Eight Queenslanders have been named in the Allies side set to take on Vic Country in their first game of the NAB AFL Under 18 National Championships.
Five players from the SUNS Academy, along with three from the Lions Academy, will take part in the game.
For squad members not named, there is still opportunity to be selected for the remaining three rounds.
Both the SUNS and Lions academies recently finished playing in the Academy Series, which replaced the division two carnival for the first time this year.
The Allies will play at Blacktown International Sportspark in New South Wales, on Sunday June 11, at 12.30pm.
Further details: http://www.afl.com.au/news/game-development/nab-afl-rising-star-program/u18s
Players:
SUNS Academy:
Sam Davidson
Height 182cm, weight 72 kg.
Junior Clubs: Burleigh Bombers, Collegians (Sale) and ‘Sale and District’
Position: Wing, back flank, forward flank and centre
Plays like: Davidson likens some of his attributes to those of Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom.
Comments: Sam has some genuine speed, which he uses to his advantage when he finds space. Enjoys taking the game on.
Brodie Foster
Height 180cm, weight 74 kg.
Junior Clubs: Surfer’s Paradise Demons
Position: Midfield or back flank
Plays like: Foster sees some similarities to David Armitage, in the way he maintains composure around the contest.
Comments: Foster has great game sense and seems to read the ball faster than his opponents; he’s been called a ‘natural footballer.’
Harry Simington
Height 189cm, weight 85 kg.
Junior Clubs: Tamborine Mountain Hawks, Pacific Pines Power, Beenleigh Buffalos,
Fitzroy Lions, Broadview Tigers and Coomera Magpies.
Position: Midfield
Plays like: Simington can recognize some traits in Marcus Bontempelli, as they’re both taller midfielders.
Comments: Harry is a great kick of the footy, particularly when delivering to the forwards.
Kwaby Boakye
Height 188cm, weight 88 kg.
Junior Clubs: Brothers Rockhampton
Position: Half back flank
Plays like: Boakye can see some similarities with Adam Saad’s explosive speed and style of play.
Comments: Kwaby is quick over a short distance and provides great run off the half back line, but is also a strong overhead mark.
Brayden Crossley
Height 198cm, weight 100 kg.
Junior Clubs: Burleigh Bombers
Position: Ruckman or forward
Plays like: Crossley likens himself to GWS ruckman Shane Mumford, due to being undersized for a ruckman, but making it up with competitiveness.
Comments: Crossley is tough and makes an impact at the contest. He’s also shown that he can drift forward and kick goals.
Lions Academy:
Jack Clayton
Height 184cm, weight 77kg.
Junior Clubs: West Juniors
Position: Midfield or half back
Plays like: Clayton can see a bit of himself in fellow left footer and running half back Grant Birchall.
Comments: Jack is another one with some good speed and a handy left foot. When playing off half back, Jack reads the play exceptionally well.
Connor Ballenden
Height 199cm, weight 95kg.
Junior Clubs: Kenmore Bears, West Juniors
Position: Key forward
Plays like: Connor aspires to play like Gold Coast key forward Tom Lynch and admires his strong marking and skill.
Comments: Ballenden has the ability to take a big pack mark, but he’s also effective at ground level as well and is a great field kick. Contested marking is his bread and butter.
Jack Payne
Height 196cm, weight 94kg.
Junior Clubs: Noosa
Position: Key defender
Plays like: Payne likens some of his attributes to those of Richmond defender Alex Rance, mostly his strength in the contest and his kicking out of defense.
Comments: Payne has noticeable closing speed and has the body required to play on the gorilla forwards. He also has clean disposal and a nice kick out of the back half.
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
