Shifter's Wrap: U18 All-Australians
WELL, another NAB AFL Under-18 Championships is over – and not just any championships. It was the 30th event since all states and territories joined in 1978, and it was the first year we scheduled the championships in four states over a 19-day period as it continues to evolve.
The final task of the championships was to announce the 2007 All-Australian Under-18 team, comprising the individuals who produced for their teams throughout the championships.
It is never an easy task, particularly given the requirement to announce a team almost immediately after the siren sounds, and a number of players can consider themselves a little unfortunate not to be included. They are South Australia's Levi Greenwood and Jared Petrenko, Western Australia's Tayte Pears and Steven Browne, Northern Territory's Peter Rolfe and Queensland's Dayne Zorko and Ben Gibson.
The selectors were myself (chairman), Alan McConnell (AIS/AFL high-performance coach), AFL recruiting managers, Scott Clayton (Western Bulldogs), Blair Hartley (Port Adelaide), John Peake (St Kilda) and Rohan O’Brien (West Coast).
Here's our best shot at the achievers for 2007:
2007 ALL-AUSTRALIAN UNDER-18 TEAM
Defenders : Nick Suban (Vic Country), Michael Hurley (Vic Metro), Alex Rance (Western Australia), Scott Selwood (Vic Country), Tom Collier (Tasmania), David Myers (Western Australia)
Midfielders:Daniel Rich (Western Australia), Rhys Palmer (Western Australia), Cale Morton (Western Australia), Matthew Kreuzer (Vic Metro), Craig Bird (NSW/ACT), Chris Masten (Western Australia)
Forwards: Brad Ebert (South Australia), Ben McEvoy (Vic Country), Jack Grimes (Vic Metro), Addam Maric (Vic Metro), Aaron Cornelius (Tasmania), Cyril Rioli (Northern Territory)
Interchange:Nick Naitanui (Western Australia), Aaron Joseph (Tasmania), Patrick McGinnity (Western Australia), Taylor Walker (NSW/ACT)
Defenders
Nick Suban – Victoria Country
17 years old, 178cm, 78kg, Nth Ballarat/Bacchus Marsh
Left-footed, small defender/midfielder who averaged 23 disposals showing good poise and disposal skills whether in defence or midfield. Ineligible for this year's draft, he made the most of his opportunity and won Victoria Country's Most Valuable Player Award.
Michael Hurley – Victoria Metro
17 years old, 192cm, 88kg, Northern Knights/Macleod
A tall defender/forward, Hurley kicks the ball long and extremely well with either foot. He also competes strongly in the air. Led the championships in rebounds from defensive 50 with 22, and was a good decision-maker with or without the football. He capped off a consistent championships with very good game at full-back against Victoria Country in the final round.
Alex Rance – Western Australia
17 years old, 194cm, 87kg, Swan Districts
Tall defender who showed great dash from defence in his three championship matches. His father, Murray, played for both the Western Bulldogs and West Coast, where he was captain. Already had a taste of senior football in the WAFL and is much improved. He ranked seventh overall in handballs for the championships, helping provide Western Australia with its quick ball movement from defence.
Scott Selwood – Vic Country
17 years old, 184cm, 81kg, Bendigo/Sandhurst
A medium defender/midfielder, Selwood averaged 21 disposals for the championships, which was capped off with 32 disposals against Vic Metro. He is a no-fuss small/medium player either in defence or the midfield. His brothers Troy (Brisbane Lions), Adam (West Coast) and Joel (Geelong) already play in the AFL.
Tom Collier – Tasmania
18 years old, 192cm, 86kg, Lauderdale
Tall defender who averaged 23 disposals and showed he could run the lines throughout the championships, providing rebound from the back half. Much improved player who has already been prominent for Tasmanian Devils in the VFL. He was ranked fourth overall in contested possessions, with 11 per match.
David Myers – Western Australia
18 years old, 190cm, 85kg, Perth
Tall, left-footed defender was fourth overall in disposals, with 84 for the championships – averaging 28 per match – playing predominately across half-back. A dashing player who shows great making ability and leadership, he won the Barassi Medal in the 2006 under-17 International Rules series against Ireland.
Midfield
Daniel Rich – Western Australia
17 years old, 185cm, 77kg, Subiaco
Left-footed medium midfielder who is quick, agile and tough. Penetrating kick and decisive decision-maker, his inside 50s ranked in the top 10 for the championships. Not eligible for this year's draft but clearly an outstanding prospect for 2008.
Rhys Palmer – Western Australia
17 years, 180cm, 76kg, East Fremantle
A left footed, medium-sized midfielder with huge engine and ball-winning ability, he led the disposals for the championships with 97 – averaging 32 per match. He also had 41 effective kicks. Palmer kicked nine goals for the championships, including five in a best-on-ground performance against Vic Metro at Subiaco. He won Western Australia's Most Valuable Player Award.
Cale Morton – Western Australia
17 years old, 192cm, 75kg, Claremont
A tall midfielder who can push forward and become a marking target, Morton is a one-touch player who had 75 disposals for the championships – averaging 25 a match. He also led the marks with 28 – averaging nine a match. Ranked second in effectiveness with his kicks, he topped off an outstanding championship by winning the Larke Medal for the best and fairest division-one player.
Matthew Kreuzer – Victoria Metro
18 years old, 199cm, 91kg, Northern Knight/Bundoora
A ruckman with enormous running capacity and agility, Kreuzer was a most consistent player in the championships, finishing fourth in the hit-outs. He showed great ability at the clearances, ranking in the top 10, and averaged five tackles per match. He won Vic Metro's Most Valuable Player Award, capping off an impressive championship.
Craig Bird – NSW/ACT
18 years old, 178cm, 76kg, Nelson Bay
Small midfielder who was third overall in disposals for the championships, notching up 85 possessions at an average of 28 per match (half of which were handpasses). His clearance work was ranked No.1, with 27 – averaging nine a match. He won 44 contested possessions at an average of almost 15. He won the Harrison Medal – division two's best and fairest award – and captained NSW/ACT to the title. Tied to Sydney Swans under AFL Scholarship Scheme.
Chris Masten – Western Australia
18 years old, 179cm, 78kg, East Fremantle
A small midfielder with enormous running ability and consistently high possession rate, Masten finished fifth in disposals for the championships with 76 – averaging 25 per match. He was third overall in clearances, winning 16. A fine leader, he captained Western Australia to the division-one title and has already played nine senior matches in the WAFL.
Forwards
Brad Ebert – South Australia
17 years old, 187cm, 86kg, Port Adelaide Magpies/Henley
Medium forward/midfielder with good aerial and disposal skills. Ebert also possesses tremendous courage with his attack on the ball. He finished in the top six for disposals in division one, averaging 22 per match. His average of 10 effective kicks per match, ranked him fifth in his division. He has already made his debut at senior level in the SANFL, and showed his potential leadership captaining South Australia as a bottom-aged player.
Ben McEvoy – Victoria Country
18 years old, 199cm, 90kg, Murray Bushrangers/Dederang-Mt Beauty
A tall forward or ruckman possessing agility, endurance and strong hands, McEvoy was ranked second for marks in the championships with 23 – averaging seven per match. He was also fifth for hit-outs with 41 – average 14.
Jack Grimes – Victoria Metro
18 years old, 187cm, 76kg, Northern Knights/Hurstbridge
Medium forward/defender who displays outstanding leadership abilities and versatility. Grimes has clean ball-handling skills and makes good decisions. He is also effective around goals.
Addam Maric – Victoria Metro
17 years old, 179cm, 80kg, Calder Cannons/Greenvale
A small forward/midfielder who kicked eight goals in the championships, including four against Victoria Country in the final game, Maric is a long and accurate kick at goal and displays pin-point accuracy with his snapshots. He provided his team with ball-winning ability through the midfield.
Aaron Cornelius – Tasmania
17 years old, 191cm, 80kg, Glenorchy
Strong marking tall forward who took 18 marks in the championships – averaging six per match. His seven goals included five against Queensland during Tasmania's first match at the SCG. He has a spectacular leap and a vice-like grip, whether on the lead or in a contested marking situation. Not eligible for the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
Cyril Rioli – Northern Territory
17 years old, 178cm, 74kg, St Marys
A small forward/midfielder with a damaging left foot around goal, he kicked seven goals against Queensland in the final division-two match at Victoria Park. He was ranked sixth overall for effective kicks – 34 – and was first for goal assists, with seven over the championships. Extremely quick and strong with his tackling, his defensive pressure inside 50 is also an attribute.
Interchange
Nick Naitanui – Western Australia
17 years old, 196cm, 88kg, Swan Districts
A ruckman with exceptional athletic ability, including speed and vertical jump, he was ranked first in division-one hit outs – winning 72 at an average of 24 per match. He was also in the top 10 for hardball gets (five per match). He had an outstanding final match against South Australia, adding contested marking to his attributes. His tackling was also rare for a tall player – he had 19 for the championships at an average of six per match. He is not eligible for the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
Aaron Joseph – Tasmania
18 years old, 178cm, 75kg, Glenorchy
A small midfielder/defender with outstanding endurance and ball-gathering ability, he was ranked second for disposals in the championships, winning 87 in three games at an average of 29. He also had seven score assists, ranking him equal-first in that category. He also showed ability to play a run-with role and work off his opponent.
Pat McGinnity – Western Australia
18 years old, 182cm, 75kg, Claremont
A medium-sized midfielder with good pace and ability at the fall of the ball, McGinnity can play a run-with role and he has the ability to win his own footy. He was very impressive in Western Australia's win over Vic Metro in the first division-one match, which was his debut at under-age level for his state.
Taylor Walker – NSW/ACT
17 years old, 188cm, 81kg, Nth Broken Hill
A medium-sized forward with strong hands, Walker was smart on the lead and accurate in front of goal. He kicked seven goals for the championships and had seven score assists, ranking him equal first in the championships. He is tied to Adelaide under the AFL Scholarship Scheme in NSW.
http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=47186
WELL, another NAB AFL Under-18 Championships is over – and not just any championships. It was the 30th event since all states and territories joined in 1978, and it was the first year we scheduled the championships in four states over a 19-day period as it continues to evolve.
The final task of the championships was to announce the 2007 All-Australian Under-18 team, comprising the individuals who produced for their teams throughout the championships.
It is never an easy task, particularly given the requirement to announce a team almost immediately after the siren sounds, and a number of players can consider themselves a little unfortunate not to be included. They are South Australia's Levi Greenwood and Jared Petrenko, Western Australia's Tayte Pears and Steven Browne, Northern Territory's Peter Rolfe and Queensland's Dayne Zorko and Ben Gibson.
The selectors were myself (chairman), Alan McConnell (AIS/AFL high-performance coach), AFL recruiting managers, Scott Clayton (Western Bulldogs), Blair Hartley (Port Adelaide), John Peake (St Kilda) and Rohan O’Brien (West Coast).
Here's our best shot at the achievers for 2007:
2007 ALL-AUSTRALIAN UNDER-18 TEAM
Defenders : Nick Suban (Vic Country), Michael Hurley (Vic Metro), Alex Rance (Western Australia), Scott Selwood (Vic Country), Tom Collier (Tasmania), David Myers (Western Australia)
Midfielders:Daniel Rich (Western Australia), Rhys Palmer (Western Australia), Cale Morton (Western Australia), Matthew Kreuzer (Vic Metro), Craig Bird (NSW/ACT), Chris Masten (Western Australia)
Forwards: Brad Ebert (South Australia), Ben McEvoy (Vic Country), Jack Grimes (Vic Metro), Addam Maric (Vic Metro), Aaron Cornelius (Tasmania), Cyril Rioli (Northern Territory)
Interchange:Nick Naitanui (Western Australia), Aaron Joseph (Tasmania), Patrick McGinnity (Western Australia), Taylor Walker (NSW/ACT)
Defenders
Nick Suban – Victoria Country
17 years old, 178cm, 78kg, Nth Ballarat/Bacchus Marsh
Left-footed, small defender/midfielder who averaged 23 disposals showing good poise and disposal skills whether in defence or midfield. Ineligible for this year's draft, he made the most of his opportunity and won Victoria Country's Most Valuable Player Award.
Michael Hurley – Victoria Metro
17 years old, 192cm, 88kg, Northern Knights/Macleod
A tall defender/forward, Hurley kicks the ball long and extremely well with either foot. He also competes strongly in the air. Led the championships in rebounds from defensive 50 with 22, and was a good decision-maker with or without the football. He capped off a consistent championships with very good game at full-back against Victoria Country in the final round.
Alex Rance – Western Australia
17 years old, 194cm, 87kg, Swan Districts
Tall defender who showed great dash from defence in his three championship matches. His father, Murray, played for both the Western Bulldogs and West Coast, where he was captain. Already had a taste of senior football in the WAFL and is much improved. He ranked seventh overall in handballs for the championships, helping provide Western Australia with its quick ball movement from defence.
Scott Selwood – Vic Country
17 years old, 184cm, 81kg, Bendigo/Sandhurst
A medium defender/midfielder, Selwood averaged 21 disposals for the championships, which was capped off with 32 disposals against Vic Metro. He is a no-fuss small/medium player either in defence or the midfield. His brothers Troy (Brisbane Lions), Adam (West Coast) and Joel (Geelong) already play in the AFL.
Tom Collier – Tasmania
18 years old, 192cm, 86kg, Lauderdale
Tall defender who averaged 23 disposals and showed he could run the lines throughout the championships, providing rebound from the back half. Much improved player who has already been prominent for Tasmanian Devils in the VFL. He was ranked fourth overall in contested possessions, with 11 per match.
David Myers – Western Australia
18 years old, 190cm, 85kg, Perth
Tall, left-footed defender was fourth overall in disposals, with 84 for the championships – averaging 28 per match – playing predominately across half-back. A dashing player who shows great making ability and leadership, he won the Barassi Medal in the 2006 under-17 International Rules series against Ireland.
Midfield
Daniel Rich – Western Australia
17 years old, 185cm, 77kg, Subiaco
Left-footed medium midfielder who is quick, agile and tough. Penetrating kick and decisive decision-maker, his inside 50s ranked in the top 10 for the championships. Not eligible for this year's draft but clearly an outstanding prospect for 2008.
Rhys Palmer – Western Australia
17 years, 180cm, 76kg, East Fremantle
A left footed, medium-sized midfielder with huge engine and ball-winning ability, he led the disposals for the championships with 97 – averaging 32 per match. He also had 41 effective kicks. Palmer kicked nine goals for the championships, including five in a best-on-ground performance against Vic Metro at Subiaco. He won Western Australia's Most Valuable Player Award.
Cale Morton – Western Australia
17 years old, 192cm, 75kg, Claremont
A tall midfielder who can push forward and become a marking target, Morton is a one-touch player who had 75 disposals for the championships – averaging 25 a match. He also led the marks with 28 – averaging nine a match. Ranked second in effectiveness with his kicks, he topped off an outstanding championship by winning the Larke Medal for the best and fairest division-one player.
Matthew Kreuzer – Victoria Metro
18 years old, 199cm, 91kg, Northern Knight/Bundoora
A ruckman with enormous running capacity and agility, Kreuzer was a most consistent player in the championships, finishing fourth in the hit-outs. He showed great ability at the clearances, ranking in the top 10, and averaged five tackles per match. He won Vic Metro's Most Valuable Player Award, capping off an impressive championship.
Craig Bird – NSW/ACT
18 years old, 178cm, 76kg, Nelson Bay
Small midfielder who was third overall in disposals for the championships, notching up 85 possessions at an average of 28 per match (half of which were handpasses). His clearance work was ranked No.1, with 27 – averaging nine a match. He won 44 contested possessions at an average of almost 15. He won the Harrison Medal – division two's best and fairest award – and captained NSW/ACT to the title. Tied to Sydney Swans under AFL Scholarship Scheme.
Chris Masten – Western Australia
18 years old, 179cm, 78kg, East Fremantle
A small midfielder with enormous running ability and consistently high possession rate, Masten finished fifth in disposals for the championships with 76 – averaging 25 per match. He was third overall in clearances, winning 16. A fine leader, he captained Western Australia to the division-one title and has already played nine senior matches in the WAFL.
Forwards
Brad Ebert – South Australia
17 years old, 187cm, 86kg, Port Adelaide Magpies/Henley
Medium forward/midfielder with good aerial and disposal skills. Ebert also possesses tremendous courage with his attack on the ball. He finished in the top six for disposals in division one, averaging 22 per match. His average of 10 effective kicks per match, ranked him fifth in his division. He has already made his debut at senior level in the SANFL, and showed his potential leadership captaining South Australia as a bottom-aged player.
Ben McEvoy – Victoria Country
18 years old, 199cm, 90kg, Murray Bushrangers/Dederang-Mt Beauty
A tall forward or ruckman possessing agility, endurance and strong hands, McEvoy was ranked second for marks in the championships with 23 – averaging seven per match. He was also fifth for hit-outs with 41 – average 14.
Jack Grimes – Victoria Metro
18 years old, 187cm, 76kg, Northern Knights/Hurstbridge
Medium forward/defender who displays outstanding leadership abilities and versatility. Grimes has clean ball-handling skills and makes good decisions. He is also effective around goals.
Addam Maric – Victoria Metro
17 years old, 179cm, 80kg, Calder Cannons/Greenvale
A small forward/midfielder who kicked eight goals in the championships, including four against Victoria Country in the final game, Maric is a long and accurate kick at goal and displays pin-point accuracy with his snapshots. He provided his team with ball-winning ability through the midfield.
Aaron Cornelius – Tasmania
17 years old, 191cm, 80kg, Glenorchy
Strong marking tall forward who took 18 marks in the championships – averaging six per match. His seven goals included five against Queensland during Tasmania's first match at the SCG. He has a spectacular leap and a vice-like grip, whether on the lead or in a contested marking situation. Not eligible for the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
Cyril Rioli – Northern Territory
17 years old, 178cm, 74kg, St Marys
A small forward/midfielder with a damaging left foot around goal, he kicked seven goals against Queensland in the final division-two match at Victoria Park. He was ranked sixth overall for effective kicks – 34 – and was first for goal assists, with seven over the championships. Extremely quick and strong with his tackling, his defensive pressure inside 50 is also an attribute.
Interchange
Nick Naitanui – Western Australia
17 years old, 196cm, 88kg, Swan Districts
A ruckman with exceptional athletic ability, including speed and vertical jump, he was ranked first in division-one hit outs – winning 72 at an average of 24 per match. He was also in the top 10 for hardball gets (five per match). He had an outstanding final match against South Australia, adding contested marking to his attributes. His tackling was also rare for a tall player – he had 19 for the championships at an average of six per match. He is not eligible for the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
Aaron Joseph – Tasmania
18 years old, 178cm, 75kg, Glenorchy
A small midfielder/defender with outstanding endurance and ball-gathering ability, he was ranked second for disposals in the championships, winning 87 in three games at an average of 29. He also had seven score assists, ranking him equal-first in that category. He also showed ability to play a run-with role and work off his opponent.
Pat McGinnity – Western Australia
18 years old, 182cm, 75kg, Claremont
A medium-sized midfielder with good pace and ability at the fall of the ball, McGinnity can play a run-with role and he has the ability to win his own footy. He was very impressive in Western Australia's win over Vic Metro in the first division-one match, which was his debut at under-age level for his state.
Taylor Walker – NSW/ACT
17 years old, 188cm, 81kg, Nth Broken Hill
A medium-sized forward with strong hands, Walker was smart on the lead and accurate in front of goal. He kicked seven goals for the championships and had seven score assists, ranking him equal first in the championships. He is tied to Adelaide under the AFL Scholarship Scheme in NSW.
http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=47186
