GOLD Coast Suns Academy held on to beat a gallant Northern Territory side by two points in their Under 16 National Championships clash at Fankhauser Reserve on Thursday. After trailing by 17 points at three-quarter time, the NT thrice got the margin back to under a goal but could not quite snatch victory.

The Northern Territory kicked eight of their nine goals at one end of the ground, including four from Edward Darcy in the final quarter. After a fitting conclusion to Pool B’s proceedings, the Suns finished their carnival with a 1-2 record, while the NT were largely competitive despite going without a win.

NORTHERN TERRITORY ACADEMY 0.3 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 9.8 (62)
GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY 2.3 | 3.8 | 6.10 | 9.10 (64)

GOALS:

Northern Territory: E. Darcy 4, G. Trigwell 2, J. Boulton, N. Lampton, .C. Peris-Chong
Suns Academy: Z. Moore 2, A. Sevara, C. Williams, K. Wallace, L. Jones, T. Murray, A. Hill, H. Howard

BEST:
Northern Territory: C. Peris-Chong, D. Summerville, T. Murray, K. Cole-Manolis, E. Darcy, H. Rock
Suns Academy: A. Hill, T. Murray, B. Agrums, J. Brindley, I. Mayne, C. Williams

MVPs:
Northern Territory: Kalen Russell (Darwin Buffaloes)
Suns Academy: Archie Hill (Broadbeach)

NORTHERN TERRITORY ACADEMY:

#8 Ethan Bush
Defender | 178cm | 20/01/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Bush started the game strongly with nearly half of his disposals coming in the opening quarter, while being typically busy thereafter. The classy rebound defender racked up 17 uncontested possessions and combined well with teammates to navigate out of his side’s back 50. While challenged by Gold Coast’s pressure, Bush still showcased his terrific agility with deft feints to get out of traffic.

#15 Calvin Peris-Chong
Midfielder | 176cm | 20/06/2007

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

An absolute bull at the contest, Peris-Chong had more contested possessions (14) and clearances (seven) than anyone else afield. Four of the midfielder’s clearances came from the centre bounces and he set the tone for NT’s fourth quarter resurgence, utilising his explosiveness and powerful kick to launch direct attacks. Peris-Chong also bagged a goal earlier in the game and capped off another strong Under 16s carnival by being named his side’s best on ground.

#19 Edward Darcy
Defender/Forward | 182cm | 07/02/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 2 marks, 4 goals

Darcy was very nearly the catalyst for what would have been a miraculous fourth quarter comeback, booting four goals after being swung forward from defence. The versatile prospect showed early signs of potential with as he attacked the ball hard and rebounded with intent, but truly came to life inside attacking 50. His strength and one-on-one craft were difference makers, topped off by clutch finishing and team-lifting celebrations. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy his purple patch.

#25 Kalen Russell
Defender | 178cm | 15/04/2007

Stats: 27 disposals, 9 marks, 4 inside 50s

After again topping his side’s disposal tally with a prolific performance down back, Russell deservedly took out MVP honours. He stood up when the NT was under pressure in terms one and three, having a combined 21 touches in said periods. His ability to intercept was on show, taking up good positions behind the ball and providing an outlet to transition the play. The smooth mover hardly looked fazed in possession and made light work of swinging defence into attack.

#26 Taj Murray
Ruck | 199cm | 05/02/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 15 hitouts, 5 clearances

Last year’s Northern Territory MVP, Murray capped off his return carnival with plenty of positives. The developing ruck showcased terrific athleticism, rising high at the centre bounces and in marking contests, while also covering ground supremely well. Though he has some filling out to do to hold onto contested marks, Murray was dynamic and offers plenty of upside at 199cm.

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY:

#1 Allan Sevara
Small Forward | 157cm | 30/09/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal

While he measures up as the smallest player at this year’s carnival, Sevara packs a punch with his pace and energy. The forward motored up the ground and was lively close to goal, producing short spurts of vibrancy. He bagged a terrific checkside goal around midway through the third quarter, helping set up a margin which was only just enough to secure victory.

#5 Caleb Williams
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 09/09/2007

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Another energetic small in Gold Coast’s ranks, Williams was hard to miss under his helmet. He was super competitive in all phases of play; putting his head over the ball at ground level, proving gutsy when flying for marks, and tackling hard when called upon. Having spent plenty of time in midfield, Williams bagged what ended up being the winning goal on the back of a 50m penalty.

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

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 3 clearances

While Gold Coast was beaten in clearances and contested ball, Kaesler was among the Suns’ better performers through midfield. He displayed a clean set of hands when crumbing the ball and aside from a first quarter bomb which landed out on the full, was generally neat with short kicks. Kaesler was able to find the ball away from stoppages and had a couple of chances to hit the scoreboard.

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

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 marks, 3 tackles

A bottom-ager in this category, Murray rounded out his carnival in terrific touch out on the wing. He was clean with most touches and moved smoothly across the ground, remaining upright with terrific evasive technique. Murray often tracked back to support the defence and help spark transitional play, using the ball at 96 per cent efficiency in a polished performance.

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

Stats: 34 disposals, 5 marks, 9 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Hill took out the Suns’ MVP award having averaged 34 disposals across an ultra-consistent carnival. Stationed down back, the skipper had his handprints all over Gold Coast’s rebounding play with aggressive ball movement and decision making. His ability to intercept high up the ground and launch into attack was terrific, allowing him to breach both arcs and connect between the lines. Hill’s long-range goal in term three was great reward for his constant effort and hard running.

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

Stats: 11 disposals, 8 marks, 6 inside 50s

Murray has been a viable marking target throughout the three games, and posted another eight grabs on Thursday. He presented well on the lead and plucked the ball at high points before taking off immediately to wheel around inside 50. While a goal eluded him this time out, Murray proved an essential connection piece as the Suns worked the ball within range of goal.

#24 Isaac Mayne
Defender | 186cm | 12/02/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 3 marks, 2 rebound 50s

Mayne was prolific as usual down back, taking on some of the kick-in duties and having 16 uncontested possessions. He went at 100 per cent efficiency with his 11 handballs and was effective at mopping up defensive 50 turnovers, waxing well with teammates to move the ball out of defensive 50. For a taller player at this level, he moves quite well and also showed he could get involved higher up the ground.