Academy: Gold Coast SUNS Gun Factory

[RedmanWasHere]

Think about it.
If Kalani picks Melbourne, one less draft headache to deal with.

Potentially, should this happen, he could either stay with the Dees or request a trade to the SUNS.

That's for another time.

 

[GC2015]

It'll come down to a few factors.

1. Where he feels he'll play his best footy
2. Does he want to move away from home
3. Where he feels he'll fit in the most.

Time will tell. But it's a decision not too disimilar to Blakey.

It is similar to Blakey. Jeff White even worked for us, like Blakey's father with the Swans.

Kalani is allegedly 204cm now and likely still growing so I think it's fair to assume he's going to end up in the ruck. So you've got two ageing first choice rucks at both clubs in Witts and Gawn turning 33 over the next few months. IMO Witts looks closer to retirement than Gawn, but obviously that could change at any moment if injuries are introduced. So what about the back up rucks that he'd be competing with? The Dees just signed Campbell as a free agent and have Fullarton as their third string ruck. We have Moyle and Knobel. I think you could make the argument either way as to where he would most likely succeed.

Think about it.
If Kalani picks Melbourne, one less draft headache to deal with.

Potentially, should this happen, he could either stay with the Dees or request a trade to the SUNS.

That's for another time.

I don't think it's really a headache anymore since the AFL changed the rules to unlimited matching of bids on academy/father-son players. We just need points and we've already acquired plenty for next year.

One thing that is really obvious since Dimma joined the club is that he's trying really hard to recruit/retain players that have connections to the Gold Coast. Kalani falls into that category.

 

[Maybe Tomorrow]

It'll come down to a few factors.

1. Where he feels he'll play his best footy
2. Does he want to move away from home
3. Where he feels he'll fit in the most.

Time will tell. But it's a decision not too disimilar to Blakey.

Melbourne will need a KPD to replace May and Lever over the next few years. Definitely a spot there if he's good enough. Suns will have at least one and probably two of Ballard/Andrew/Read in defence. All are young.

IMO given the Suns drafted a KPD this year they don't expect to get him (or possibly think he's good enough).

 

[Jen2310]

Melbourne will need a KPD to replace May and Lever over the next few years. Definitely a spot there if he's good enough. Suns will have at least one and probably two of Ballard/Andrew/Read in defence. All are young.

IMO given the Suns drafted a KPD this year they don't expect to get him (or possibly think he's good enough).

Yeah, they prob need a young KPD coming through than the suns do. But you need to see who the successor of Collins would be. And you need multiple prospects vying for roles.

 

[Ben Drever]

Let’s not forget he actually hasn’t shown he is worthy of being on an AFL list next year as of yet.

 

[Young_Guns]

So potentially up to 11 draft-worthy players next year, including 2 who are F/S. 6 in the AFLW and 5 in the AFL. Just incredible talent coming through.

The revamped academy really doesn’t get the plaudits it deserves as a budding footy factory, taking the “unfair outcomes” out of the conversation. Non-footy heartland with these results year-in, year-out would’ve been beyond the AFL’s wildest predictions 10 years ago. POTENTIALLY back-to-back top 2 picks in the women’s as well. Yet you won’t hear a peep of positivity about the program itself. Surely Shaw and some of the coaches running it would be in hot demand to take on development roles at AFL clubs?

Just need to take advantage of it on the field now and actually win some games.

 

[GC2015]

So potentially up to 11 draft-worthy players next year, including 2 who are F/S. 6 in the AFLW and 5 in the AFL. Just incredible talent coming through.

The revamped academy really doesn’t get the plaudits it deserves as a budding footy factory, taking the “unfair outcomes” out of the conversation. Non-footy heartland with these results year-in, year-out would’ve been beyond the AFL’s wildest predictions 10 years ago. POTENTIALLY back-to-back top 2 picks in the women’s as well. Yet you won’t hear a peep of positivity about the program itself. Surely Shaw and some of the coaches running it would be in hot demand to take on development roles at AFL clubs?

Just need to take advantage of it on the field now and actually win some games.

Unreal. There's no doubt that we're going to lose some of them, but keeping the best ones should take us to where we want to be. Ava Usher and Georja Davies are the real standouts from my understanding so they will likely be prioritised. Beyond that is probably anyone's guess.

 

[Jirik13]

Unreal. There's no doubt that we're going to lose some of them, but keeping the best ones should take us to where we want to be. Ava Usher and Georja Davies are the real standouts from my understanding so they will likely be prioritised. Beyond that is probably anyone's guess.

Article rates Baron top 5.

 

[GC2015]

Article rates Baron top 5.

Wow. So potentially three of the top five draft picks will come from our academy? Unbelievable.

Let's hope we can hold on to all three!

 

[Bjo187]

So potentially up to 11 draft-worthy players next year, including 2 who are F/S. 6 in the AFLW and 5 in the AFL. Just incredible talent coming through.

The revamped academy really doesn’t get the plaudits it deserves as a budding footy factory, taking the “unfair outcomes” out of the conversation. Non-footy heartland with these results year-in, year-out would’ve been beyond the AFL’s wildest predictions 10 years ago. POTENTIALLY back-to-back top 2 picks in the women’s as well. Yet you won’t hear a peep of positivity about the program itself. Surely Shaw and some of the coaches running it would be in hot demand to take on development roles at AFL clubs?

Just need to take advantage of it on the field now and actually win some games.

I wonder where the gold coast sits in terms of the best footy production location in Australia now, per capita (and taking into account how high players are being picked)? It would have to now be top or close to. I know the riverina was the number 1 previously, but it's an outstanding achievement.

 

[Jirik13]

I wonder where the gold coast sits in terms of the best footy production location in Australia now, per capita (and taking into account how high players are being picked)? It would have to now be top or close to. I know the riverina was the number 1 previously, but it's an outstanding achievement.

Worth listening to Shaw from 42min or so below.

"It's a beast". 8 teams under 8 at Broadbeach.

 

[Albertonarmy]

Let’s not forget he actually hasn’t shown he is worthy of being on an AFL list next year as of yet.

He is a father and son and AFL is probably the most Nepo industry in the world. Wanganeens kid got picked and he hadn't played since high school. Same with the Hird kids and plenty of others who have flopped

 

[GC2015]

Worth listening to Shaw from 42min or so below.

"It's a beast". 8 teams under 8 at Broadbeach.

That's a great insight from Shaw. It's unreal to see the growth in junior footy participants on the Gold Coast. Broadbeach + Burleigh really seem to be leading the charge and would be the envy of just about any local club in the country by having (according to Shaw) a whopping eight U8 teams and 90 kids playing in the U13s!

He also mentioned that his son Louis played U8s at Broady this year and Jason Cloke's son Harry is played U13s at the Cats. Although they both have famous Collingwood surnames, neither of them played 100 AFL games for the Pies and that probably bodes really well for us in terms of drafting them should they be good enough in the future. Although we will have to compete with the Swans for Shaw's sons and Malceski's son who is one year older in the cohort with Kai Rischitelli (hopefully our first ever F/S pick).

So get ready for more Kalani White situations in the future - including twins Kai & Tahj White who will play for our U14 academy team next year. Lots of father-sons (for other clubs) running around in our academy teams.

 

[Bjo187]

Worth listening to Shaw from 42min or so below.

"It's a beast". 8 teams under 8 at Broadbeach.

That sounds superb if true, but two things, do they even play under 8's footy, isn't it just auskick at that age?

Also, how could you have 8 teams, how do the kids all get to play, as I'd imagine at that age there are only one or two divisions, if at all?

 

[GC2015]

That sounds superb if true, but two things, do they even play under 8's footy, isn't it just auskick at that age?

Also, how could you have 8 teams, how do the kids all get to play, as I'd imagine at that age there are only one or two divisions, if at all?

So the local U8s competition is broken into three divisions - GC North, GC Central and GC South. Broadbeach has multiple teams in all of those divisions. Geographically possible for them given they are based in the central suburbs.

As for the number of players, I think they have less players and play on a smaller field at that age. Possibly even 9 v 9 (AFL 9s).

 

[GC2015]

Zeke, Beau and Kalani getting some more love from the media today as top 25 prospects to watch next year. They're predicting Uwland and Addinsall will both be top 10 picks.

ZEKE UWLAND

Position: Midfielder
Size: 178cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Academy/Queensland

The brother of Gold Coast’s Bodhi, Zeke is another top prospect in next year’s pool. Uwland is a hard-running and skilful player, who can play through the midfield or off half-back. The Academy prospect is deadly by foot, can break the lines and can provide plenty of run and carry. Uwland averaged 23 touches and six rebound 50s in the National Championships this year and was the only bottom-ager selected in the All-Australian side.

BEAU ADDINSALL

Position: Midfielder/Forward
Size: 180cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Academy/Queensland

The Lions are cashing in on Academy stars, the Suns are a level above. Addinsall is a smooth-moving, powerful midfielder who won best on ground honours during the Under 17s Futures match at the MCG on AFL Grand Final Day. The on-baller had a game-high 34 disposals that day in an eye-catching display. Addinsall was an unlucky omission from the Allies side this year, but looms as a potential top 10 pick in 2025. Alongside Uwland and Addinsall, the Suns also have access to midfielder/forward Dylan Patterson and tall Kalani White.

KALANI WHITE

Position: Key Defender
Size: 198cm
Clubs: Gold Coast Suns Academy/Queensland

The battle for one of the most promising key backs in next year’s pool will well and truly be on in 2025. White is the son of former Melbourne player Jeff White, who played 236 games for the Dees, but is also a member of the Gold Coast Academy. White is strong in the air and can play in all thirds of the ground but likens himself to Suns star Mac Andrew. Whether he nominates the Suns or Dees remain to be seen, but he is a genuine first round contender nonetheless.

Academy guns and father-sons: 25 AFL Draft prospects to keep under close watch in 2025

Academy guns and father-sons: 25 AFL Draft prospects to keep under close watch in 2025

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Supersuns]

White top 25 and Addinsall top 10? Please, clearly trying to drum up academy are bad, Vic teams are getting ripped off bullshit

 

[Maybe Tomorrow]

White top 25 and Addinsall top 10? Please, clearly trying to drum up academy are bad, Vic teams are getting ripped off bullshit

White is so interesting, really makes you wonder about the media around under age players. Basically every draft watcher that has posted an opinion says he's no where near it, yet he is getting so much hype.

Is it just the name? Is his dad leaning on a few media contacts to pump him up so he gets drafted? Are all the nay-sayers wrong?

 

[Jen2310]

From what ive been told from certain players I won't mention, in regards to white.
"Tall." "Potential. Generally gets you noticed.
But can't say he has done much on performances.

 

[GC2015]

From what ive been told from certain players I won't mention, in regards to white.
"Tall." "Potential. Generally gets you noticed.
But can't say he has done much on performances.

When you think about it, Kalani is probably in a very similar position to Ethan Read going into his final year of junior footy. Read didn't show much prior to that 2023 season, but his height was almost definitely the reason he was given the opportunity to partake in the national academy and he built his case from there. It definitely helped that Read had good mids around him at the Allies like Sanders, McKercher, Rogers, Graham etc and Kalani should have a similar experience this year with players like Uwland, Addinsall, Annable etc.

Read started that 2023 season ranked around 30th in the phantom drafts (pretty similar to the way Kalani is being viewed at the moment) and ended the year rated between 5-10 in the draft. So it can certainly be done if it all comes together for Kalani in 2025, but right now it's mostly just height and the potential that comes with being tall.

Is it just the name? Is his dad leaning on a few media contacts to pump him up so he gets drafted? Are all the nay-sayers wrong?

The name certainly helps. Look how crazy the media has gone in the last few years for father-son picks like Moore, Daicos, Ashcroft, Darcy etc. They would love to have another famous name to write stories about.

I'd be really interested to hear what Dimma thinks of Kalani. He's briefly talked about Zeke and seems really excited about his prospects, but I haven't heard anything about Kalani at this stage. That's probably intentional, though.

 

[SUN OF A GUN]

When you think about it, Kalani is probably in a very similar position to Ethan Read going into his final year.

Read was running 5:50 2K time trials in his draft year. He was also a mid / forward before his growth spurt, which is why his disposal is above average for a tall and he can play Ruck, Forward and Defence.

Kalani reportedly does a 9 minute 2K and refuses to ruck.


Think he has a long way to go this year to crack the top 10.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[GC2015]

Read was running 5:50 2K time trials in his draft year. He was also a mid / forward before his growth spurt, which is why his disposal is above average for a tall and he can play Ruck, Forward and Defence.

Kalani reportedly does a 9 minute 2K and refuses to ruck.


Think he has a long way to go this year to crack the top 10.

Not suggesting Kalani will become a top 10 pick or that he'll suddenly become an exceptional runner. I was just pointing that Read started the year ranked outside the first round and ended it ranked inside the top 10. Height is a sought after attribute these days and Kalani at least has that. Definitely has a long way to go. No denying that at all.

 

[Jen2310]

Kalini is a defender no? Would need to be pretty elite to crack the first round less alone top 10. Generally first round and especially top 10 are dominated by mids or/and key forwards.

How many key defenders go early in the last few years? Curtin, who now has become a mid going by reports.
DGB? Well, we know what happened to him. Though not a real key def.
I just think its not the best postion player to be high up there unless you are exceptional.

Ethan Read at least can play multiple roles, elite runner so he had some exceptional traits. It doesn't happen very often.

But the fact he is tall is what has kept him in the conversation, but that won't last. Performances will need to be had quick smart.

 

[Jirik13]

Kalini is a defender no? Would need to be pretty elite to crack the first round less alone top 10. Generally first round and especially top 10 are dominated by mids or/and key forwards.

How many key defenders go early in the last few years? Curtin, who now has become a mid going by reports.
DGB? Well, we know what happened to him. Though not a real key def.
I just think its not the best postion player to be high up there unless you are exceptional.

Ethan Read at least can play multiple roles, elite runner so he had some exceptional traits. It doesn't happen very often.

But the fact he is tall is what has kept him in the conversation, but that won't last. Performances will need to be had quick smart.

Gibcus would be one in recent times.

Who needs Kalani when we got Cooper

 

[Jen2310]

Gibcus would be one in recent times.

Who needs Kalani when we got Cooper

Right. I did forget about him. He has potential -- If he can stay on the park