THE GREATER Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy picked up its first win of the Under 16 National Championships on Monday, defeating the Suns Academy by 38 points at People First Stadium. The visitors had all the territory and while wasteful in the opening exchanges, made it count thereafter.

A scrappy first half saw either side manage only a goal apiece. The Suns took an unlikely lead early in term three via two quick Harry Heathcote goals, but conceded the next seven and struggled to connect between the lines or take advantage of their clearance ascendancy (37-26) throughout the match.

SUNS ACADEMY 0.1 | 1.2 | 3.2 | 5.2 (32)
GIANTS ACADEMY 1.4 | 1.7 | 5.12 | 9.16 (70)

GOALS:
Suns Academy: H. Heathcote 2, S. Murray 2, E. Welsh
Giants Academy: T. Wichman 3, H. Bromson 2, I. Daley 2, C. Bull, J. Korsten

BEST:
Suns Academy: A. Hill, J. Callinan, J. Brindley, L. Kaesler, E. Welsh, B. Agrums
Giants Academy: B. Latanis, C. Harper, T. Naujok, Z. Lambert, T. Wichman, C. Morphett

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY:

#7 Leroy Kaesler
Midfielder | 175cm | 19/12/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s

The majority of Kaesler’s contribution came at the contest, where he won six clearances – including three clean snares at the centre bounces. Later in the game he could have spread a little harder from the restarts, but was prepared to go when his name was called and produced some strong efforts to win the ball in dispute. Ethan Johnston‘s hitout dominance certainly helped.

#9 Elijah Welsh
Midfielder | 178cm | 01/04/2008

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal

Another member of the Suns’ midfield rotation, Welsh prised the first two centre clearances of the game and made full use of Johnston’s tap work. He looked tidy at ground level and held his own in the clinches with 12 contested possessions, pumping the ball forward quickly when he got first use. Welsh also popped up for a mark and goal inside 50 during the fourth quarter.

#16 Jake Callinan
Midfielder | 188cm | 18/08/2008

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 tackles, 11 clearances

Callinan provided plenty of grunt work with 19 contested possessions and 11 clearances, proving one of the key factors for the Suns’ ascendancy in that area. He was strong amongst the inside circle and tended to dump the ball long when clearing, but could hardly be faulted for his contested craft. At 188cm, his size and frame will be difficult to combat at Under 16s level.

#17 Taj Murray
Wing | 181cm | 09/02/2009

Stats: 10 disposals, 2 marks, 3 rebound 50s

While less prolific than in game one, Murray held his own on the wing and was relied upon to be a point of difference when shifted into midfield after half time. The bottom-ager worked into good spots to aide the Suns’ frequent defensive transitions and injected some power into the engine room. Among his best moments was a blind turn and launch kick inside 50 during term three.

#18 Archie Hill
Defender/Midfielder | 182cm | 04/03/2008

Stats: 36 disposals, 6 marks, 10 rebound 50s

Hill was again prolific for the Suns, storming off half-back with his patented running game and driving kicks. On top of taking the kick-ins, he accumulated possessions with ease as his side’s designated playmaker, launching several counterattacks in the face of GWS’ 58 forward 50 entries. Hill sometimes chose the low-percentage option by foot but got good purchase on his kicks and was given a run in midfield after half time, to provide the same dash and creativity.

#22 Sam Murray
Tall Forward | 189cm | 23/06/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals

It was by no means an easy day to play up forward for the Suns, but even with limited opportunities Murray made his moments count. He displayed a clean set of hands overhead and good mobility when working up the ground, along with a sound finishing touch. Both of Murray’s majors saw him convert from long-range on the run, catching the Giants unawares by playing on quickly.

#31 Harry Heathcote
Tall Forward/Ruck | 193cm | 03/08/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 10 marks, 2 goals

Heathcote was the Suns’ spearhead forward and put on a marking clinic with 10 while also rotating through the ruck. He presented nicely up the ground and was nimble enough to follow up his competitive aerial work. Heathcote gave the Suns an unlikely lead to start the second half, snaring consecutive set shot goals on the end of his side’s surge footy out of the centre.

#32 Ethan Johnston
Ruck | 203cm | 11/07/2007

Stats: 2 disposals, 4 tackles, 38 hitouts

With only two disposals to his name, Johnston’s best work was done without the ball. The physically imposing 203cm ruck made his presence felt at the contest with a game-high 38 hitouts – 31 more than the next best total. He ensured his midfielders got first use and their timing was in sync – particularly at centre bounces where the Suns won 10 clearances to GWS’ three.

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY:

#9 Tom Wichman
Forward | 175cm | 15/04/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Wichman played with a bit of swagger on Monday and backed it up by booting a game-high three goals – all in the second half. As usual, he worked his opponents over as a high forward with strong leading patterns up the field, but also snuck free inside 50 to convert a pair of uncontested marks in term three. Such scores helped GWS translate its field position dominance to the scoreboard.

#14 Ryan Shipard
Midfielder | 178cm | 04/10/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 4 clearances, 6 inside 50s

It was a busy outing from Shipard on Monday, who posted 16 touches before the main break. He was a threat in the front half, where he helped build a wall for the Giants to sustain their attacks – intercepting the Suns’ exits and sending the ball back from whence it came. Shipard added a bit of zip and power through the middle, driving his legs into dangerous launch zones

#23 Zach Lambert
Defender | 181cm | 06/05/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 6 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Lambert started like a house on fire, collecting 10 disposals and four marks in the opening term. He positioned beautifully behind the ball to intercept clearing kicks, playing off a high line and attacking with ball in hand. While his kicking was hit or miss at times, Lambert was productive on the overlap with 16 uncontested possessions and 10 handball receives which helped spark counterattacks.

#24 Thomas Naujok
Midfielder | 182cm | 05/05/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 3 marks, 3 inside 50s

Ending the day as GWS’ leading disposal winner, Naujok made the most of his midfield time. He was powerful around the contest, showcasing a good turn of speed to evade opponents and get to the outside. Along with Shipard, Naujok was able to connect with teammates by hand and help launch repeat attacks with his relentless work through the middle of the ground.

#30 Bailey-Dean Latanis
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 07/12/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 5 behinds

In arguably a second best afield performance in as many games, Latanis displayed his raw potential during attacking phases. He sparked several quick forward thrusts with his athleticism and willingness to take the game on, blasting the ball inside 50 eight times. His eyes lit up when within range of goal and despite having some good chances, could only manage five minor scores on the fly. Latanis’ kicking action is a touch awkward, but he has flukey game-breaking ability.

#34 Lucas Roberts
Defender | 185cm | 17/03/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 marks, 2 rebound 50s

While the Giants’ territory dominance meant Roberts saw less of the ball down back, he still showed moments of composure and sound play reading. Operating off a high line, he was able to cut the ball off in advanced positions and counter when possession changed hands. Three of his four marks came in a busy second quarter before GWS began to put the foot down.

#48 Harper Bromson
Tall Forward | 191cm | 26/03/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

A mobile tall target who covers the ground nicely, Bromson slotted his two goals at ideal times. His first was the only major in the opening term, while his second stopped Gold Coast’s third quarter resurgence in its tracks. The latter score was a terrific moment of dynamism, as Bromson intercepted the ball at centre half-forward and played on to slot the ball home from 50m. He’s an over-ager in this category but continues to show raw potential as a lead-up forward.

#51 Izack Daley
Ruck/ Tall Forward | 195cm | 23/08/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 hitouts, 2 goals

Daley bookended his game strongly on Monday; posting six disposals and three marks in the opening term, before bagging two consecutive goals early in the fourth. The Giants’ primary ruck is the tallest player in their squad at 195cm, but was nimble enough to step back and snap the ball home for his first major. Needless to say, he’s also imposing aerially.