Last weekend's AFL NSW/ACT Northern Heat Trials has seen an unprecedented number of players from Northern NSW selected in the Under 15 & Under 16 teams to contest the State Trials in Sydney during April.
Players from the Hunter, Central Coast, Central West and Northern NSW (comprising Nth Coast, Mid Nth Coast & North West) trialled at Tulkaba Park in Lake Macquarie on Sunday. The clean skills, fitness and work ethic of local players were aspects that really impressed selectors.
8 Northern NSW players were selected in the Under 15 Heat side and another 7 in the Under 16 side, eclipsing the numbers that have previously made the sides. The dominance of Nth Coast and Mid North Coast players is a testament to the growth of the game at a junior level and quality of coaching that is being received. It also provides a great incentive for local athletes to see AFL as a game where they have a strong pathway towards involvement at the elite level.
The intense 6 week training program led by Scott Abercrombie and Craig Carroll in Port Macquarie and Sam Dawes in Coffs Harbour resulted in the boys being very well prepared for the tough day of trials on the weekend.
Players now attend training and fitness testing over coming weeks before heading to Sydney for the Under 15 & Under 16 State Zone Trials at Riverview, Sydney from 20th- 24th April. During the Carnival, players also attend seminars from AFL past players, coaching staff and fitness experts. A NSW/ACT Under 16 team will be selected from the carnival to attend the AFL Under 16 National Championships.
Players selected from Northern NSW are:
Under 15's
Brendan Norton North Coffs
Nathan Harris North Coffs
Alex Gilman Mid North Coast
Angus Burkitt Sawtell / Toormina
Patrick Gillingham Sawtell/Toormina
Ryan Lightfoot Mid North Coast
Alex Stack Mid North Coast
Nick Bailey North Coffs
Under 16's
Levi Sands Northern Beaches
Aaron Boatfield Nambucca Valley
Jack Campbell North Coffs
Micheal Corcoran Inverell
Josh Corlis Coffs Swans
Jason Robson North Coffs
Blake Brissett Sawtell/Toormina
Congratulations go to all selected.
Last Modified on 31/03/2009 12:52