The best Under 18 talent from the North Coast will be contesting for a place in the final Northern Heat squad to contest the U18 State Selection Series at Coffs Harbour in January (20th-22nd).
The talented AFL players have been in participating in intensive training sessions over the last month as part of a Satellite Training Squad and will travel to Teralba on the Central Coast this weekend to partake in trial matches. The Northern Heat zone comprises players from Northern NSW, Newcastle, Central Coast & Central West.
The Heat squad forms one of seven geographical talent zones across NSW and the ACT, extended this season with the new Western Sydney side now involved in the Talented Player Program.
The locals training represent the next breed of talent and are dominated by some of the younger players of the local competition, and it will be interesting to see who makes the cut in the 24 man squad.
Hamish Pearce and Shane Adams are amongst the frontrunners of the older-aged brigade, whilst the trio of Simon Taylor, Jack Gillingham and Sam Turner have dominated the junior competition and although eligible for another year, will contend for the positions on offer. Consideration must also be given to Michael Hendry, a borne athletic type who made the squad last year, and athletic talls sure to grab recruiters attention, in Tom Haskew and Daley Bear.
An added advantage this year in the Satellite Squad has been the expert coaching of Dave Croxton and Sam Dawes. Croxton has high level coaching experience, whilst Dawes has extensive playing experience and will also be prominent in selection, being the Assistant Coach for the Northern Heat this year.
The AFL North Coast wishes these players all the best in their endeavours this weekend.
Last Modified on 02/12/2008 20:52