THE SUNS Academy capped off their 2023 AFL Under 16 National Championships with a 23-point win over the Swans Academy at Southport yesterday, with star midfielder Beau Addinsall named Pool B’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Sydney defender Lachlan Carmichael took out the same honour for his side after another strong performance, but the Swans fell short of notching a second win for the carnival. We noted some of the top prospects from either side.

SUNS ACADEMY 3.1 | 5.4 | 7.5 | 10.7 (67)
SWANS ACADEMY 1.0 | 2.1 | 4.1 | 7.2 (44)

GOALS:

Suns Academy: Z. Uwland 3, M. Iverach 2, K. White 2, B. Addinsall, C. Collins, B. Willett
Swans Academy: T. Ryan 3, J. Cochran, Z. Nandlal, N. Chamberlain, L. Cossettini

RMC BEST:

Suns Academy: Z. Uwland, M. Hudson, B. Addinsall, C. Collins, J. Murray, M. Iverach
Swans Academy: M. King, K. McNamara, L. Carmichael, J. Cochran, T. Ryan, Z. Nandlal

MVPs:

Suns Academy: Beau Addinsall
Swans Academy: Lachlan Carmichael

SUNS ACADEMY:

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

Uwland capped off a strong carnival with arguably his best performance, amassing 29 disposals, 10 marks, seven inside 50s, and three goals from the wing. The brother of Bodhi backed his speed on the outside, blazing a trail into attack and using the ball typically well. His range of passing was superb and that translated to clean conversion in front of goal, proving somewhat of a superboot from outside 50.

#8 Beau Addinsall (MVP)
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 09/03/2007

Earning MVP honours for his side and the competition as a whole, Addinsall was near-impossible to look past. He posted 29 disposals, seven marks, and eight tackles in another outstanding performance which highlighted his quality as a prospect for the future. Addinsall displayed a strong work rate to work into the expanses of the ground and accumulate possessions, looking dynamic with the ball and fittingly icing the game with a late goal.

#9 Jai Murray
Midfielder | 184cm | 09/03/2007

Another highly rated prospect in the Suns’ 2007-born crop, Murray finished his campaign with 20 disposals and seven tackles. The usually classy midfielder had a few uncharacteristic fumbles but tended to dispose of the ball with high skill and efficiency, proving a key figure for his side throughout the carnival.

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

Collins put in a huge shift during the first half, with claims on being arguably the best player afield in said period. The hard working forward finished with 15 disposals and seven marks, proving a difficult matchup at 188cm with his blend of size and running power. He emptied the tank and wasn’t the same strong lead-up target through four quarters, but had been on track for a day out.

#28 Max Hudson
Key Defender | 190cm | 11/01/2007

Hudson was superb in the Suns’ back line, clunking a series of intercepts and looking a cool head under pressure. He ended up with 11 marks and eight rebound 50s from 17 disposals, with his aerial prowess proving the feature of his game. The tall defender moved fluently from contest to contest and was a constant thorn in Sydney’s side with his control of the airways.

SWANS ACADEMY:

#12 Lachlan Carmichael (MVP)
Defender | 180cm | 27/08/2007

Carmichael was named the Swans’ MVP after another strong shift in defence, notching 25 disposals, seven marks, and four rebound 50s. He put together his usual rebounding game, taking the kick-in duties and showing class with ball in hand. At 180cm, Carmichael’s intercept marking game was again strong and defiant of his size.

#14 Kaiden McNamara
Defender | 183cm | 26/04/2007

With arguably his best game of the carnival, McNamara showcased plenty of nice traits in defence en route to collecting 22 disposals, eight marks, and six rebound 50s. He was strong in his defensive acts and added physicality to the contest, but also handled the ball cleanly. McNamara’s best moment was a rundown tackle on Addinsall, proving his lockdown acumen.

#32 Joel Cochran
Ruck/Defender | 195cm | 28/03/2006

Taking on the rotating ruck duties to go with his usual work in defence, Cochran put up big numbers once again with 28 disposals, 10 marks, and a goal. He offered size at the contest and won his own clearances, but also intercepted well down back and chimed in with a nice set shot strike to hit the scoreboard.

#33 Max King
Midfielder | 193cm | 09/01/2007

King put in a regal performance for his last showing of the championships, dominating from midfield for 29 disposals, six marks, and five clearances. His best work was done around the ground, providing a marking target and covering plenty of territory on the spread. His aerial impact was more down to reach than strength, and he’ll hold on to more grabs as he continues to develop.