Twenty-three of the most talented 16 year olds from across the Whitsunday and Mackay region will go head to head with North Queensland’s finest, as the Under 16 North Queensland Championships commence this weekend.
Mackay will start their campaign on Friday afternoon from 4:00pm against Cape York at the Whitsunday Sports Complex in Airlie Beach.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager Jeff Neumann spoke to Mackay.AFLQ.com.au ahead of the Championships and said the Mackay boys will be a side to watch throughout the championships.
“We have had a great program in the lead up to the Championships, which started back in November with the Summer Development Program,” Regional Manager Neumann said.
“Majority of the players have trained together since then and the unity between the team is first class.
“We believe we have the right balance of players’ right across the board and our boys will be a side to not take lightly at the Championships,” Neumann added.
Mackay will play four modified games across three action packed days at Whitsunday AFC, with Cape York their first opponent with Capricornia and Townsville to follow on Saturday. Sunday will see the group take on the much talked about Cairns outfit.
Though, Regional Manager Jeff Neumann said that the group isn’t thinking too far ahead.
“The group’s real focus is the first 15 minutes against Cape York and in particular the first 5 minutes of the game.”
“We have set a high bench mark and the first 5 minutes is key to reaching the set bench mark.
“(Head) Coach (Craig) Widdowson has the group in top notch shape and we are definitely looking forward to what the Championships will bring,” Neumann told Mackay.AFLQ.com.au.
Coach Craig Widdowson will be supported by Gary Downes (Assistant Coach) along with Finlay Blacklock (Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Wendy Quarrell (Manager).
Match results will be posted live via the AFL Mackay social media pages and a full wrap will be available on www.Mackay.AFLQ.com.au after the Championships.
Under 16 Mackay Representative Fixture > NQ Championships
Fri-27-Mar 4:00pm Vs. Cape York
Sat-28-Mar 12:00pm Vs. Townsville
2:00pm Vs. Capricornia
Sun-29-Mar 9:45am Vs. Cairns
Last Modified on 30/03/2015 17:29