U18 Champs 2017 Division II National Championships

[Matchu]

For those who don't know, the division II national championships underwent a pretty big change in the off season with Queensland and New South Wales being removed from the competition. They have been replaced by the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney and Sydney academies. The changes raise the total amount of div II teams to six, with Tasmania and the Northern Territory rounding out the field.

After five rounds an Allies team will be selected to compete against South Australia, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro and Western Australia in the top division championships beginning in June. The first game of the div II championships took place yesterday with the Brisbane academy side 5.8 (35) defeating the Gold Coast academy side 4.7 (31). Here's the report from AFL.com.au:

Sun Dawson impresses in loss to Lions

A STANDOUT performance from Gold Coast Academy midfielder Jacob Dawson was not enough as his side fell seven points short of the Brisbane Lions Academy at Southport on Saturday.

In the first game of the revamped Under-18 Academy Series, both sides attacked the ball ferociously in wet conditions with Dawson dominating from the outset to finish with 34 disposals, 13 clearances and 11 tackles.

The 181cm onballer not only showed his ability to win the ball in the contest but also impressed with his cleanness.

Highly rated Lions key forward Connor Ballenden appeared to injure a calf in the third quarter and was forced off the ground.

Ballenden is one of the brightest prospects in this year's draft crop. At 198cm, his size makes him an imposing figure, although versus the Suns he did not impose himself on the game as much he could.

He finished with nine disposals, three marks and didn't hit the scoreboard on a tough day for big men.

At the other end of the ground, Lions defender Jack Payne dominated and did not lose a contest all day. The 193cm backman won it back for his team and helped drive the ball out of defence, with six rebound-50s to go with 18 disposals.

Bailey Scott, the son of former Roo and Cat Robert, played in the midfield and forward line for the Suns and showed clean skills in his 19 disposals, five clearances, four inside-50s and a goal.

As a bottom-age player, he is not eligible for this year's draft. Next year though, North Melbourne, Geelong and Gold Coast will all be able to bid for him.

His teammate Mitch Olarenshaw, the nephew of 1993 premiership Bomber Ricky, notched up 15 disposals.

Another Sun to catch the eye of recruiters was Timakoi Bowie. The small forward worked up the ground and made the Lions panic with his defensive pressure.

The 179cm crumber made things happen when he had the ball and looked dangerous but will need to improve his fitness.

GOLD COAST ACADEMY 0.3 0.5 4.6 4.7 (31)
BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY 2.0 3.4 4.5 5.8 (38)

GOALS
Gold Coast Academy: Scott, Bowie, Beaman, Baru
Brisbane Lions Academy: Warren 2, Hausfeld, Franks, Ivers

BEST
Gold Coast Academy: Dawson, Stone, Foster, Bowie, Scott, Olarenshaw
Brisbane Lions Academy: Payne, Warren, Sloan, Johnson, Stackelberg, Haines

Despite the Lions coming out victorious, Gold Coast seem to have more positives in terms of the talent coming through their academy. 34 disposals, 13 clearances and 11 tackles from Jacob Dawson is very impressive but it looks like highly rated Brisbane forward Ballenden struggled to have an impact on the game.

Here is the 2017 schedule:

Round 1
25 March - Gold Coast academy 4.7 (31) def. by Brisbane academy 5.8 (38)
26 March - Tasmania 13.10 (88) def. Northern Territory 5.9 (39)
26 March - Sydney academy 12.14 (86) def. GWS academy 12.10 (82)

Round 2
1 April - GWS academy 7.16 (58) def. by Gold Coast academy 12.3 (75)
1 April - Northern Territory 9.9 (63) def. by Sydney academy 18.12 (120)
22 April - Brisbane academy 11.12 (78) def. by Tasmania 15.12 (102)

Round 3
8 April - Sydney academy 15.11 (101) def. Gold Coast academy 5.5 (35)
8 April - Tasmania 12.5 (77) def. by GWS academy 14.4 (88)
8 April - Northern Territory 8.6 (54) def. by Brisbane academy 16.8 (104)

Round 4
29 April - GWS academy v Northern Territory
29 April - Sydney academy v Brisbane academy
29 April - Gold Coast academy v Tasmania

Round 5
6 May - Gold Coast academy v Northern Territory
6 May - Brisbane academy v GWS academy
6 May - Tasmania v Sydney academy

Standings

Team | Wins | Losses | Percentage
\ Sydney Academy | 4 | 0 | 166.3% (396/238)
\ Tasmania | 2 | 2 | 117.0% (330/282)
\ GWS Academy | 2 | 2 | 113.5% (344/303)
\ Brisbane Academy | 2 | 2 | 100.7% (278/276)
\ Gold Coast Academy | 2 | 2 | 83.8% (218/260)
\ Northern Territory | 0 | 3 | 51.6% (221/428)

 

[Garlic muncher]

For those who don't know, the division II national championships underwent a pretty big change in the off season with Queensland and New South Wales being removed from the competition. They have been replaced by the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney and Sydney academies. It's also important to note that the GWS academy team will not include players who hail from Riverina/Murray areas of NSW that were recently removed from their zone. This means there are U18 New South Wales players that are ineligible to play in the div II national championships for the first time.

The changes raise the total amount of div II teams to six, with Tasmania and the Northern Territory rounding out the field. After five rounds an Allies team will be selected to compete against South Australia, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro and Western Australia in the top division championships beginning in June. The first game of the div II championships took place yesterday with the Brisbane academy side 5.8 (35) defeating the Gold Coast academy side 4.7 (31). Here's the report from AFL.com.au:


Despite the Lions coming out victorious, Gold Coast seem to have more positives in terms of the talent coming through their academy. 34 disposals, 13 clearances and 11 tackles from Jacob Dawson is very impressive but it looks like highly rated Brisbane forward Ballenden struggled to have an impact on the game.

Today sees round 1 continue with Tasmania taking on Northern Territory and GWS playing Sydney straight after. Both games will be played at Blacktown International Sports Park in Sydney.

Waste of time in real wet weather for the real big blokes, skills are usually crap, turns into a game of rugby, ball is constantly on the ground and big bodied midfielders win.

 

[Matchu]

Waste of time in real wet weather for the real big blokes, skills are usually crap, turns into a game of rugby, ball is constantly on the ground and big bodied midfielders win.

Were the conditions poor yesterday at Southport? Is that why Ballenden struggled?

 

[Garlic muncher]

Were the conditions poor yesterday at Southport? Is that why Ballenden struggled?

The write up says it was.

 

[Matchu]

The write up says it was.

So it does.

I imagine the wet conditions hurt Ballenden quite a bit and the same can probably be said about Gold Coast's big man Crossley, who just came off glandular fever. Although, the wet conditions make Dawson's performance look even better.

 

[Matchu]

Jones helps Tassie post big win over NT

AN ACCOMPLISHED performance from bottom-age talent Chayce Jones has guided Tasmania to a comfortable 49-point win over the Northern Territory at Blacktown International Sports Park on Sunday.

Jones, who will be eligible for next year's NAB AFL Draft, finished with 27 disposals, five marks and a goal, and showcased his ability to dispose of the ball using both sides of his body.

The youngster created scoring chances for his teammates with five inside 50s, including one particular pinpoint left-foot pass that travelled about 40m and hit a target up forward.

Jones was well complemented by Zac Buechner, who kicked an equal game-high three goals from his nine disposals in the 13.10 (88) to 5.9 (39) triumph.

The 19-year-old, who has similar attributes to Cat-turned-Docker Shane Kersten, was aggressive in the way he hunted the ball and used his lateral movement to provide a strong presence for his team.

Medium forward Thomas Mundy covered the ground well with three goals to go with his 17 possessions, helping to keep the ball locked in Tasmania's attacking half.

For Northern Territory, small forward Ryan Althouse-Cooper was lively and absorbed the contact of his opponents by kicking a team-high two goals.

On-baller Zac Bailey, who last year played at SANFL level, competed well for NT, but the youngster lacked some polish by foot at times.

Bailey gathered 21 possessions, six clearances and laid four tackles in a promising display.

Speedster Jamie Hampton, the younger brother of Adelaide utility Curtly, moved into the midfield in the second half and was a shining light.

Hampton finished with 30 touches and 10 marks – both game-highs – while Lachlan Clifford led the stats sheet for Tasmania with 28 disposals.

NT struggled to get into the game after conceding four unanswered goals in the opening term.

TASMANIA 4.3 8.6 9.7 13.10 (88)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 0.3 1.4 4.6 5.9 (39)

GOALS
TASMANIA: Buechner 3, Mundy 3, B.McGuinness 2, Jones, Pearce, Millucci, Dixon, Williams
NORTHERN TERRITORY: Althouse-Cooper 2, Kluske, Scrutton, Hutt

BEST
TASMANIA: Jones, Hutchinson, Sawdy, Gadomski, Buechner, B.McGuinness
NORTHERN TERRITORY: Hutt, Althouse-Cooper, Hampton, Bailey, Scrutton, Valastro

27 disposals, five marks and a goal is pretty good for Tasmania's bottom ager in Jones. As for the NT, it looks like Hampton was the only real highlight for them with 30 disposals and 10 marks.

 

[Matchu]

Father-son prospect Blakey impresses for Swans

SYDNEY Academy member and father-son prospect Nick Blakey put in an exceptional performance in his side's thrilling four-point win over the GWS Academy on Sunday.

The youngster had an immediate impact and kicked three goals from his 17 disposals in the 12.14 (86) to 12.10 (82) win at Blacktown International Sports Park.

Blakey, the son of former Fitzroy and North Melbourne player John, will have to choose between three clubs – the Swans, Lions or Kangaroos – when he is eligible to be drafted in 2018.

Teammate Jarrod Osborne was the Swans' leading possession-getter with 22 touches and 10 tackles, using the ball well by hand and foot and standing up under pressure.

Midfielder James Bell, who was not mentioned in the Swans' best players, was another classy performer courtesy of his good work rate and ability to push forward when required.

Bell received a knock early in the match, which limited his output to 13 possessions and a goal.

For the Giants, tall forward Nick Shipley was ultra-competitive and aggressive in the air, ending with 21 disposals, nine clearances, seven tackles and two goals.

The 190cm goalkicker, who can perform multiple roles, has shown vast improvement since transferring from soccer as a 15-year-old.

Interestingly, Shipley had never picked up a football before joining the Giants Academy just three years ago.

Midfielder Charlie Spargo was in the thick of the action and ended with a game-high 24 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s and a goal, demonstrating his smartness in the air and at ground level.

The 173cm Spargo is the son of former North Melbourne and Brisbane Bears player Paul, but is not eligible for father-son selection.

Over-age player Connor Owen-Auburn kicked four goals and took seven marks playing a medium forward role to round out the Giants' leading players.

Owen-Auburn impressed with his strong aerial leap and composure when the ball entered attacking 50.

SYDNEY ACADEMY 5.4 6.9 8.11 12.14 (86)
GWS ACADEMY 1.1 6.3 9.10 12.10 (82)

GOALS
SYDNEY ACADEMY: Blakey 3, Osborne, Bell, Skrivanic, Tegg, Stern, Rogers, Hardman, Maze, Eynaud
GWS ACADEMY: Owen-Auburn 4, Lane 4, Shipley 2, Spargo, Edwards

BEST
SYDNEY ACADEMY: Blakey, Osborne, Stern, Robertson, Rogers, Maze
GWS ACADEMY: Shipley, Spargo, Fitzgerald, Owen-Auburn, Conlan

Another bottom ager in Blakey performed very well and this one happens to be eligible for three different clubs via the father-son rule and academy access. He kicked three goals and had 17 disposals in the Swans close victory. No doubt Brisbane, North and Sydney will all be trying their best to secure his services next year.

Albury's Charlie Spargo lined up for the Giants today which means he has not yet been removed from their academy programme. Spargo was good with 24 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s and a goal.

 

[RUNVS]

Loving the look of Blakey. Is there any highlights of these matches?

 

[coniglio_number1]

Father-son prospect Blakey impresses for Swans

Another bottom ager in Blakey performed very well and this one happens to be eligible for three different clubs via the father-son rule and academy access. He kicked three goals and had 17 disposals in the Swans close victory. No doubt Brisbane, North and Sydney will all be trying their best to secure his services next year.

Albury's Charlie Spargo lined up for the Giants today which means he has not yet been removed from their academy programme. Spargo was good with 24 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s and a goal.

I thought he had been removed but was allowed to play. I do know he and his parents weren't happy about his removal

 

[Matchu]

I thought he had been removed but was allowed to play. I do know he and his parents weren't happy about his removal

I wonder what kind of effect that will on his development. He can still play for the GWS academy but what's the incentive for the Giants to play him? Why develop a kid that you don't have access to and is very likely to end up somewhere else? Perhaps there is a contractual agreement in place that's protecting Riverina players this year.

 

[Matchu]

A few Div 2 players to keep an eye on according to Foxsports:

Dominic Grant

Club: NT Thunder/Northern Territory

Position: Midfielder/General Forward

Size: 189cm, 77kg

DOB: 29/01/1999

Plays like: Robbie Gray

Champion Data says: Grant’s most impressive performance came in 2015 at the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships. For Northern Territory he averaged 18 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 11 tackles per match.

foxfooty.com.au says: Clearly the NT’s top prospect for 2017, Grant wins a lot of his ball in contested situations. He’s a little taller than your average midfielder, but that allows him to win hard ball and clearances. Grant will be hoping for a more consistent output in 2017 to ensure his draft chances remain strong.

Connor Ballenden

Club: Brisbane Lions Academy/Uni of QLD/Queensland

Position: Tall Forward

Size: 198cm, 95kg

DOB: 29/03/1999

Plays like: Jesse Hogan

Champion Data says: We have covered 12 matches of Ballenden and he has booted 19 goals from these matches. His contested marking stands out, with 17 from these matches.

foxfooty.com.au says: At an imposing 198cm, Ballenden looms as one of the most exciting prospects of the draft. Due to that, the Lions won’t even hesitate matching a bid on their academy gun come draft time. Ballenden is a true power forward with excellent one-on-one skills and the ability to hit the scoreboard. However the highly-rated Lions key forward had a frustrating start to his 2017 draft year, appearing to injure a calf against the Suns Academy on the weekend.

Jack Clayton

Club: Brisbane Lions Academy/Uni of QLD/Queensland

Position: General Defender

Size: 184cm, 74kg

DOB: 25/02/1999

Plays like: Bachar Houli

Champion Data says: Clayton played nine matches for the Brisbane Lions NEAFL side last year, averaging 14 disposals off half-back. Our similar players metric suggests the AFL player he plays most like is Bachar Houli.

foxfooty.com.au says: A class act both on and off the field, the Lions will be looking forward to, hopefully, welcoming Clayton to the club as an academy selection. He’s a damaging rebounding half-back that uses his excellent kicking skills to his advantage.

Jarrod Brander

Club: GWS Academy/Wentworth/Bendigo Pioneers/NSW-ACT

Position: Utility

Size: 195cm, 90kg

DOB: 11/02/1999

Plays like: Tim Membrey

Champion Data says: Brander spent most of last year playing school football. In the APS v AGS showcase match, he was the highest-ranked player, amassing 26 disposals at 96 per cent disposal efficiency

foxfooty.com.au says: The AFL’s big call to strip the Giants of access to the Albury/Murray region means Brander is now available to all 18 clubs for this year’s draft — and there will be many rushing to pick up his services. While still raw, Brander is supremely talented, very athletic and versatile for his 193cm frame. A player who can play wherever his coach needs him, it’s no surprise to see that he’s being touted as a potential No. 1 pick.

Charlie Spargo

Club: GWS Academy/Albury/Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT

Position: Midfielder

Size: 175cm, 75kg

DOB: 25/11/1999

Plays like: Toby Greene

Champion Data says: A Champion Data favourite going off his form at the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in 2015 where he averaged 29 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven tackles and 2.5 goals per match. For the Bushrangers in the TAC Cup last year, he also averaged 19 disposals and one goal.

foxfooty.com.au says: The AFL’s recent decision to cut GWS’ access to the Albury/Murray region was a huge win for the 17 other clubs, as they all now have access to Spargo — the pocket rocket of the 2017 draft class. What makes him even more impressive is that he’s just as smart in the air as he is at ground level. Spargo, the son of former North/Bears player Paul, kicked off his 2017 campaign in fine style last weekend, starring for the GWS Academy (one goal from 24 disposals, six tackles, five inside 50s and a goal) against the Swans Academy. He won’t be hard to miss in Under 18 games he plays in this season.

 

[coniglio_number1]

I wonder what kind of effect that will on his development. He can still play for the GWS academy but what's the incentive for the Giants to play him? Why develop a kid that you don't have access to and is very likely to end up somewhere else? Perhaps there is a contractual agreement in place that's protecting Riverina players this year.

Would love to have it rolled out via length of time in academy so that the current 16yo kids are now all ineligible but the 17/18 are still eligible.

GWS are still developing him as they still feel obligated to the region despite the loss of access

 

[Matchu]

Would love to have it rolled out via length of time in academy so that the current 16yo kids are now all ineligible but the 17/18 are still eligible.

GWS are still developing him as they still feel obligated to the region despite the loss of access

Good on GWS for not leaving the kid in the dark completely. So I guess the Giants can still focus on developing indigenous players out of the Riverina and academy draft them. My understanding is that there's quite a high percentage of indigenous people living in the Riverina (close to 5%) so that's still an option. Zac Williams is an example of an indigenous AFL player that hails from the Riverina.

Here's Williams back when he played junior footy for Albury:

And here he is playing for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup:

So the idea of losing access to Riverina kids that play in the TAC Cup isn't completely dead. It's just that there will be considerably less players due to >95% of the population not being indigenous.

 

[Matchu]

Sun bags five in win over Giants

PROMISING Gold Coast academy forward Damien Burke booted five goals against Greater Western Sydney academy on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportspark to help his side to a 17-point victory in the Under-18 NAB AFL Academy Series.

Burke, who stands at 188cm, impressed with his accuracy in front of goal. As a mid-sized type, he can win the ball in the air or on the ground.

He combined with Shawn Watson to do the damage for the Suns. Watson booted four, with many of his goals coming early in the game. A 19-year-old, he nominated for last year's NAB AFL Draft.

Brodie Foster was the standout midfielder for the Suns. He won the ball on the inside but was involved in transition as well and was able to make the Giants pay for their mistakes.

However, when the Suns went forward, Tom Highmore often intercepted across half-back. He used it well and was the Giants' best player.

Tough onballer Nicholas Shipley won a lot of clearances. His disposal was a touch scrappy, although that had a lot to do with the pressure the Suns applied.

His marking made him a threat up forward and a nice goal on the run in the last quarter, when he showed good awareness and weaved through traffic, helped the Giants push for the lead before the Suns kicked away.

Key forward Jarrod Brander was one of his side's better players. Brander presented well and took plenty of marks but his inaccuracy was costly.

GWS lost priority access to Brander when the Albury/Murray region was taken out of the club's zone.

Brander is one of several players who could be drafted at No.1 this year.

Highly rated midfielder Charlie Spargo pulled out of the game earlier in the week with knee irritation. He should be fine to return in the next fortnight.

However, as with Brander, GWS no longer has priority access to Spargo. He is the son of former Lion and Kangaroo Paul Spargo.

Jack Powell was another to impress for the Giants. The midfielder wins the ball on the inside and outside and rarely wastes a disposal.

In calm conditions, conversion in front of goal was the difference as Gold Coast ran out winners, 12.3 (75) to 7.16 (58).

GOLD COAST ACADEMY 5.0 7.1 10.2 12.3 (75)
GWS ACADEMY 1.3 3.11 3.14 7.16 (58)

GOALS
Gold Coast academy: Burke 5, Watson 4, Arnold, Bowie, Simington
GWS academy: Fitzgerald 2, Gray 2, Stevens, Shipley, Edwards

BEST
Gold Coast academy: Foster, Burke, Graham, Crossley, Smith, Davidson
GWS academy: Highmore, Shipley, Fitzgerald, Brander, Gaynor, Budd

Looks like Burke (Cape York) and Foster (Gold Coast) were the big positives for the Suns while Shipley (West Sydney) and Powell (Canberra) played well for the Giants.

 

[Matchu]

Rugby league prospect impresses for NT

FORMER promising rugby league junior Rodney Baird turned heads for Northern Territory in the under-18 NAB AFL Academy Series at TIO Stadium as the Sydney Academy ran out 57-point winners on Saturday.

Baird was on a scholarship with the NRL's Paramatta Eels before he was brought into the AFL fold.

Playing across half-back, Baird was among his team's best players. Baird's kicking looked somewhat awkward at times but his composure and ability to read the ball in the air before taking strong marks stood out.

His tackling was also excellent and the players that tried to step around the athletic 192cm prospect were taken to ground with force.

Forward Beau Schwarze booted five goals and gave Northern Territory a target. He is somewhat undersized at about 180cm but is a 17-year-old.

Another to show signs in attack was Ryan Althouse-Cooper, who was also good against Tasmania last week.

Northern Territory came out with serious pressure and intent in the first half before a 10-goal third term from Sydney. Four top-age players were missing from the Northern Territory side and the lack of leadership showed after the main break.

For the Sydney Academy, Jack Hardman slotted four of his five goals in the third term. A small forward, Hardman has serious speed and only needs half an opportunity to make opponents pay.

Another Sydney Academy player to excel was Mitchell Rogers at centre half-back. The son of former Essendon and Geelong player Andrew, Rogers showed his strength in contested situations – both on the ground and in the air – and also offered rebound out of defence.

Rogers was originally from South Australia and moved to New South Wales in the middle of last year. His father did not play enough games for the Bombers or Cats for Mitchell Rogers to be eligible to be drafted by either club as a father-son selection.

One player who will be on the radar of three very interested clubs is Nick Blakey. The son of former Fitzroy and North Melbourne player John finished with three goals.

Nick Blakey qualifies for the Brisbane Lions and Kangaroos as a father-son selection, and could also be picked up at a discount by Sydney, where John Blakey is on the coaching panel.

NORTHERN TERRITORY 3.1 5.8 6.8 9.9 (63)
SYDNEY ACADEMY 2.3 2.5 12.8 18.12 (120)

GOALS
Northern Territory: Schwarze 5, Derksen, Bricknell, Bailey, Prowse
Sydney Academy: Hardman 5, Skrivanic 3, Blakey 3, Maze 2, Rankin, Carr, Kilpatrick, Stern, Loone

BEST
Northern Territory: Bailey, Scrutton, Baird, Schwarze, Bricknell, Althouse-Cooper
Sydney Academy: Rogers, Stern, Bell, Maze, Robertson, Hardman

Interesting to see a rugby league prospect from the Northern Territory excelling in the game.

 

[Giant Strides]

U18: Giants duo lead Academy to narrow win - http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-08/u18-giants-duo-lead-academy-to-narrow-win

COMMANDING performances from Tom Highmore and Laine Fitzgerald have inspired the Giants to their first win of the Under-18 NAB AFL Academy Series, prevailing over Tasmania by 11 points at North Hobart Oval on Saturday. Tasmania pulled the game back to within five points late in the final term, but a steadying goal from Fitzgerald saw the Giants' Academy run out 14.4 (88) to 12.5 (77) winners.

The Giants established their ascendancy through the midfield, with Highmore and Nicholas Shipley leading the way in the engine room. Highmore, a 19-year-old prospect from Canberra, continued his stellar form through the Under-18 series with 18 disposals and seven marks in another top-notch display.
Shipley's hardness at the stoppages and clean hands made him a prominent figure for the Giants, as he gathered 17 disposals and laid 11 tackles.

Fitzgerald was the Giants' playmaker through the midfield and forward, controlling the flow of the game as he finished with 24 disposals, six clearances and the clinching goal. With Allies coach Adrian Fletcher watching on, Doulton Langlands, from Albury, also caught the eye with 18 disposals and seven marks for the Giants. Both Fitzgerald and Langlands will be eligible for selection by any club in this year's NAB AFL Draft, while Highmore and Shipley are priority selections as members of the Giants' academy.

For Tasmania, who fought hard to arrest back the momentum after it led at quarter-time, captain Lachie Clifford played an outstanding game in the midfield. Clifford, from Kingborough Tigers, was clearly his side's best player, racking up 23 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances as well as booting three goals. Mobile forward Zac Buechner booted three goals for Tasmania, with the 192cm prospect's pace and elusiveness inside forward 50 standing out.

The Giants had recorded previous losses to Sydney's Academy and Gold Coast's Academy. The loss to the Giants was the Mariners' first of the series with their postponed match against the Brisbane Lions (due to the affects of ex-cyclone Debbie) now scheduled for April 22.

TASMANIA 3.1 5.6 8.3 12.5 (77)
GWS ACADEMY 2.1 6.2 10.3 14.4 (88)

GOALS
TASMANIA: Clifford 3, Buechner 3, Dixon 2, Pearce, Auckland, Brenner, B McGuinness
GWS ACADEMY: Paech 3, Lane 2, Stevens 2, Pollock, Walker, Highmore, Palombi, Briggs, Cuthbert, Koschitzche

BEST
TASMANIA: Clifford, Buechner, Pearce, Dixon, Brenner
GWS ACADEMY: Highmore, Shipley, Langlands, Gaynor, Owen-Auburn, Fitzgerald

 

[RUNVS]

Father-son prospect stands out in academy clash
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-08/u18s-fatherson-prospects-stand-out-in-academy-clash
AN EXCITING four-goal burst in the second quarter from enticing prospect Nick Blakey helped break the game open for the Sydney Academy against the Gold Coast Academy on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Blakey, the son of former North Melbourne and Fitzroy player John, is eligible to go to the Roos or Brisbane Lions as a father-son selection, and also to the Swans as an academy player.

He finished the game with 18 disposals – all of them kicks – and six marks.

At 194cm, Blakey is a competitive player whose leap is one of his assets. He reads the game well and can also go into the middle if required.

His goalkicking needs a little work but he managed 4.1 on Saturday.

Teammate Mitchell Rogers had another good game in defence while fellow tall Michael Carroll was also solid down back, but also went forward and kicked two late goals.

Luke Skrivanic slotted three goals straight to go with his 14 disposals and six tackles. The half-forward's speed and ability to win it at ground level on the burst or in the air makes him a dangerous opponent.

In the midfield, Jake Brown (26 disposals, five clearances and 2.2) and Bailey Stewart (22 disposals and a goal) did the job for the Swans.

For Gold Coast, Harry Arnold looked good early but had fewer opportunities later in the game as the Swans took control of the contest. Arnold, who is a tall forward, picked up 12 disposals, six marks and a goal.

Bailey Scott, the son of former North Melbourne and Geelong player Robert, had 16 disposals, five inside-50s and a goal. The Roos, Cats and Swans can all draft Scott at a discount.

Scott plays in a similar manner to his father and is an onballer.

Sam Davidson looked good through the middle with 18 disposals, nine marks and six inside-50s.

SYDNEY ACADEMY 4.3 8.5 10.9 15.11 (101)
GOLD COAST ACADEMY 3.2 3.3 4.5 5.5 (35)

GOALS
Sydney Academy: Blakey 4, Skrivanic 3, Carroll 2, Brown 2, Wicks, Rankin, Carr, Stewart
Gold Coast Academy: Arnold, Foster, Watson, Scott, Beaman

BEST
Sydney Academy: Carroll, Skrivanic, Wicks, Stewart, Osborne, Rogers
Gold Coast Academy: Nutting, Heron, Foster, Smith, Arnold, Davidson

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-08/u18s-fatherson-prospects-stand-out-in-academy-clash

 

[Matchu]

Forward fires as Lions Academy downs NT
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-08/u18s-forward-fires-as-lions-academy-downs-nt
KEY FORWARD Billy Drake kicked three goals for the Brisbane Lions Academy in their 50-point win against Northern Territory at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday.

Drake played deep forward and kicked two early goals as the Lions jumped out to an early lead.

Tall backman Jack Payne impressed once again in defence. In typical fashion, he didn't lose a contest all day and Payne's improvement at intercepting the ball and offering counter-attack from the back half was a highlight of his effort against Northern Territory.

Billy Johnson booted three goals across half-forward. His football smarts and strong body were a tough challenge for Northern Territory, and his ability to keep his feet and make the most of his opportunities allowed him to hit the scoreboard.

Exciting Lions prospect Jack Clayton should be back within three weeks as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

The encounter against the Lions was made harder without NT’s best player Zac Bailey, who had school commitments in South Australia.

Northern Territory is well stocked for 17-year-olds who will come into their own in 2018.

Beau Schwarze slotted four goals in yet another promising game. The medium forward rarely fumbles and knows where the goals are.

Big man Marcus Valastro spent most of his time up forward but also helped out in the ruck. It was yet another solid performance from Valastro, and he kept presenting all day.

Midfielder Matthew Green showed his versatility to play inside and outside the contest, with his running and ball use making him an impressive prospect.

NORTHERN TERRITORY 8.6 (54)
BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY 16.8 (104)

GOALS
Northern Territory: Schwarze 4, Mu, Hutt, Bricknell, Althouse-Cooper
Brisbane Lions Academy: Drake 3, Johnson 3, Fletcher 2, Kristelly, Aston, Stackelberg, Coleman, Lambert, Fleming, Franks, Warren

BEST
Northern Territory: Valastro, Schwarze, Holt-Fitz, Green, Bull, Hutt
Brisbane Lions Academy: Matthews, Franks, Johnson, Payne, Tomkinson

 

[Pykie]

Probably not the thread for it, but FS should supersede an academy selection.

 

[dlanod]

Probably not the thread for it, but FS should supersede an academy selection.

It should be up to the kid, same as father/son - you can't force a kid to nominate for father/son. I don't know that it is though.

 

[coniglio_number1]

Would be entirely up to the kid if he wants to play for his dads teams or play for his academy team. If he chooses academy then north can't cry foul as he BFNAAK

 

[BigCat2]

A question regarding selection for Allies team. If a highly ranked Div 2 player misses all/most of the earlier matches due to injury, is he still able to be selected for Allies? If based on performance alone then no, although I'm sure the selectors would like to showcase the best talent.

 

[Pykie]

Would be entirely up to the kid if he wants to play for his dads teams or play for his academy team. If he chooses academy then north can't cry foul as he BFNAAK

I'm not sure he barracks for North, it's not the point anyway.

The academies weren't designed for that purpose in the first place. They're for attracting players in "non-footballing areas" (or so they say) and developing kids that may be lost to other codes. I'm not sure the son of a 359 game, 2 time premiership player and assistant coach of the club who's academy it is the original purpose is it?

There also isn't a level playing field when it comes to FS vs FS eligible kids in the academies.

Academies can have full access to these kids as early as 12 years old.

Clubs have to have special dispensation for any involvement for even the most certain FS selections, Luke McDonald and Joe Danniher had to have special permission to go into their respective clubs before they were drafted and even then the training they were allowed to do with the club was basically zero, even when McDonald was playing for Werribee he wasn't allowed to train with North at all. Even after the end of the season North had to have special permission for him to go on a training camp before he was drafted. Not a level playing field is it?

Considering the games minimum was moved from 50-100 games, the respective numbers difference available between academy catchments and FS eligible kids, FS should be given priority. Kids can still opt out of FS selections, but an academy prospect can't opt out of being a academy eligible right before the draft... see the irony in that?

It basically renders FS's useless in academy regions and restricts it even further.

 

[dlanod]

Would be entirely up to the kid if he wants to play for his dads teams or play for his academy team. If he chooses academy then north can't cry foul as he BFNAAK

I remember reading somewhere that once in the academy (it might just be for their final year) the kids don't actually have the option of declining to be taken, unlike father/son nominations where the kid can choose a club if there's multiples or no club at all ala Marc Murphy. So the academy rules are actually different - if the academy club wants them, the father/son club doesn't get a look in.

 

[Bojan KantKick]

Just need Collingwood to have a FS in the Giants or Sydney academy soon and this BS rule will get changed.