Academy: Gold Coast SUNS Gun Factory

[Southern Sun]

Although the standard is definitely lower, Walter didn't seem to have any issues with the Surfers Paradise fullback a few weeks ago and that defender definitely had an older and more mature body. The Surfers fullback even shook Walter's hand after he outworked him in one particular exchange so there was an public acknowledgment of Jed's ability. Having said that, we'll get a much better understanding of Walter's capabilities when he plays VFL for us this season because he'll be facing actual AFL listed key defenders. Most of us seem to think Casboult will find his way into our VFL team at some point this year so if you've got a forward line containing two wrecking balls in the form of Casboult and Walter then our VFL boys are going to do some serious damage this year.

Then throw in burgess the reining leading goal kicker and we have some serious firepower

 

[Bjo187]

I also watched, I was disappointed Rogers and Lombard weren't playing, however thought the overall quality of the suns was very good. Most of the team had good kicking skills and there were a few passages of play they made look like a training drill.

Walter was good, however I realised he likes to play from behind a lot. Personally he reminds me of Charlie Curnow

30

Charlie Curnow

Age

28

Ht

194cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.3

3star

K

9.7

4star

HB

3.6

3star

M

5.3

5star

T

2.2

4star

G

1.3

5star

No current season stats available

D

10.8

3star

K

6.4

3star

HB

4.4

4star

M

3.2

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

0.8

4star

.

I also liked Murray, I've seen him in other games too and he is always pretty good.

There was also one guy in defence, dark hair, decent size, that had a lovely right foot kick on him, I was impressed with.

I'm not as excited by Read as others, although he has a lovely kick for a tall bloke, I think Nancarrow will be a better ruck prospect, he still seemed decent though.

 

[TheSunGod]

Saw bits and pieces of the game especially the third quarter. We were a far superior side. Showed much better teamwork and some of the taps to advantage and protection for teammates was excellent.
Walter definitely impressed, except for the brain fade where he outmarked his opponent at the top of the square then played on and missed from point blank. A few of the midfielders really showed good signs too, that running goal from a handball receive from 50 was very classy. Sorry don’t know their names and it was difficult to see their numbers on the phone.

 

[GC2015]

Saw bits and pieces of the game especially the third quarter. We were a far superior side. Showed much better teamwork and some of the taps to advantage and protection for teammates was excellent.
Walter definitely impressed, except for the brain fade where he outmarked his opponent at the top of the square then played on and missed from point blank. A few of the midfielders really showed good signs too, that running goal from a handball receive from 50 was very classy. Sorry don’t know their names and it was difficult to see their numbers on the phone.

We were definitely several levels above the Lions academy. I'd like to think that shows just how good this hyped draft class is for us but realistically it's probably also a reflection of the below standard of Brisbane at the U18 level. They don't really have any academy standouts over the next two years and we seem to have 4-5 of them so this game was always going to be a convincing win in my mind. I'm really interested to see if we can dominate the Victorian NAB League teams in the same way we dominated Brisbane because that's when we really know we're onto a winner.

It's hard not to get excited when you see Walter play! He uses his attributes quite well but does have lapses in judgement from time to time like you said, although you expect that from a 17 year old. I believe that was Jack Stringer who kicked the running goal on the 50 metre line. Very nice run of play and finish.

 

[Jirik13]

 

[Jirik13]

 

[Mister_Football]

Watched Suns v Lions u19s live sunday - Suns significantly slicker, quicker and more ticker. Poor goal kicking by Suns flattered Lions - was a domination in extreme humidity.

I'll discuss my best: Reed, Eckersley, Corbett, Walters, Stevens, Murray.

Athletically and skill-wise, Reed could well be the best 18yo ruckman in Australia. One play, he marked d50, corridor delivered, overlap ran, hb receive, delivered i50. 200+ who do that are like unicorns. He is a first round talent.

Eckersley, Corbett and Stevens dominated like 19yos should. Their games were prolific, composed, and dominant. Corbett played like tom stewart in his new HB role. 31d 10 marks. Eckersley had 35 and 2 goals on ball. Stevens conceeded nothing at fullback.

Walters took a mark early, in a pack, at full pace, at the highest point of a leap, that every recruiter and their North Face puffer will be discussing before the 2nd tee this week. He kicked a couple of junk goals out of his 4, but his size and athletic profile, as well as his approach to the contest makes him a first round talent also.

You have two, genuine KPP first rounders this year. You wont be able to take them all; oppo clubs will try pinch an apple or two from your orchard. Either that, or youlle have no picks for a couple of years hence forth.

Murray looks a talent too - but way to premature to be assigning him a draft position in '25?

Will Graham was quiet, but he got cleaned up by Walters backing into a pack - lost a fair bit of wind, but none of my admiration.

So youve got (in order) Reed, Walter, Graham and Rogers (potentially 4 bids inside 30) - thats alot of points. Then theres Zanker-Close who could bolt? You blokes reckon Lombard?

If the 19s keep coming on, youde want to grab them MSD.

 

[Governor]

Watched Suns v Lions u19s live sunday - Suns significantly slicker, quicker and more ticker. Poor goal kicking by Suns flattered Lions - was a domination in extreme humidity.

I'll discuss my best: Reed, Eckersley, Corbett, Walters, Stevens, Murray.

Athletically and skill-wise, Reed could well be the best 18yo ruckman in Australia. One play, he marked d50, corridor delivered, overlap ran, hb receive, delivered i50. 200+ who do that are like unicorns. He is a first round talent.

Eckersley, Corbett and Stevens dominated like 19yos should. Their games were prolific, composed, and dominant. Corbett played like tom stewart in his new HB role. 31d 10 marks. Eckersley had 35 and 2 goals on ball. Stevens conceeded nothing at fullback.

Walters took a mark early, in a pack, at full pace, at the highest point of a leap, that every recruiter and their North Face puffer will be discussing before the 2nd tee this week. He kicked a couple of junk goals out of his 4, but his size and athletic profile, as well as his approach to the contest makes him a first round talent also.

You have two, genuine KPP first rounders this year. You wont be able to take them all; oppo clubs will try pinch an apple or two from your orchard. Either that, or youlle have no picks for a couple of years hence forth.

Murray looks a talent too - but way to premature to be assigning him a draft position in '25?

Will Graham was quiet, but he got cleaned up by Walters backing into a pack - lost a fair bit of wind, but none of my admiration.

So youve got (in order) Reed, Walter, Graham and Rogers (potentially 4 bids inside 30) - thats alot of points. Then theres Zanker-Close who could bolt? You blokes reckon Lombard?

If the 19s keep coming on, youde want to grab them MSD.

Great summation have to agree. Reed did some things I don’t think I’ve seen a Ruckman do

 

[Jen2310]

Sandringham Dragons list is out.

42. Harry Sullivan (Labrador Football Club)

Elite athlete is tied to the Suns as a member of the Gold Coast Academy. Performed well in the 20m sprint and Yo Yo at the Coates League Testing Day. Has trained as a wingman and uses his running power to work end to end.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/sandringham-dragons-2023-coates-talent-league-boys-list-breakdown/news-story/cbe442593db09611833b8c389e17c305

 

[GC2015]

Watched Suns v Lions u19s live sunday - Suns significantly slicker, quicker and more ticker. Poor goal kicking by Suns flattered Lions - was a domination in extreme humidity.

I'll discuss my best: Reed, Eckersley, Corbett, Walters, Stevens, Murray.

Athletically and skill-wise, Reed could well be the best 18yo ruckman in Australia. One play, he marked d50, corridor delivered, overlap ran, hb receive, delivered i50. 200+ who do that are like unicorns. He is a first round talent.

Eckersley, Corbett and Stevens dominated like 19yos should. Their games were prolific, composed, and dominant. Corbett played like tom stewart in his new HB role. 31d 10 marks. Eckersley had 35 and 2 goals on ball. Stevens conceeded nothing at fullback.

Walters took a mark early, in a pack, at full pace, at the highest point of a leap, that every recruiter and their North Face puffer will be discussing before the 2nd tee this week. He kicked a couple of junk goals out of his 4, but his size and athletic profile, as well as his approach to the contest makes him a first round talent also.

You have two, genuine KPP first rounders this year. You wont be able to take them all; oppo clubs will try pinch an apple or two from your orchard. Either that, or youlle have no picks for a couple of years hence forth.

Murray looks a talent too - but way to premature to be assigning him a draft position in '25?

Will Graham was quiet, but he got cleaned up by Walters backing into a pack - lost a fair bit of wind, but none of my admiration.

So youve got (in order) Reed, Walter, Graham and Rogers (potentially 4 bids inside 30) - thats alot of points. Then theres Zanker-Close who could bolt? You blokes reckon Lombard?

If the 19s keep coming on, youde want to grab them MSD.

Read is unreal for a guy that's over 200cm. Seriously talented below the knee and his field kicking would be considered elite for someone of that height. He also seems to have genuine hunger to gather possession of the ball and that seems to be a rare trait in ruckmen as well. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he found his way into our AFL team next year when Witts probably starts to decline.

Walter has been discussed at length in this thread but I was very impressed with that pack mark at full pace too. The kid just has the 'it' factor and is so exciting to watch every time he gets a run at it. As for the points situation, we purposely traded into the future last year to avoid the exact situation you're describing. I estimate with our current picks that we'll be able to comfortably match three top 30 bids and that's assuming one is top 5, the other is top 15 and the third is top 30. If need be, we can always trade a future second rounder to boost the points even more but I don't think that will be the case. No one is really talking about Graham or Zanker-Close as national draft talent at the moment so we maybe just be able to pre-list them onto our rookie list.

Murray is in the '25 draft class and Lombard is in the '24 draft class. They're good players but they won't affect our points this year.

 

[The Kings Ransom]

Read is unreal for a guy that's over 200cm. Seriously talented below the knee and his field kicking would be considered elite for someone of that height. He also seems to have genuine hunger to gather possession of the ball and that seems to be a rare trait in ruckmen as well. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he found his way into our AFL team next year when Witts probably starts to decline.

Walter has been discussed at length in this thread but I was very impressed with that pack mark at full pace too. The kid just has the 'it' factor and is so exciting to watch every time he gets a run at it. As for the points situation, we purposely traded into the future last year to avoid the exact situation you're describing. I estimate with our current picks that we'll be able to comfortably match three top 30 bids and that's assuming one is top 5, the other is top 15 and the third is top 30. If need be, we can always trade a future second rounder to boost the points even more but I don't think that will be the case. No one is really talking about Graham or Zanker-Close as national draft talent at the moment so we maybe just be able to pre-list them onto our rookie list.

Murray is in the '25 draft class and Lombard is in the '24 draft class. They're good players but they won't affect our points this year.

I’d suspect we’re putting Moyle, the VFL ruckman of the year into the ruck if Witts goes down ahead of a currently 70 something kg Ethan read.

 

[SUN OF A GUN]

Sandringham Dragons list is out.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/sandringham-dragons-2023-coates-talent-league-boys-list-breakdown/news-story/cbe442593db09611833b8c389e17c305

Did Nancarrow make the squad?


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Did Nancarrow make the squad?


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

Nancarrow’s with the Chargers.

 

[GC2015]

Did Nancarrow make the squad?

Nancarrow’s with the Chargers.

FWIW Nancarrow took part in Oakleigh's testing day last weekend. My eyes could be deceiving me but is he wearing Suns shorts in that picture from last week? Probably a good sign for us if he's wearing Suns shorts in Melbourne like that.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Nanc's gonna be a beast when he's fully developed.

 

[briztoon]

Sandringham Dragons list is out.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/sandringham-dragons-2023-coates-talent-league-boys-list-breakdown/news-story/cbe442593db09611833b8c389e17c305

Out of curiosity, did the article (behind a paywall) say anything about Levi Ashcroft?

 

[Jen2310]

Out of curiosity, did the article (behind a paywall) say anything about Levi Ashcroft?

He's wearing his brother's old number.

3. Levi Ashcroft (Old Brighton Grammarians VAFA)

The son of Marcus Ashcroft and brother of Will, Levi is a potential Lions father-son selection. Strongly built and hard running midfielder and half forward. Shows great composure around the contest and reads the play at a very high level. Standout talent for his age. Can go forward and hit the scoreboard.

 

[briztoon]

He's wearing his brother's old number.

Thanks Jen2310.

 

[CaptTom]

The teams: Swans v Suns Academies - AFL NSW / ACT

The 2023 Coates Talent League Girls kicks off this weekend with the GIANTS Academy playing Tasmania in Hobart and Sydney Swans Academy facing Dandenong Stingrays in Victoria. . Download the Coates Talent League App to follow selection, news and results…Read more ›

aflnswact.com.au

Heres a link for today u19s game in sydney.

AFLNSW even publish team sheets with such revolutionary player data as Name and Number!

 

[GC2015]

We've got a link to the live stream of today's academy game with the Swans. It starts at 12pm QLD time.

The teams: Swans v Suns Academies - AFL NSW / ACT

The 2023 Coates Talent League Girls kicks off this weekend with the GIANTS Academy playing Tasmania in Hobart and Sydney Swans Academy facing Dandenong Stingrays in Victoria. . Download the Coates Talent League App to follow selection, news and results…Read more ›

aflnswact.com.au

 

[Jirik13]

We've got a link to the live stream of today's academy game with the Swans. It starts at 12pm QLD time.

The teams: Swans v Suns Academies - AFL NSW / ACT

The 2023 Coates Talent League Girls kicks off this weekend with the GIANTS Academy playing Tasmania in Hobart and Sydney Swans Academy facing Dandenong Stingrays in Victoria. . Download the Coates Talent League App to follow selection, news and results…Read more ›

aflnswact.com.au

Close good game. Syd certainly took it to our boys. Now in last quarter Suns leading by 9. Read definitely has skills including kick. According to sheet he is 202cm, 86kg. Walter did not show too much for parts I watched. Bodhi brother Zeke will probably become a player too

 

[GC2015]

Close good game. Syd certainly took it to our boys. Now in last quarter Suns leading by 9. Read definitely has skills including kick. According to sheet he is 202cm, 86kg. Walter did not show too much for parts I watched. Bodhi brother Zeke will probably become a player too

Haven't been able to watch it unfortunately. Sounds like the boys have played reasonably well in their first game outside of Queensland this year. Any idea of our goalkickers and how many they've kicked?

Looks like our boys kicked 15.3 (90) in the end and won by 23 points. Extremely accurate goalkicking from our academy today! The first real test for our academy boys comes next Sunday when they travel to Melbourne to face the Calder Cannons.

 

[Jirik13]

Haven't been able to watch it unfortunately. Sounds like the boys have played reasonably well in their first game outside of Queensland this year. Any idea of our goalkickers and how many they've kicked?

Won by 20+ I believe. No idea about goalkickers. Read did kick a nice one from 50.

 

[GC2015]

Read definitely has skills including kick. According to sheet he is 202cm, 86kg.

Won by 20+ I believe. No idea about goalkickers. Read did kick a nice one from 50.

I was very impressed by Read last time I watched him as well. It's very rare to see a player over 200cm who has skills like that (particularly below the knees). Perhaps his growth spurt has only come about recently and he was previously a midfielder? Either way, I think he's well on his way to getting drafted by us at the end of the year.

 

[SUN OF A GUN]

Just watched the replay of our U18s v Swans Academy. Quite a close, entertaining game. Swans had more scoring shots (9.13) but our lads kicked accurately (15.3) to take the win 93-67.

Still lacking a genuine KPD which may hurt us against the Melbourne teams. Zanker has shored us up in defence, but not really a 195cm+ KPD. Forward line seems to be working well though.
Dawson played deeper this week, with Walter playing higher. Joe Kennedy good again with 2 goals.

Goals: Dawson (3), Walter (2), Kennedy (2), Hay, Read, Uwland, Butler, Eckersley, Hyndes, Lake.