2015 AFL U18 Championships

[Chris25]

It's that time of the year again!

Being the wonderful person I am, I'll be writing all the information out instead of using pictures. That way you can all just search the thread nice and easily. And I've even ordered the players by height, and indicated which players are overaged (with one asterisk) and which are underaged (with two asterisks). I'm too good to all of you.

Division 1

Round 1
WA v SA - Saturday May 23, 11am at Lathlain Park
VM v VC - Sunday May 24, 11am at Simonds Stadium

Round 2
SA v VM - Saturday May 30, 10.45am at AAMI Stadium
WA v VC - Sunday May 31, 12pm at Medibank Stadium

Round 3
SA v WA - Saturday June 6, 12pm at AAMI Stadium
VC v VM - Sunday June 7, 12pm at Simonds Stadium

Round 4
WA v VM - Saturday June 13, 11.20am at Domain Stadium
SA v VC - Sunday June 14, 11am at AAMI Stadium

Round 5
VC v SA - Friday June 26, 12.35pm at Simonds Stadium
VM v WA - Friday June 26, 2.35pm at Simonds Stadium

Round 6
VM v SA - Wednesday July 1, 5.05pm at Etihad Stadium
VC v WA - Thursday July 2, 1.15pm at Simonds Stadium


Division 2

Round 1
NSW/ACT v TAS - Satuday June 20, 10am at Gold Coast
QLD v NT - Saturday June 20, 12.30pm at Gold Coast

Round 2
TAS v QLD - Saturday June 27, 12pm at Simonds Stadium
NSW/ACT v NT - Saturday June 27, 2.10pm at Simonds Stadium

Round 3
NT v TAS - Wednesday July 1, 3.05pm at Etihad Stadium
NSW/ACT v QLD - Thursday July 2, 11.05am at Simonds Stadium

 

[Chris25]

South Australia

Mark Quinn (176cm, 72kg from North Adelaide)
Will Snelling (177cm, 68kg from West Adelaide)
Hugh Haysman (177cm, 72kg from West Adelaide)
Christopher Lodovici (178cm, 62kg from Norwood)
Brendan Dew (178cm, 66kg from Central Districts)
Jack Agostino (178cm, 70kg from West Adelaide)
Isaya McKenzie (178cm, 72kg from Central Districts)
Steven Slimming** (179cm, 66kg from Sturt)
Kyle Presbury (180cm, 68kg from Central Districts)
Maris Olekalns (180cm, 70kg from North Adelaide)
Luke Partington (180cm, 75kg from Norwood)
Will Combe (180cm, 75kg from North Adelaide)
Matthew Nunn (180cm, 75kg from Norwood)
Jack Graham** (180cm, 77kg from North Adelaide)
Jadyn Brind (180cm, 92kg from West Adelaide)
Jonty Scharenberg** (182cm, 70kg from Glenelg)
Wayne Milera (182cm, 71kg from Central Districts)
Harry Cross (183cm, 76kg from Norwood)
Stephen Tahana (183cm, 77kg from North Adelaide)
James Hargreaves* (183cm, 78kg from Sturt)
Peter Bampton* (183cm, 83kg from Norwood)
Mason Redman (184cm, 77kg from Glenelg)
Harrison Jolly (185cm, 81kg from Woodville West Torrens)
Jesse Moffa (186cm, 72kg from South Adelaide)
Justin Evans (185cm, 77kg from Glenelg)
Campbell Wildman (186cm, 75kg from Sturt)
Cameron Hewett (187cm, 70kg from North Adelaide)
Riley Bonner (187cm, 75kg from West Adelaide)
Andy Georgeson (187cm, 77kg from Woodville West Torrens)
Oleg Markov* (187cm, 78kg from North Adelaide)
Keiran Agius (187cm, 84kg from North Adelaide)
Sam Walker** (188cm, 75kg from Glenelg)
Jordan Dawson (188cm, 80kg from Sturt)
Andrew Coombe** (190cm, 79kg from Sturt)
Ryan Burton (190cm, 82kg from North Adelaide)
Aaron Francis (190cm, 86kg from West Adelaide)
Matthew Allen (194cm, 90kg from Glenelg)
Luke Hoare (194cm, 90kg from Woodville West Torrens)
Harrison Westhoff* (195cm, 82kg from West Adelaide)
Luke Surman (196cm, 95kg from Norwood)
Sam Stafford (197cm, 75kg from Glenelg)
Kyle Broadwood (197cm, 85kg from Woodville West Torrens)
Harrison Gameau (197cm, 88kg from Woodville West Torrens)
Sam Gurney (198cm, 100kg from South Adelaide)
Peter Ladhams** (202cm, 87kg from Norwood)
Andre Parella (203cm, 96kg from Sturt)


The Guns

For me, the pick of the South Australians this year is Aaron Francis. The 192cm utility is a member of the AFL/AIS Academy, and has made his senior SANFL debut this year for West Adelaide. He can play up forward and in the midfield, but expect to see him line up across half back for SA. Exceptionally strong in the air, he'll make it hard for the opposition to move forward with any real confidence.

Another AFL/AIS Academy member and the star of the midfield is Luke Partington. A solid player despite only being in the low 180cm's, he has done everything you'd want in the midfield. Might not be particularly flashy and he may not break open the game with his run, but he wins the ball and uses it well. Classy is the best way to describe him.

The Ones To Watch

Being able to play senior football is one of the strengths of the South Australian underage system, and both Matthew Nunn and Will Snelling have done that this year. And both should be key parts of the SA midfield this year. Snelling wont stop running and just wins the ball no matter where he is, while Nunn is a smooth mover who gets it both inside and outside.

Down back, SA should be relying heavily on Kyle Broadwood. The 195cm key position player has stood up this year to cement himself as the most likely of all the SA talls. With a chance to play on the best talls from around the country, he has a real opportunity to shine. And, should he win the ball expect to see him look towards Riley Bonner. He's that prototype player, a 190cm utility. After showing good signs as a half forward, Bonner will likely feature across half back for SA where he can use his skills and flair in setting up the play.

 

[Chris25]

Western Australia

Oliver Parish (171cm, 61kg from East Fremantle)
Caiden Curtin** (175cm, 65kg from Claremont)
Tarir Bayok** (175cm, 71kg from East Perth)
John Shaw (177cm, 75kg from Swan Districts)
Sam Petrevski-Seton** (178cm, 70kg from Claremont)
Clint Hinchcliffe* (179cm, 81kg from West Perth)
Kade Stewart (180cm, 67kg from South Fremantle)
Callum Ah Chee (182cm, 71kg from South Fremantle)
Jake Taylor (182cm, 80kg from Swan Districts)
Chad Daniels (182cm, 83kg from Swan Districts)
Brayden Hackett (183cm, 69kg from Swan Districts)
Declan Mountford (183cm, 70kg from Claremont)
Levi Ridley (183cm, 74kg from Swan Districts)
James Harrold (183cm, 79kg from East Fremantle)
Tom Bennett (184cm, 74kg from East Fremantle)
Peter Delaney (184cm, 78kg from East Fremantle)
Jake Florenca (184cm, 78kg from South Fremantle)
Bailey Rogers (184cm, 80kg from Claremont)
Noah Hura** (186cm, 72kg from Peel Thunder)
Josh Schoenfield (186cm, 75kg from Peel Thunder)
Sam Powell-Pepper** (188cm, 83kg from East Perth)
Marshall Jones (188cm, 84kg from Perth)
Jake Waterman** (189cm, 84kg from Claremont)
Jordan Snadden (190cm, 79kg from East Fremantle)
Travis Naughton (190cm, 82kg from Peel Thunder)
Jack Watson (191cm, 81kg from Swan Districts)
Josh Rotham** (192cm, 76kg from West Perth)
Greg Clark (193cm, 82kg from Subiaco)
Ajang Ajang (194cm, 80kg from East Perth)
Dixon Wight (194cm, 87kg from Peel Thunder)
David Ehlers* (195cm, 79kg from Claremont)
Jarred Mason (197cm, 78kg from Swan Districts)
Michael Cronan (197cm, 80kg from East Fremantle)
Dylan Smith (198cm, 81kg from Swan Districts)
Jesse Glass-McCasker (198cm, 95kg from Swan Districts)
Luke Strnadica** (199cm, 88kg from East Fremantle)
Jeremy Goddard** (202cm, 97kg from Claremont)


The Guns

I still maintain 2015 is not a great draft group for Western Australia, but they could still be competitive on the back of their underaged stars. Sam Petrevski-Seton is without a doubt their best player in my mind, and arguably the favourite to be the #1 pick next year. He's got O'Meara and Martin talent, and there isn't much he can't do. Able to win his own ball through the midfield, he's also just as good as anyone else on the outside and up forward.

But for 2015, my favourite is Callum Ah Chee. He'll be the star of the combine later in the year, there are no question marks over that side of his game. But he'll need to prove he is able to play through the midfield, even if it is in purely an outside role. However, his work in the forward half is excellent and he is a legitimate game changer.

The Ones To Watch

But guns are often made at the Championships, and that's what some WA players will be hoping for. At 198cm, Dylan Smith will be the focal point of their attack. Having previously had stints in the back half, Smith has impressed over the first six weeks of the WAFL Colts season. Marking strongly and kicking goals, a decent Championships from him will go a long way to making WA competitive.

Greg Clark and Kade Stewart may be the bigger names in the midfield, but Levi Ridley is one who should catch a few eyes. He's played senior football in the WAFL, and can play multiple positions on the ground. For WA, I could see him line up on a wing. He can win his own ball and tackle strongly, but can also be creative outside and on a flank.

 

[Chris25]

Vic Metro

Jade Gresham (177cm, 74kg from Northern Knights)
Hirsham Kerbatieh (177cm, 77kg from Calder Cannons)
Jaycob Hickey (178cm, 76kg from Western Jets)
Goy Lok (179cm, 81kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Nicholas O'Kearney (180cm, 71kg from Calder Cannons)
Ryan Clarke (180cm, 77kg from Eastern Ranges)
Kade Answerth* (180cm, 79kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Alex Morgan* (180cm, 80kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Matthew Stillman (181cm, 78kg from Calder Cannons)
Blake Hardwick (181cm, 78kg from Eastern Ranges)
Jordan Gallucci** (182cm, 73kg from Eastern Ranges)
Tom Wallis (182cm, 74kg from Calder Cannons)
Jack James* (182cm, 78kg from Calder Cannons)
Tyrone Leonardis (182cm, 78kg from Northern Knights)
Daniel Foley (182cm, 79kg from Western Jets)
Jordan Matera (182cm, 82kg from Sandringham Dragons)
David Cunningham (183cm, 79kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Bryce Batty (183cm, 80kg from Eastern Ranges)
Andrew Tashevski-Beckwith (183cm, 83kg from S
Tom Phillips* (184cm, 74kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Patrick Klep (184cm, 74kg from Eastern Ranges)
Bruno Laguda (185cm, 71kg from Calder Cannons)
Theophilos Thompson (185cm, 81kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Benjamin Crocker (185cm, 81kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Fraser Pearce* (186cm, 75kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Braden Fiorini (186cm, 75kg from Northern Knights)
Harley Balic (186cm, 80kg from Sandringham Dragons)
James El Moussalli (186cm, 83kg from Northern Knights)
Thomas Cameron (187cm, 70kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Matthew Perry (187cm, 73kg from Northern Knights)
Lachlan Walker (187cm, 80kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Daniel Houston (187cm, 83kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
James Parsons (189cm, 75kg from Eastern Ranges)
Daniel Beddison (189cm, 80kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Kane Keppel (190cm, 79kg from Eastern Ranges)
Jack Silvagni (190cm, 81kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Jack Whitehead (191cm, 89kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Liam Jeffs (192cm, 78kg from Eastern Ranges)
Karl Brown (192cm, 90kg from Calder Cannons)
Jack Scrimshaw** (193cm, 77kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Callum Moore* (193cm, 85kg from Calder Cannons)
Jack Firns (194cm, 90kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Harry Thompson (194cm, 90kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Sam McLarty** (195cm, 91kg from Oakleigh Chargers)
Sam Weideman (196cm, 91kg from Eastern Ranges)
Dylan Atkins (199cm, 88kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Jayden Collins (199cm, 88kg from Eastern Ranges)
Jarrad Smith (202cm, 93kg from Eastern Ranges)
Mark Kovacevic* (204cm, 111kg from Calder Cannons)


The Guns

Across the board, it's a weaker Vic Metro side than usual. Not the same top level talent, and struggling a little for depth too. But it's not all doom and gloom. Their big three in the midfield, at least in terms of early draft stocks, are Ryan Clarke, Nicholas O'Kearney and Harley Balic.

But the safe money is on Jade Gresham as being the most productive player at the Championships. He might be the smallest player in their squad, but he's one of those players that just goes in hard and comes out with the ball. Generally the sub-180cm players are overlooked early in the season, but like others before him, a strong Championships will force people to take notice.

The Ones To Watch

For me, this is where it gets more interesting for Metro. With Weideman set to miss through injury, a forward line of Karl Brown and Callum Moore could be the best and most intriguing setup. Brown was only a late addition to the squad, after a promising start to the TAC Cup year. The strong 192cm forward has 14 goals in 4 games, and has good hands. While Moore is an athletic 19 year old, who has so far been hampered by injury. But he's a talented kid, evident by the fact the Swans considered drafting him last year on the back of just 5 TAC Cup games.

James Parsons had a relatively disappointing 2014 season, at least by what many would have been hoping for. I quite like him though, and he was a highly rated 17 year old. Tall, outside midfielder/flanker, he's had a better start to the season this year. While across half back, Bruno Laguda is one who will probably catch a few eyes. The rebounding defender has started the year well, and is one of those players who looks good when he has the ball in hand.

 

[Chris25]

Vic Country

Bailey Edwards (174cm, 71kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
William Sexton (175cm, 76kg from Geelong Falcons)
Tate Marsh (176cm, 69kg from Gippsland Power)
Ben Ainsworth** (177cm, 73kg from Gippsland Power)
Deven Costigan (179cm, 65kg from Gippsland Power)
Murray Waite (179cm, 74kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Joe Maishman* (179cm, 75kg from Geelong Falcons)
Lachlan Williams (180cm, 72kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Nash Holmes (180cm, 74kg from Gippsland Power)
Mitchell Cox (180cm, 78kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Jy Simpkin** (181cm, 71kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Darcy Parish (181cm, 73kg from Geelong Falcons)
Matthew Johnston* (181cm, 78kg from North Ballarat)
Jamieson Sheahan (181cm, 80kg from Geelong Falcons)
Lachie Tardrew (182cm, 70kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Baden Remmos (182cm, 78kg from Geelong Falcons)
Jake Lovett (182cm, 81kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Lockey McCartney (183cm, 78kg from Geelong Falcons)
Yestin Eades (183cm, 80kg from North Ballarat)
Tom Templeton* (183cm, 88kg from North Ballarat)
Aidyn Johnson (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Alex Witherden** (184cm, 76kg from Geelong Falcons)
Darcy Tucker (184cm, 78kg from North Ballarat)
Myles Poholke** (184cm, 79kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Bailey Rice (184cm, 81kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Thomas Cole (185cm, 76kg from Bengido Pioneers)
Rhys Mathieson (185cm, 79kg from Geelong Falcons)
Joseph Atley (185cm, 80kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Kurt Mutimer (185cm, 81kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
David Mennen* (186cm, 80kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Thomas Glen (187cm, 72kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Will Brodie** (187cm, 79kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Tom Doedee (187cm, 80kg from Geelong Falcons)
Clayton Oliver (187cm, 86kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Jayden Burke (188cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Brandon White (188cm, 77kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Josh Dunkley (189cm, 82kg from Gippsland Power)
Daniel Capiron* (189cm, 83kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Thomas Jok (190cm, 72kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Jarrod Berry** (190cm, 80kg from North Ballarat)
Josh Battle** (190cm, 82kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Charles Curnow (191cm, 95kg from Geelong Falcons)
Kyle Davis (192cm, 80kg from Geelong Falcons)
Christian Buykx-Smith* (193cm, 84kg from Gippsland Power)
Kieran Collins (193cm, 94kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Travis Young (194cm, 90kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Jacob Weitering (195cm, 90kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Ryan Hearn (197cm, 90kg from Gippsland Power)
Joshua Patullo (197cm, 91kg from Gippsland Power)
Sam Skinner (197cm, 96kg from Gippsland Power)
Gach Nyuon (198cm, 81kg from Dandenong Stingrays)
Joshua Schache (199cm, 96kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Harry McKay (200cm, 85kg from Gippsland Power)


The Guns

For me, the strongest sides in this years Championships are Vic Country and South Australia. With VC in particular having a lot of the big names. The early favourite to be the #1 pick is Jacob Weitering. It's not often a key defender goes at the top spot, but Weitering is a very talented player. He's got the potential to be one of the best KPDs, but can also play further up the ground and run around the midfield on the rebound.

The main competitor to Weitering for the top spot at the moment is Darcy Parish, and he's on track to be the first midfielder called out. Ideally he'd be a little taller, but he does everything you'd look for from a player and is just a natural talent. Rhys Mathieson is one midfielder who does have the desired size, and is a strong inside player despite still being on the slightly skinny side.

The Ones To Watch

Arguably the one player to improve his draft stock more than any other this year is tall forward Harry McKay. He's a little like Cameron Conlon from a couple of years ago, on the skinnier side but a good moving 200cm forward. Needs to work on his hands and improve his contested marking, but he's been kicking a lot of goals this year for Gippsland. At the other end of the ground, Christian Buykx-Smith has returned as a 19 year old and has had a solid year at full back.

A highly touted player in WA a couple of seasons ago, Yestin Eades has made his way across the country to go to boarding school and is now lining up for VC. He's a talented player, and he'll be looking to live up to being named in the AFL/AIS squad a year ago.

 

[Chris25]

NSW/ACT

Harry Brill (170cm, 59kg from Eastlake)
Lachlan Moore (170cm, 62kg from Collinguille)
Thomas Powell (170cm, 72kg from Ainslie)
Fletcher Carroll** (171cm, 67kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Brandon Clark** (172cm, 8kg from Kellyville/Rouse Hill)
Shaun Mannagh (174cm, 69kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Mitchell Maguire** (175cm, 71kg from Northern Jets)
Levi Middleton (175cm, 76kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Jackson Kelly* (178cm, 66kg from Sydney Uni)
Matthew Wilson (178cm, 66kg from North Shore)
Matthew Klemke (178cm, 75kg from Osborne)
Justin Maldigri (179cm, 74kg from St George)
Andrew Sierakowski (179cm, 75kg from Riverview)
Brayden Kilpatrick (179cm, 75kg from St George)
Connor Owen-Auburn** (179cm, 79kg from St Clair)
Samuel Fisher** (180cm, 74kg from Ainslie/Marist)
Jake Marshall (180cm, 75kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Lachlan Leeds (180cm, 77kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Nelson Foley (180cm, 80kg from Ainslie)
Harry Perryman** (182cm, 71kg from Collingullie)
Harrison Payne* (182cm, 81kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Harry Tanner (182cm, 74kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Lachlan Hayres* (182cm, 76kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Anthony Treacy (182cm, 79kg from Riverview)
Dylan McDonald (183cm, 69kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Charlie Bance (183cm, 84kg from Wagga Tigers)
Luke McKay (184cm, 71kg from Eastlake/Belconnen)
Jake Brown** (184cm, 75kg from St George)
Kobe Mutch** (184cm, 75kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Mitchell Wright (184cm, 80kg from North Shore)
Dylan Sanderson (184cm, 82kg from St George)
Jayden Rymer (184cm, 84kg from St George)
Eli Prescott** (185cm, 74kg from St George)
Tyler Roos* (185cm, 76kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Nick Hey (185cm, 82kg from Pennant Hills)
Lachlan Flagg (186cm, 78kg from Northern Jets)
Lachlan Ryan* (186cm, 78kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Callum Mills (186cm, 80kg from North Shore)
Callum McFadden (186cm, 81kg from UNSW)
Ryan Hebron (186cm, 81kg from North Shore)
Brydon Hodgson* (186cm, 81kg from Eastlake/Lavington)
Jacob Hopper (186cm, 82kg from North Ballarat Rebels)
Tom Faul* (186cm, 85kg from Ainslie)
Jock Cornell (187cm, 82kg from Mangoplah CUE)
Matthew Kennedy (187cm, 84kg from Collingullie)
Jack Irvine (188cm, 80kg from Temora)
Lachlan Tiziani (188cm, 80kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Alex Johnston (188cm, 82kg from East Coast Eagles)
William Setterfield** (189cm, 73kg from Sandringham Dragons)
Thomas Highmore** (189cm, 80kg from Eastlake)
Samuel Simmons (189cm, 85kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Lyndon Hupfield** (189cm, 89kg from East Coast Eagles)
Jake Veale (190cm, 80kg from North Shore)
Josh Minogue* (189cm, 80kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Harvey Daniher (190cm, 85kg from Calder Cannons)
Timothy Coenen (190cm, 86kg from St George)
Darcy Baron-Hay (190cm, 87kg from Riverview)
Logan Gray** (191cm, 75kg from Sydney Uni)
Harrison Himmelberg* (192cm, 84kg from Eastlake)
Nathan Cooper (193cm, 81kg from Pennant Hills)
Zachary Sproule** (193cm, 81kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Joshua Ryan* (193cm, 84kg from Bendigo Pioneers)
Samuel Wilson (193cm, 86kg from UNSW)
Ned Reinhard (194cm, 84kg from St George)
Max Canfield* (195cm, 81kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Harrison Macreadie** (195cm, 82kg from Henty)
Nick Coughlan* (195cm, 83kg from Murray Bushrangers)
Lachlan Behagg (195cm, 88kg from Manly Giants)
Joe Stapleton** (196cm, 86kg from Sydney Uni)
William Muir* (197cm, 91kg from Ainslie)
Liam Maze** (199cm, 90kg from St George)
Matthew Flynn (200cm, 99kg from Narrandera)
Kyle Galloway* (206cm, 104kg from Murray Bushrangers)


The Guns

There shouldn't be a great deal of surprise at who the best players from this NSW/ACT side are, they're the often talked about Academy players. Callum Mills is the best midfielder in the draft. He's big, strong and he does it all. He'll be a Swan at the end of the year, but GWS aren't missing out either. Matthew Kennedy has had a super start to the year and is now establishing himself as an early pick too. Even bigger than Mills, Kennedy is a hard worker and quality with the ball in hand. Trade away a quality youngster if you need to, he fits the Giants' perfectly.

The Ones To Watch

The big guy at the bottom of the list, Matthew Flynn, has set himself up as one of the better ruckman of the 2015 crop and should dominate the Division 2 games - much like he has done in the TAC Cup this year. Racking up the hitouts, he is also surprisingly good around the ground and can clunk a mark.

While GWS have two of the bigger names available to them in Kennedy and Hopper, there are some others who are shaping as possible mid round draft options - along with the aforementioned Flynn. Strong bodied utility and member of the Daniher clan, Jock Cornell can play at either end of the ground. While 19 year Harrison Himmelberg has had an impressive start to the TAC Cup season, often lining up at full forward.

While another 19 year old returning this year is Tom Faul. And he is yet another tall and strongly built player, I rated him a genuine chance last year despite being so raw. Will probably be playing in the back half for NSW/ACT, the Canberra product plays with a strong attack on the ball and is excellent athletically. I expect he'll flash if given the chance, and will have teams wondering.

 

[Chris25]

Queensland

Dyson Budarick (173cm, 74kg from Southport)
Ethan Reeves (177cm, 76kg from Broadbeach)
Aaron Maricic (178cm, 74kg from Western Magpies)
Oliver Ritchie (180cm, 72kg fom Morningside)
Corey Wagner (180cm, 71kg from Aspley)
Jesse Joyce (180cm, 76kg from Palm Beach Currumbin)
Glendon Woosup (180cm, 80kg from Broadbeach)
Jarrod Butler (181cm, 68kg from Townsville)
Jack Rolls** (181cm, 71kg from Morningside)
Sebastian Fahey (181cm, 76kg from Broadbeach)
Daniel Henderson* (181cm, 78kg from Aspley)
Josh Brown (182cm, 72kg from Surfers Paradise)
Reuben William (182cm, 74kg from Zillmere)
Curtis Marsden** (183cm, 73kg from Palm Beach Currumbin)
Jack Mammone** (183cm, 75kg from Morningside)
Nick Weller* (183cm, 81kg from UQ)
Cody Filewood (184cm, 76kg from Surfers Paradise)
Connor West (184cm, 77kg from Southport)
Bradley Scheer** (184cm, 82kg from Palm Beach Currumbin)
Ben Keays (185cm, 82kg from Redlands)
Robert Blood* (186cm, 78kg from Southport)
Jack Bowes** (187cm, 76kg from Surfers Paradise)
Jesse Esam** (188cm, 87kg from Broadbeach)
Max Spencer (189cm, 80kg from Palm Beach Currumbin)
Daniel Charlesworth** (189cm, 80kg from Cairns City)
Jonah Licht* (191cm, 88kg from Redlands)
Isaac Corvo (191cm, 90kg from UQ)
Declan Watson** (192cm, 75kg from Aspley)
Gareth Hunt (192cm, 86kg from Aspley)
Jacob Allison** (193cm, 73kg from Aspley)
Kurt Skuse (193cm, 86kg from Broadbeach)
Harris Newton** (197cm, 78kg from Surfers Paradise)
Mabior Chol (198cm, 78kg from Yeronga)
Dylan Adkins* (198cm, 88kg from Redlands)
Wylie Buzza* (198cm, 97kg from Redlands)
Eric Hipwood (200cm, 82kg from Aspley)
Nate Dennis (201cm, 88kg from UQ)
Dominic Paino** (202cm, 88kg from Redcliffe)


The Guns

No real surprise, the big name for Queensland this year is Ben Keays. Most people would know about him, the Brisbane Academy player who has been talked up as an early pick. I have him rated at the top of the second round, but fully expect him to dominate and be named All Australian. He's a very productive player, and he'll need to be as the Queensland side isn't quite as good as it was last year.

The Ones To Watch

Another Academy player who should get a chance to shine is Eric Hipwood. He's a big guy at 200cm tall, and can play at either end of the ground. With Corey Wagner the other Academy pick, who will likely put up big numbers through the midfield. Just a good honest football he is.

Otherwise, Jacob Allison is a name for next year. Just a skinny kid at the moment, but he has flashed a bit of potential so far and works hard around the ground. Could be a good player once he grows into his frame. And Josh Brown has found the scoreboard a bit for Queensland in the TAC Cup so far. He's good above his head, even if his kicking can be a bit off at times.

 

[Chris25]

Tasmania

Luke Webb (171cm, 78kg from Glenorchy)
Brady Quinn (172cm, 68kg from Glenorchy)
Kieran Lovell (173cm, 79kg from Kingston Tigers)
Ben Kamaric (175cm, 76kg from Glenorchy)
Connor Pearton** (176cm, 71kg from North Launceston)
Harrison Pearce** (176cm, 74kg from Lauderdale)
Weston Tate Turvey (177cm, 70kg from Lauderdale)
Kyle Palmer-Hughes** (178cm, 70kg from Clarence)
Logan Reynolds (180cm, 67kg from North Launceston)
Manassah Dare-Bonnici (180cm, 70kg from Devonport)
Alex Blair** (180cm, 73kg from Glenorchy)
Marcus Haley** (180cm, 75kg from North Launceston)
Nicholas Dodge (181cm, 79kg from Lauderdale)
Nat Franklin** (181cm, 79kg from Lauderdale)
Tyler Gavralas (182cm, 77kg from Devonport)
Ethan Stephenson** (183cm, 72kg from Devonport)
Logan Bisset (183cm, 73kg from Devonport)
Liam Smith (183cm, 86kg from Glenorchy)
Jack Bilson (184cm, 72kg from Hobart City)
Jordan Hayden (184cm, 78kg from Glenorchy)
Jack Crossin (184cm, 86kg from Glenorchy)
Jack Donnellan** (185cm, 76kg from Launceston)
Mitchell Rainbird* (185cm, 84kg from Glenorchy)
Jake Sushames (186cm, 66kg from North Launceston)
Brandon Batchelor** (186cm, 89kg from Kingston Tigers)
Mitchell Hodgetts** (187cm, 81kg from Western Storm)
Ben McGuinness** (188cm, 74kg from Lauderdale)
Shaun Worker** (188cm, 78kg from North Launceston)
William Fisher (189cm, 76kg from North Launceston)
Colin Kilpatrick** (189cm, 77kg from Hobart City)
Jhdara Jones** (191cm, 72kg from Scotch College)
Zac Beuchner (191cm, 77kg from Clarence)
Mitchell Hibberd* (191cm, 85kg from Clarence)
Cameron Brown (191cm, 96kg from Glenorchy)
Jesse Johnson* (192cm, 76kg from Devonport)
Isaac Franks* (192cm, 84kg from Lauderdale)
Ryan Gardner (195cm, 84kg from Burnie)
Andrew Jones (197cm, 84kg from Clarence)


The Gun

The only Tasmanian member of the AFL/AIS Academy for 2015, Jake Sushames is an impressive player despite having such a light frame. As is often the case with the Tasmanians, their best players aren't midfielders. Sushames is primarily a half forward, who can push up on a wing and across half back. But he is an outside player. He's exciting though, with one person saying he could take mark of the year and kick goal of the year on the same day.

The Ones To Watch

One of the smaller players in the Tasmanian squad, Kieran Lovell is just a ball magnet. Just seems like that he's the leading possession winner in every game he plays. He can win his own ball, and he's also an exceptionally strong runner and will get a lot of handball receives throughout the game.

A player we saw last year as a 17 year old was Nick Dodge. Only 181cm, but a handy little forward he kicked multiple goals in a couple of games last year at the Championships. And he has done so again in the TAC Cup for Tasmania this year. Not the flashiest player, but always involved and competes hard.

 

[Chris25]

Northern Territory

Ralph Dhamarrandji* (168cm, 54kg from Galiwinku Bombers)
Nick Yarran (168cm, 64kg from St Marys)
Liam McDonald** (169cm, 60kg from Pioneer)
Ethan Liddle (172cm, 61kg from Pioneer)
Brandan Parfitt** (172cm, 68kg from Nightcliff)
Mackenzie Lawrence** (173cm, 80kg from Pa
Robbie Smith-Watts (173cm, 71kg from South Alice)
Mikey Coombes* (173cm, 72kg from St Marys)
Michaelis McMasters (174cm, 60kg from South Alice)
Andrew Papazoglou (175cm, 63kg from Nightcliff)
Davin Ferrira* (174cm, 68kg from Wanderers)
Rohan Armstrong** (175cm, 65kg from South Alice)
Riley Hogan (175cm, 80kg from Palmerston)
Ben Long (176cm, 60kg from St Marys)
Michael Hagan (177cm, 67kg from Darwin)
Daniel Rioli (179cm, 65kg from St Marys)
Marcus Hamilton* (179cm, 81kg from Big River Hawks)
Daniel Turner (180cm, 65kg from Big River Hawks)
Matthew Bricknell** (180cm, 75kg from Nightcliff)
Graham Hampton* (180cm, 78kg from Pioneer)
Dylan Barry (180cm, 78kg from Rovers)
Wewak Ross (180cm, 86kg from Big River Hawks)
Ryan Nyhuis* (181cm, 82kg from Nightcliff)
Gavin Greenoff** (182cm, 65kg from Nightcliff)
Jalen Clarke (183cm, 72kg from Darwin)
Waisele Thomson** (183cm, 75kg from Palmerston)
Daly Shannon (184cm, 70kg from Nightcliff)
Kevin Maroney (184cm, 72kg from Darwin)
Josh O'Brien** (184cm, 82kg from Nightcliff)
Zane Carter (184cm, 86kg from Southern Districts)
Taryll Egan* (185cm, 76kg from Rovers)
Keiden Holt-Tubbs* (185cm, 77kg from Palmerston)
Liam McGregor* (185cm, 78kg from Southern Districts)
Tim Torszok** (186cm, 75kg from Federal)
Jamie Hampton** (186cm, 76kg from Pioneer)
Lachlan McKenzie (187cm, 86kg from Nightcliff)
Patrick Taban (187cm, 92kg from Nightcliff)
Jake Jackson-Cole** (188cm, 84kg from Nightcliff)
Jack Musgrove* (189cm, 85kg from St Marys)
Kalium Donation (190cm, 80kg from Darwin)
Jasper Hutt** (191cm, 72kg from St Marys)
Michael Tilmouth-Turner* (191cm, 91kg from Pioneer)
Ezekiel Frank** (192cm, 79kg from Palmerston)
Jordan Jeffrey** (192cm, 79kg from Wanderers)
Devin Lines (195cm, 90kg from Big River Hawks)
Tony Olango** (201cm, 80kg from St Marys)


The Guns

Just the one from the Northern Territory this year, and don't expect any first round picks like last year with Nakia Cockatoo. Michael Hagan was a member of the AFL/AIS last year as an underaged player, and had a productive U18 Championships in 2014 too. He's 177cm, so not as short as some of the players from up north. Tends to play across the back half and through the midfield, he has excellent speed and good hands.

The Ones To Watch

A couple of players with a bit more size to them, Lachlan McKenzie is potentially one who could have an impact this year. He's a strong player, sort of a hit up forward with a very strong boot. Averaged a goal a game last year, so he could be a focal point up forward. While Jack Musgrove is another strong bodied utility who had some wraps on him coming into 2014, but didn't quite have the impact he'd have wanted. It'll be interesting to see where those two play, often the guys around their height get asked to play taller than they should and suffer as a result.

Otherwise, the NT has finally done it. They have a genuine ruckman. Underaged Tony Olango is easily the tallest player they've had for a while, even if they had to convert him from soccer to do so. He'll be a good one to keep tracks on him over the next 18 months, from all reports he's a pretty athletic 201cm kid.

 

[whatwhatsaywhat]

kieran lovell any relation to former demon / eagle andy lovell?

 

[Old Dog Lion]

kieran lovell any relation to former demon / eagle andy lovell?

Distant relation, both from the Huon Valley in Tassie. Been following Kieran since he was 11 or 12. Absolute ball magnet, and great user. Had a blinder yesterday for Tassie v Nthn Knights 39 touches BOG. Missed most of last season due to injury.

 

[Special Agent Utah]

Great work Chris25

Definately going to head to a few games this year to have a look

 

[Jacks Darlings]

Damn going to be out of town for the WA SA clash at Leedy.. Petrevski-Seton is a jet

 

[Sezzac1]

Hey Chris where is Jacob Hopper? I thought he was NSW? Don't tell me Vic Country have jagged him. Big get if that is the case.

Might make up for Curnow, Parish and Dunkley if so.

 

[Chris25]

Hey Chris where is Jacob Hopper? I thought he was NSW? Don't tell me Vic Country have jagged him. Big get if that is the case.

Might make up for Curnow, Parish and Dunkley if so.

The NSW/ACT squad is just their TAC Cup one, not the official Championships squad - same as the other Div 2 squads I have listed there. And obviously Hopper plays for North Ballarat.

There'll be a few additions to the NSW/ACT squad I'm sure.

 

[Bishop]

FYI the squads are now online

 

[DJ75]

Anyone know if the U18 Div 1 games will be available to watch on the AFL App?

I know they were 2 years ago.

 

[Bishop]

Anyone know if the U18 Div 1 games will be available to watch on the AFL App?

I know they were 2 years ago.

The games that are played on the Friday 26th June , Wednesday 1st July & Thursday 2nd July will be streamed via Foxtel (Foxtel Go) and the AFL App will use the Foxtel feed.

 

[The Grover]

FYI the squads are now online

Can't find them anywhere?

 

[Bishop]

Can't find them anywhere?

Click the squads on the right hand side of the page
http://www.afl.com.au/draft/u18s

 

[Gee Dub]

I'd back that NSW squad to beat WA.

 

[bradee]

I'd back that NSW squad to beat WA.

I wouldnt

 

[Gee Dub]

I wouldnt

Your call but they have been more than competitive in the TAC Cup and add Hopper, Mills ad a raft of Murray Bushies.

 

[Bishop]

I'd back that NSW squad to beat WA.

Agree, NSW are a class above. WA's year is next year, raft of talent

 

[HBF]

Going down to Geelong on Sunday. Can't wait.