THE BRISBANE Lions Academy have kicked off their 2023 Under 16 National Championships campaign with a 30-point win over the Suns Academy on Sunday.

Booting eight of their 10 goals at one end of Brighton Homes Arena, the hosts kicked clear in term two and consolidated in the fourth.

We noted some of the top performers and prospects from either side across what was a fittingly enthralling junior Q-Clash.

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY 1.4 | 5.6 | 7.7 | 10.11 (71)
GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY  1.4 | 2.7 | 4.8 | 5.11 (41)

GOALS:

Lions: K. Dee 2, F. Callaway 2, C. Hewitt 2, J. Harrison, M. Owen, H. Grills, R. Geesu
Suns: B. Addinsall 2, C. Collins, J. Harris, Z. Uwland

SCOUTING NOTES

LIONS ACADEMY:

#3 Raphael Geesu
Small Forward | 175cm | 23/07/2007

Though he had to wait to the final quarter to finally find the goals, Geesu was arguably more prominent in the first half as a ferocious pressure forward. He hunted the ball and opponent alike with imposing closing speed and repeat efforts, making for impact which defied his modest scoring. A couple of straighter set shots would have yielded Geesu two or three majors.

#10 Harrison Bridge
Defender | 181cm | 04/09/2007

A classy left-footed backman, Bridge was one of Brisbane’s designated kickers out of defensive 50. He looked to provide overlap run and get into positions to launch, while also taking his fair share of kick-ins on the last line. There, Bridge was most effective when shifting gears and using his speed to break the lines.

#11 Jack Harrison
Forward | 183cm | 20/02/2007

Somewhat of a link player into forward 50, Harrison was one of the Lions’ more productive attacking pieces. He would often present beyond the 50m arc and take clean marks before making good decisions when moving the ball on. A classy second term snap also saw Harrison hit the scoreboard as one of seven Brisbane goal kickers.

#16 Daniel Annable
Midfielder | 183cm | 05/04/2007

Perhaps the most accomplished player Brisbane afield at Under 18 level, Annable showcased many of the same traits which had him playing up a couple of age grades. The midfielder is a real scrapper and while that sometimes led to scrappy disposals, it didn’t stop him from darting a few nice kicks over the mark. Annable set a solid tone at the source, willing himself through the contest.

#17 Oscar Barry
Defender | 187cm | 29/04/2007

Along with Bridge, Barry was one of Brisbane’s classier ball users out of defence on Sunday. He played a particularly high line in the second half and got into good spots to force intercepts through the corridor. From there, Barry used a sharp turn of speed to carry his momentum into the attacking phase.

#18 Will Munro
Defender | 185cm | 06/11/2006

One of six 2006-born players in Brisbane’s overall squad, and formerly part of Gold Coast’s, Munro displayed a few nice traits as another solid defensive outlet. He fared well in tight spots, spinning or handballing his way out of danger with a touch of style on the last line. At 185cm, Munro also impacted aerially with a couple of intercepts.

SUNS ACADEMY:

#4 Zeke Uwland
Wing | 176cm | 24/04/2007

Gold Coast was behind the game from early on but had a slight sniff in the opening stages of term four, and Uwland was a big part of that. He did all he could to lift his side from the wing, even slamming home a classy goal on the run. Elsewhere, he hardly wasted a kick and moved the ball on quickly, balancing an attacking mindset with two-way work rate.

#8 Beau Addinsall
Mid/Fwd | 179cm | 09/03/2007

Another of the Suns’ best players and their only multiple goal kicker on Sunday, Addinsall was impactful in the midfield rotation. He constantly looked to take off with ball in hand, both absorbing and breaking tackles to help generate forward momentum at the source. He was rewarded for taking the game on with scores in the second and third terms, finishing with aplomb.

#9 Jai Murray
Mid/Fwd | 184cm | 09/03/2007

Murray may not always be as prolific as others but oozes class in everything he does. Like Addinsall, he rotated forward from midfield and had his opportunities to hit the scoreboard. Otherwise, he was setting up others in attacking phases and looked more polished than most with ball in hand, moving smoothly and making clever decisions with clean execution.

#11 Zac Eckersley
Midfielder | 184cm | 23/06/2007

Another Eckersley coming through the Suns Academy, Zac was a relative mainstay in midfield alongside Addinsall and Murray. He also displayed smooth movement from inside to out of the contest, carving his way through traffic in short bursts and waxing nicely with his teammates on exits.

#21 Cooper Collins
Forward | 188cm | 13/11/2007

Collins started nicely with the first goal of the game and was one of the Suns’ most lively forwards. He showed good intent and speed to chase down loose balls, while also looking to use the same traits once he had gained possession. Though Collins was caught a couple of times, his movement troubled the Lions defenders.

#32 Ethan Johnstone
Ruck | 202cm | 11/07/2007

Another player who showed glimpses in the Suns’ loss, Johnstone split the ruck duties with Riley Clarke. He was one of just two players afield over 200cm, but moved well for his size and was able to get involved around the ground. His handling proved clean and he looked relatively comfortable in possession, forming a mobile one-two tall combo with his teammate.