Team of the Week: Academy Series – Round 4
SYDNEY Swans and Gold Coast Academies had the most individual efforts across the weekend after impressive wins, as three of the five academies saluted in Round 4 of the NAB League Boys competition against their Victorian counterparts.
Sydney Swans overcame the previously undefeated Sandringham Dragons by 22 points, and have earned six players in the Draft Central Team of the Week. Luke Parks and Jacob Dol have made the defence, with Errol Gulden returning to the Swans and the Team of the Week in midfield, while Hamish Ellem and Braeden Campbell slot into attack, and Sam Thorne on the bench.
Gold Coast SUNS Academy defeated Oakleigh Chargers and also had six players in the Team of the Week, with Corey Joyce and Dirk Koenen in defence, Connor Budarick in midfield and Hewago Paul Oea in attack. Josh Gore and Ashton Crossley make their third consecutive Team of the Week by being added to the interchange bench.
Brisbane Lions had a number of impressive efforts in a narrow loss to Eastern Ranges, as Cody Stackelberg sits at half-back for the first time given the squeeze of midfielders into the team, while teammate Will Martyn slots onto a wing after a 37-disposal game. Tom Wischnat straightens the team up down forward, while Samson Ryan was the top performing ruck from the five academies, and Noah Cumberland returns to the team after a solid outing with three goals up forward.
GWS GIANTS Academy also have five players in the Team of the Week after defeating the Northern Knights, with Draft Central Player of the Week, Tom Green having a massive 38-disposal game, while Nick Murray holds down the fort in defence once again. Jeromy Lucas was very impressive in attack, while James Peatling and Liam Delahunty have also made the side for Round 4.
Northern Territory were comprehensively beaten by Western Jets, with Ben Jungfer making the side for a third consecutive week, while pocket rocket Tyson Woods booted three goals and looked lively inside 50.