O'Brien (Living in the USA for 10 years now) Mentioned that in a conversation last week. It went something like this- "----- old mate. I'm involved in AFL in the states and the game is coming on fine. Sheeds and other AFL clubs have rung from time to time Asking If I know of any tall athletes". "As long as they are quick we can make 'em into footballers"- they say.
Do I need to say any more?. Just remember that when your children say they want play AFL Lenny. Will you allow them?

[swans12]

Funny that! ex-AFL player Cameron O'Brien (Living in the USA for 10 years now) Mentioned that in a conversation last week. It went something like this- "----- old mate. I'm involved in AFL in the states and the game is coming on fine. Sheeds and other AFL clubs have rung from time to time Asking If I know of any tall athletes". "As long as they are quick we can make 'em into footballers"- they say.
Do I need to say any more?. Just remember that when your children say they want play AFL Lenny. Will you allow them?


If your kid is an athlete, you are better off getting them into say basketball and athletics and change over later on.

Dont worry about the football brains.

Bullshit

[pero]

Any results on the NSWACT vs QLD game played today?

[Kirky8865]

Any results on the NSWACT vs QLD game played today?
Pero, I was at the game, my son is in the NSW side. Qld absolutely smashed them in the second half. They played extremely well, great team play and ran hard all day. Obviously a lot of them have played together. NSW started OK but turned the ball over coming into their forward line way to often. The Qld backman then moved the ball really well into their forward line. Qld also didn't seem to miss too many set shots. A really good reality ckeck for the Rams and it would reinforce Qld's confidence. Both sides should be congratulated on the way the game was played. Umpiring was of its usual standard, WAY BELOW PAR.

[pero]

The result augers well for AFL Queensland. The squad consists of 33 players currently. As you could imagine, Qld can only get stronger. Add to that the fact that there are some injured players that could have made the state had they particapated in the state champs.
Are NSW down to a final squad yet? Were they experimenting, or just outclassed? Who would you think were Qlds best? Did you hear any names mentioned? And how did Taylor Duryea, Dylan McNeil and co. go? who were your best?

[boundry]

The Qld boys looked pretty good. The score was Scorpions(Qld) 19.17 to RAMS 9.2 played in near perfect conditions, though it was wet under foot and greasy until half time - with many players loosing their feet a bit, and dropping marks ( nerves maybe)
Qld missed a few goals on the run, did better from set shots though. The backline for Q got plenty of penetration into the forward line, which did better after half time. Best set-up was Forth Qtr

RAMS was a taller team with some players on AFL scholarships, perhaps their standouts, believe the AIS head coach was their checking out the talent. To their credit RAMS played out the match in a friendly spirit

Generally, Q looked more committed, harder to the ball, safer hands, blessed with speed and fitness
While a lot of the Q boys are playing for a spot in the final side, they gelled really well as a team and are well disciplined.

[pero]

Who were QLD's best ? Boundary.

[Kirky8865]

NSW have selected their final squad of 25. Taylor Duryea is going to school in Vic so not in squad. Dylan copped a head knock early but still battled on. I didn't think there where any stand outs for NSW, I wont start about the scholarships (We live in an area that makes us ineligble for one). Qld over ran us in the second half, maybe playing for a spots, but they looked a bit hungrier and where prepared to share the ball every time. Sorry I dont have the team sheet for Qld, but number 10??? was very good and a couple of big forwards. If you guys have others to come in yet then the Nationals will be tough.

[boundry]

Sorry, they all performed and to hard to pick stand outs

[sportz1]

The result augers well for AFL Queensland. The squad consists of 33 players currently. As you could imagine, Qld can only get stronger. Add to that the fact that there are some injured players that could have made the state had they particapated in the state champs.
Are NSW down to a final squad yet? Were they experimenting, or just outclassed? Who would you think were Qlds best? Did you hear any names mentioned? And how did Taylor Duryea, Dylan McNeil and co. go? who were your best?

Taylor Duryea isnt playing for NSW he prefers to play in melb for his school silly boy knocking back state opportunities. Mcneil is captain of NSW and will be a good player again tho he is very small.

[sportz1]

Of the 25 players representing QLD at Darwin schoolboys only half are in the under 16 squad of 34.
This my player profile of the new members-
Troy Jamieson- medium onballer and utility hard at the ball
Damien Hewitt- medium tall, KP forward,good overhead, slick hands
Damien Steven -medium utility very good left and right foot, hits targets
Ethan Reading- Tall, KP, aggressive, can play forward or back.
Bradley Rees- medium onballer, or utility, very good left and right feet .Good in traffic
Luke Shreeve- Lightly built 15 year old, very good skills, great ball sense.
Tyler Green- Athletic, runs well, good leap.
Jack Stanlake- KP forward very good at kicking for goal.
Rory Thompson- Tall forward (195cm) very good on the lead and overhead.
Sean Yoshiura- Tall, utility. Big motor finds the ball well
James Pennycuick- Likes to run and take them on ,well balanced
Matt Fowler- Medium tall, excellent natural leap, accurate at goal, good allround.
Fraser Nicholsen-Bliesner
Sam Usherwood- The best 15 year old going round. Medium tall, still growing very good all round.
Declan Bevan.- The only 15 year old in QLD to play under 16 State last year. Tall,(195 cm) KP/ruckman,strong overhead. Kicks goals, runs well will be a key in this years nationals
Aaron Fabian- Tall Forward,very good left and right. Kicks bags of goals if he's onsong. Arguably the best under 16 player going round. Attitude the key
Michael McCoy- Medium/tall, can play onball/or key position. Long kick
Billy Moorhead - marks well and has ball sense.
How I rate qld u/16 squad members championship performances-
SOUTH EAST BUSHRANGERS.
Mitchell Harley- very consistent- 9/10
Troy Jamieson- very good first up was quieter in the final 7/10
Damien Hewitt- solid in the first matches, had stiff opposition in the final, 7/10
Damien Steven- pretty steady all three games. 7/10
Ethan Reading- started well and was consistent, marking was suspect 6/10
Bradley Rees- excellent first match faded slightly 8/10
Ben Jaenke-Cain - very good , faded second half of the final 8.5 /10
Justin Harding- solid, got caught a few times in the final 7/10
Ashley Dean- Same as his team-mates found the final a higher gear 7/10
GOLD COAST STINGRAYS
Luke Shreeve- consistent effort 7.5 /10
Taylor Rolfe- Found himself back with the pack, not the clear champion he was last year. 7/10
Tyler Green- Steady, 7/10
Cheyne Hutchinson- worked hard, but dropped too many overhead marks on a lead 6.5 /10
Ben Dovey- loves to run and run and run.... got cuaght a bit. 7.5 /10
Jack Stanlake- started well , well held in the final by a player who didn't even make the squad.6/10
Marc Lock- very good all 3 games 9/10
Jesse Haberfield- player of the carnival for mine- 9.5 /10
Hamish Watts- Excellent carnivall. 9/10
Rory Thompson - good overhead played off the bench in games one and two. 5 marks in the final. 6/10
WESTERN TAIPANS
Sean Yoshiura- ran hard and got a fair bit of ball. 7.5 /10
Rex Liddy - Quiet and found the going tough. 5/10
James Pennycuick- ran well plenty of dash from the backline. caught a number of times though. 7/10
Matt Fowler- excellent carnival, earned a spot in the squad 9/10
Gerard Moore - at 195cm won his share of hit-uts. all that was required- 8.5/10
Fraser Nicholsen-Bliesner - ran well was consistent 7.5/10
Sam Usherwood - very solid all 3 games. One to watch out for.8/10
NORTHERN RAIDERS
Ryan Thomson.-Got better as the championships went on. 8/10
Aaron Fabian-kicked 10 goals in game one. which earned him a gig. was well beaten in game 2. Too much of a Jeckle-Hyde. Not as good as I was led to believe. 6/10
Declan Bevan- At 195cm and mobile football is a simple game. 3 good games 8.5/10
Michael McCoy- solid carnival- 7.5/10
SUNCOAST POWER
Todd Panaoho - very good all 3 games. 9/10
Nick Price - very quiet game one, barely did enough against quality opposition. 6/10

Does asy one know who jack stanlakes father is did he play for lavington??Is his name warren?

[sportz1]

The Queensland under 16 state championships commence tomorrow at ZillmereThe strong Gold Coast Stingrays unit will start as slight favorites ahead of the South East Bushrangers,the team that defeated them in the under 14 final 2 years ago.Northern Raiders and Western Taipans shouldn't be too far off the mix, and the Sunshine Coast Power could prove a handfull too. The Kookaburras along with newcomers the AFLQ Colts team and Papua New Guinea, should be worth watching despite being a bit off the pace.Here is a guide to the best of the talent to watch over the next 5 days-
GC Stingrays-
Taylor Rolfe.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. All Australian selection also.Left footed medium sized midfielder, very fast over the first 20 metres busts through packs.Probably the best player this age going round.
Jesse Haberfield.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. courageous medium sized ,versatile,very good skills,and hard at the ball.
Cheyne Hutchinson.- Captain of Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Tall forward /Ruckman , strong overhead, leads well.
Daniel Ramage.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. small midfielder, very good in and under, a ball magnet. picks up many possessions
Hamish Watts.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. KP(Key position) player, tall, can player forward or back. leads well. Very strong overhead.
Marc Lock.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. KP, tall, can play forward and back.Judged player of the final in last years state schoolboys final.
Benjamin Dovey.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small, utility loves to run and bounce . Good linkman.
South East Bushrangers-
Justin Harding.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. All Australian selection 2006. Small goalsneak. Very quick over the first 20 metres,
an opportunist and slips his man regularly. Very good football skills.
Joe Perovic.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. medium/tall. backman.very good left and right. Hits targets well,strong overhead, disciplined, mops up well.
Ben Jeanke-Cain.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Medium onballer/backman, big motor runs hard all day. Gets a lot of leather.
Josh Thomas.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small, quick hands plays tall, strong over head.Splits the pack with clean pickup and acceleration.
Mitch Harley.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Medium, onballer/back prodigeous leap. Very good in and under.
Jack Angus.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Tall, Ruckman , marks well around the ground, tough robust player.
Ashley Dean.- Solidly built Forward/Onballer. marks strongly.
Troy Jamieson.- medium onballer. Very good in and under player.
Northern Raiders.-
Declan Bevan.- The only 15 year old in QLD to play under 16 State last year. Tall, KP/ruckman,strong overhead. Kicks goals, runs well.
Would have made the u/15 schoolboys last year easily,
but instead played u/16 nationals.
Ryan Thomson. Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Medium/Tall. Utility.Hard at the ball, marks and kicks well .
big motor.
Matt May.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Tall, KP,Big bodied hard nosed backman.
Aaron Fabian.- Tall Forward,very good left and right. Kicks bags of goals if he's onsong. Arguably the best under 16 player going round. Attitude the key.
Micheal McCoy. Medium/tall, can play onball/or key position. Long kick.
Sunshine Coast.-
Nick Price.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Medium sized utility.Very fast runner, elusive ,has pace to burn, loves to bounce the ball.
Jack Parkes.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Solid Medium forward, can kick goals.
Todd Panaho.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Solidly built medium onballer. Likes bursting through packs ,has courage.Can inspire.
Shaun Guthrie.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Small goalsneak. finds space well. good at goaling on the run.
Western Taipans.-
Gerrard Moore.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Tall Ruckman. Strong overhead, works hard around the ground.
Sean Yoshiura.- Tall, utility. Big motor finds the ball well.
Rex Liddy.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Only 14 year old to be named all Australian 2006. very pacy over the first 20 metres. likes to carry the ball.
Kookaburras.-
Lachlan Cox.-Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006.Key position Tall, solid defender. works hard.
hrisHunt.- Qld u/15 schoolboys 2006. Tall, ruckman, works hard.

I find it amazing that perovic didnt make it . I'm a vic metro man and i watched him play last year had him in the top 10 for qld and not in the squad this year .

[pero]

A close friend of mine at Surfers Paradise FC tells me Jacks dad indeed is Warren. ( he's about 6 foot 15 inches tall).I'm guessing Jacks about 6'2'' at the moment. Jack's a good kick for goal.But other than that, I'm not too sure of his ability. My young fellow played on him during the carny. I will ask when he comes home from school.I'm sure you would like to know how Jacks performing. Do you know him?

[sportz1]

A close friend of mine at Surfers Paradise FC tells me Jacks dad indeed is Warren. ( he's about 6 foot 15 inches tall).I'm guessing Jacks about 6'2'' at the moment. Jack's a good kick for goal.But other than that, I'm not too sure of his ability. My young fellow played on him during the carny. I will ask when he comes home from school.I'm sure you would like to know how Jacks performing. Do you know him?

I know of him he played a bit of footy in victoria he played 1 game for footscray i think. He was a forward early in his career.Good player.

[sportz1]

The qld team must be pretty handy . i was very impressed with them at the U15 Carnival last year . They should easily dominate the carnival this year in thier pool . Whats the secret up there is aussie rules that strong. Or is it just a good pool of kids cos a lot of them would walk into a vic metro side this year . I see perovic who was rated by the vic kids last year isnt even in the side side so it must be pretty hot to get a game.

[boundry]

The qld team must be pretty handy . i was very impressed with them at the U15 Carnival last year . They should easily dominate the carnival this year in thier pool . Whats the secret up there is aussie rules that strong. Or is it just a good pool of kids cos a lot of them would walk into a vic metro side this year . I see perovic who was rated by the vic kids last year isnt even in the side side so it must be pretty hot to get a game.

QuitRight Sportz, although there were a number of kids unlucky not to make the schoolboys side last year, who are probably getting a go in the 16's this year. (which is run by the AFLQ)

[bananabenda]

When is the squad trimmed again?

[bananabenda]

QuitRight Sportz, although there were a number of kids unlucky not to make the schoolboys side last year, who are probably getting a go in the 16's this year. (which is run by the AFLQ)
Which kids? Boundry.

[sportz1]

Which kids? Boundry.

Pero banana bender and others how do you blokes rate this years team against some of the vic talent you saw in darwin last year. your u15's were very good last year and by some of the players i saw up there that missed this year your team must be very good . I am interested if you have many blokes the caliber of Hooper ziebel butcher scully Cachia from victoria . i imagine you will smash your division this year in the u16's nationals so looking forwards to watching you.Footy must be exciting up there for the young blokes at the moment.

[pero]

Part A-
Pero banana bender and others how do you blokes rate this years team against some of the vic talent you saw in darwin last year. your u15's were very good last year and by some of the players i saw up there that missed this year your team must be very good . I am interested if you have many blokes the caliber of Hooper ziebel butcher scully Cachia from victoria . i imagine you will smash your division this year in the u16's nationals so looking forwards to watching you.Footy must be exciting up there for the young blokes at the moment.
Well firstly I'm not convinced that the players that missed out this year are inferior to the the players that have replaced them. Just different selectors with differing opinions selecting different kids. But yes, its apparent there is depth of talent in the QLD ranks.
part B-

Pero banana bender and others how do you blokes rate this years team against some of the vic talent you saw in darwin last year. your u15's were very good last year and by some of the players i saw up there that missed this year your team must be very good . I am interested if you have many blokes the caliber of Hooper ziebel butcher scully Cachia from victoria . i imagine you will smash your division this year in the u16's nationals so looking forwards to watching you.Footy must be exciting up there for the young blokes at the moment.

I understand Banana's away at the moment (And he wasn't in Darwin anyway)So I will do my best to answer this bit. The standouts in my opinion in the QLD team are-
1- Declan Bevan. A big fellow about 195cm, slim, has a bit of mongrel about him and runs and marks well for a big man. His disposal is good and he's not too shabby below the knees too. I'm guessing that The talent managers rate him at the top of the list.(as good as any Ruckmen I saw in Darwin if not better).
2- Justin Harding. Was named all Australian last year on top of a 12 goal effort as a small forward in Darwin. Including a 4 goal effort against Vic Metro in a semi-final. A real opportunistic player half a dozen possessions usually yield 4 or so goals.His brother Scott plays for the Brisbane Lions and swears that Justin is the better of the two. Justin possesses the same explosive speed over the first 20 metres. Very accurate and miskicks very very rarely.Would definately beat Anton Woods one on one, I.M.O. Hardings lack of Height might be a problem still only 175 cm, but will surely grow more. Not sure about his right foot. His game is such that he can compensate for that deficiancy easily.
3- Jesse Haberfield. abot 180cm,This kid is just the complete package I.M.O. good left and right foot kick. He can take a great grab, and is fearless. Very nicely balanced. Took the mark of the carnival vs WA in Darwin. Never made All Australian but was playing on the back of a knee reco. He Is "burning" at the moment. Not sure how highly regarded he is with the Talent managers here.

4-Tayler Rolfe. Rolfe was probably QLD's best player in Darwin. very explosive and can maintain that speed over 100 metres. Went superbly vs Vic Metro in the final. He didn't dominate in this years state champs but is a very good athlete. Doesn't seem to have right foot and U-turns too often instead of dishing off to a player running toward goal.Probably quicker than Tom Scully over the first 10 metres but would be left for dead after that.
5-Ben Jencke- Cain. This kid has a huge ticker. he can run all day ala Tom Scully. He has worked on his non-dominant side and although he has some way to go still, is competent with it.He is very good in traffic and has a big ticker."Hard running "would best describe him.

As far as QLD compared to Vic Metro and WA ,I would think a 10 goal difference would be a par effort.No one in QLD comes up to Ziebles level, and Hooper seemed a cut above them too, last year.
For that matter Tom Scully has a bit too much all round talent for any we have here. Cachia. I only saw him vs Vic Metro and didn't think he stood out. Butcher? I didn't watch the Vic country games for long enough to notice him (I was too over-awed by Zieble and Hooper)

[sportz1]

Part A-

Well firstly I'm not convinced that the players that missed out this year are inferior to the the players that have replaced them. Just different selectors with differing opinions selecting different kids. But yes, its apparent there is depth of talent in the QLD ranks.
part B-



I understand Banana's away at the moment (And he wasn't in Darwin anyway)So I will do my best to answer this bit. The standouts in my opinion in the QLD team are-
1- Declan Bevan. A big fellow about 195cm, slim, has a bit of mongrel about him and runs and marks well for a big man. His disposal is good and he's not too shabby below the knees too. I'm guessing that The talent managers rate him at the top of the list.(as good as any Ruckmen I saw in Darwin if not better).
2- Justin Harding. Was named all Australian last year on top of a 12 goal effort as a small forward in Darwin. Including a 4 goal effort against Vic Metro in a semi-final. A real opportunistic player half a dozen possessions usually yield 4 or so goals.His brother Scott plays for the Brisbane Lions and swears that Justin is the better of the two. Justin possesses the same explosive speed over the first 20 metres. Very accurate and miskicks very very rarely.Would definately beat Anton Woods one on one, I.M.O. Hardings lack of Height might be a problem still only 175 cm, but will surely grow more. Not sure about his right foot. His game is such that he can compensate for that deficiancy easily.
3- Jesse Haberfield. abot 180cm,This kid is just the complete package I.M.O. good left and right foot kick. He can take a great grab, and is fearless. Very nicely balanced. Took the mark of the carnival vs WA in Darwin. Never made All Australian but was playing on the back of a knee reco. He Is "burning" at the moment. Not sure how highly regarded he is with the Talent managers here.

4-Tayler Rolfe. Rolfe was probably QLD's best player in Darwin. very explosive and can maintain that speed over 100 metres. Went superbly vs Vic Metro in the final. He didn't dominate in this years state champs but is a very good athlete. Doesn't seem to have right foot and U-turns too often instead of dishing off to a player running toward goal.Probably quicker than Tom Scully over the first 10 metres but would be left for dead after that.
5-Ben Jencke- Cain. This kid has a huge ticker. he can run all day ala Tom Scully. He has worked on his non-dominant side and although he has some way to go still, is competent with it.He is very good in traffic and has a big ticker."Hard running "would best describe him.

As far as QLD compared to Vic Metro and WA ,I would think a 10 goal difference would be a par effort.No one in QLD comes up to Ziebles level, and Hooper seemed a cut above them too, last year.
For that matter Tom Scully has a bit too much all round talent for any we have here. Cachia. I only saw him vs Vic Metro and didn't think he stood out. Butcher? I didn't watch the Vic country games for long enough to notice him (I was too over-awed by Zieble and Hooper)


Thanks for that Pero i'll look forwards to watching these guys. The Vic country and metro are different outfits this year as well . Ziebel and Hooper still class acts a kid called sidebottom (injured early last year ) butcher Gavin and priest are ones to watch for Vic country . New guys to watch will be a cunnington clever forward Dane Tutton who will be a key back or forward ,Callen geary a wiry but clever player he went with scully in the practice match and did very well.

For metro Scully will dominate a big kid called Jack Watts who's one of the best 16 yr olds in the country at the moment. Jake carr looks a goodun sam blease and tindarra hood is very clever.
should be an interesting carnival.

[pero]

I was given a copy of Vic metro vs Vic Country u/16's game 2, played 9th June 2007. and must admit Cachia is a quality footballer. Definately leadership material. Very "clean" hands. Its a toss up between him and Scully for mine.

[sportz1]

Thanks for that Pero i'll look forwards to watching these guys. The Vic country and metro are different outfits this year as well . Ziebel and Hooper still class acts a kid called sidebottom (injured early last year ) butcher Gavin and priest are ones to watch for Vic country . New guys to watch will be a cunnington clever forward Dane Tutton who will be a key back or forward ,Callen geary a wiry but clever player he went with scully in the practice match and did very well.

For metro Scully will dominate a big kid called Jack Watts who's one of the best 16 yr olds in the country at the moment. Jake carr looks a goodun sam blease and tindarra hood is very clever.
should be an interesting carnival.

A bit of an update Pero ,Butcher is out for country stress fracture in his back and kallen geary was cut from country as was Carr for metro so might tell you what sort of a judge i am .Carr in paticular was a big surprise as he played well in all trials.
Metro played Country yesterday and smashed them the country boys look very light on and metro looked a lot sharper all over the ground .Ziebell ,christensen (bundy )didnt play for country and they mucked around with the side a fair bit but metro had cachia and a couple of others out watts , witkowski so they would be better also .But metro look a lot better thasn country at this stage .it is a matter of how good W.A and S.A are now.