The Under 18 State Zone Trials will be littered with talented youngsters who have represented their state and also hold scholarships with AFL clubs.
Here, I take a quick look at those who are the one's who are expected to set the BCU Stadium alight over the three-day carnival starting Tuesday.
CATS
#19: Jeremy Kirkwood (186cm 77kg) Queanbeyan- Dane Quade Memorial Award for Best First Year Player in U18 Rams. All Australian at Under 16 level, possesses great pace and leap for his size. Mainly plays run-with roles on the wing. Disciplined player who kept Brisbane marquee draftee, Daniel Rich, quiet in the National Championships.
PIGEONS
#29: Kale Temple (196cm 87kg) Wollongong- Geelong Scholarship holder; in 2006, they took a punt on this youngster who had never played a game of AFL or seen a game live. State basketballer and strong runner having won 800m at NSW Combined High Schools level. Has since played Rams at Under 18 level in National Championships.
PIONEERS
#3: Daniel Spiteri (173cm 73kg) East Coast Eagles- Played senior footy at age 16, was solid contributor for Under 18 Rams squad, most possessions for side against SA which Jason McCartney on the AFL website, said displayed “tremendous heart and courage, and for one of the smallest players in the carnival, you just have to commend the standard he sets.” Physical player, as an inside on-baller who reads the play well and is capable of winning the contested ball.
# 29: Ryan Bootin-Noonan (191cm 86kg) Campbelltown- played in Swans Reserves this year. A 3 year scholarship holder with Sydney Swans, also played full-back for U18 Rams in National Championships.
REBELS
#5: Dylan McNeil (177cm 75kg) Lavington- Best & Fairest Runner Up in Under 18 Rams National Championship squad. Along with Steven Motlop was youngest invitee to 2008 NAB AFL Draft Camp in Canberra, was a chance of being drafted last year. One of leading midfielders in Murray Bushrangers’ premiership success last year.
#7: Taylor Duryea (179cm 77kg) Wahgunyah- Medium midfielder who reads the game well, composure, poise and balance- Duryea has a penetrating left foot kick, great ability to hit a target. He shared his football duties for 2008 between the Murray Bushrangers, NSW/ACT Rams and Caulfield Grammar.
STARZ
#1: Kane Murphy (170cm 66kg) Riverview- 16 years 2 months old, last season was Under 16s Players Player Award, and Runner up Best & Fairest; although small excels in skill use and endurance. Scholarship holder with St Kilda. Son of David Murphy, ex Sydney Swans and All-Australian football player. David played 156 games with the Swans between 1984-1993.
#16: Josh Duncan (182cm 80kg) North Shore- played wing Under 18 National Championships with state squad. St Kilda scholarship holder. Athletic midfielder, skilled on both sides. Also a very promising cricketer.
#29: Max Wilson (196cm 105kg) North Shore- most developed player physically at 105kg, scholarship holder with Fremantle. Made his debut at Sydney AFL level and named best on ground for his side. Second year in Under 18 State Zone Trials and is favoured to win a key position spot in the State Squad again.
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Last Modified on 16/01/2009 12:45