It is great to see the northern academy kids getting some recognition through the revamped under 18 comp. In the past they have been somewhat overlooked. It might also be interesting to see that of last years Swans NDS (19 year olds) crop several are ripping it up at NEAFL level. Both Bailey Stewart and Josh Stern are dominating for Sydney Uni at NEAFL level with high stat numbers. Likewise swans cat B rookie sam wicks, who also had no visibility last year posted a 25 disposal 3 goal game against a very strong gold coast side last week. In the same game King for GC had 7 disposals and 1 goal. Similarly previous swans academy players like Angus Baker and Jarrod Osborne are also dominating for Canberra Demons in the NEAFL.
Almost all these players had little exposure in Allies (which says plenty about the selectors (sheehan etc) lack of knowledge about Sydney kids) yet have risen to the top in NEAFL in a short space of time.
It makes me think how many good Sydney born players were missed over the years.
Almost all these players had little exposure in Allies (which says plenty about the selectors (sheehan etc) lack of knowledge about Sydney kids) yet have risen to the top in NEAFL in a short space of time.
It makes me think how many good Sydney born players were missed over the years.