TASMANIA has claimed the Pool B title at this year’s Under 16 National Championships after downing the GWS Giants Academy by 20 points. Taking the crown with a 3-0 record, Tassie did so via a comfortably superior percentage to the Brisbane Lions Academy, who also finished the series undefeated.

The win was set up by eight goals to two in the opening half at Fankhauser Reserve, inspired by three in seven minutes during the second quarter from eventual Most Valuable Player recipient, Lucas Heazlewood. While challenged in the final quarter, the result was all but decided by three-quarter time.

GIANTS ACADEMY 1.1 | 2.5 | 4.7 | 9.9 (63)
TASMANIA 3.3 | 8.5 | 11.8 | 12.11 (83)

GOALS:
Giants Academy: B. Ryan 3, R. Masters 2, J. Corbett 2, Co. French, H. Donohue
Tasmania: L. Heazlewood 3, C. Oliver 3, T. Bearman 2, C. Barwick, J. Beams, M. Dawkins, J. Glover

BEST:
Giants Academy: Co. French, A. Henderson, Ch. French, B. Ryan, C. Bartlett, R. Masters
Tasmania: B. Russell, M. Fugslang, S. Husband, H. Millwood, L. Heazlewood, H. Chapman

MVPs:
Giants Academy: Cooper French
Tasmania: Lucas Heazlewood

#AFLU16s Pool B MVPs confirmed. Tasmania takes the title via % with the Lions Academy also finishing 3-0. ?

Tasmania – Lucas Heazlewood
Giants – Cooper French
Suns – Oliver Bennett
Swans – Monte Cairns
NT – Hugo Timms
Lions – Jackson Bridge

Pool B B&F + AA announced next week.

— Michael Alvaro (@MichaelTAlvaro) July 17, 2025

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#3 Brynley Ryan
Small Forward | 175cm | 04/06/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals

A forward who impacted up the ground and close to goal, Ryan finished with three majors to be one of his side’s best on the day. He proved slick by hand and combined well with teammates when joining up at the stoppages, while also getting into space to be a connection piece in transition. All three of Ryan’s goals came in the second half as he finished well on the snap in energetic spurts.

#4 Chase Bartlett
Defender/Midfielder | 175cm | 20/09/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 3 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Bartlett impacted early with his work in the defensive half, tackling hard and winning tough one-on-one duels to make an impression. He proved deceptively robust and clean overhead for a smaller player, going on to bring a hard edge to the midfield battle. Bartlett did the one-percenters – like a smother on the wing – and was strong through the core to shrug would-be tackles.

#11 Cooper French
Forward | 178cm | 28/03/2009

Stats: 26 disposals, 7 marks, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal

Deservedly named MVP for the Giants, French was once again outstanding in the forwardline. He racked up the ball with ease, proving a smooth mover up the ground where he would present, take possession, and wheel around into attack. French’s turn of foot bought him time in possession as he looked to pick out the right pass or drive the ball long inside 50. His creativity and link-up play posed threats to Tasmania, as did his long-range goal in the final quarter to cap off a productive day.

#23 Chase French
Midfielder | 183cm | 17/04/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

One of the Giants’ most consistent performers throughout the series, French was always in a good position to receive and run the ball forward. While not overly quick and despite seemingly battling a corkie, the midfielder was able to drive his legs on the outside and did some nice things when dropping behind the ball. Such play allowed the Giants to intercept and reload in to attack.

#24 Riley Masters
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 24/05/2009

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals

Masters was a threat inside forward 50 with two goals from five scoring shots, very nearly having a day out. His several chances came both over the mark and in open play, working into dangerous spots close to goal and getting shots off at all angles. He split the middle with a set shot in term two and then a snap after half time, while also getting stuck in during his midfield rotations.

#27 Aiden Henderson
Defender | 187cm | 30/04/2009

Stats: 24 disposals, 7 marks, 11 rebound 50s

Henderson was a relentless driving force out of the Giants’ defence, helping transition the ball with aggressive positioning and repeat running efforts. Despite being caught a couple of times, he was comfortable taking ground and stayed engaged in the play further afield, able to breach both arcs with strong attacking instincts. Henderson was also a regular interceptor, rising to clunk seven marks (three contested) and often doing so across a high line to lock the ball in the Giants’ half.

TASMANIA:

#1 Lucas Heazlewood
Small Forward | 176cm | 02/03/2009

Stats: 9 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

Heazlewood was again electric in Tasmania’s forwardline and was named MVP on the back of three lively performances. The speedy small found his groove with pressure acts to force spills in the opening quarter, before impacting the scoreboard in term two. All three of Heazlewood’s goals were kicked in a scintillating seven-minute patch, including two back-to-back. He slotted home twice from long range, once after a clean overhead mark, and burned off an opponent with pure speed for number three. Heazlewood’s energetic celebrations helped further lift his side to a 36-point lead at the main break, proving a key reason why he was adjudged the team’s most valuable asset.

#3 Jake Beams
Forward | 178cm | 22/12/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal

Playing the high forward role with smarts and strong work rate, Beams was an effective connection piece for Tasmania. He ventured up the ground to be an outlet on kicks exiting defensive 50, adding fluency to his side’s ball movement. His agility and decision making often led to deft steps inside onto his favoured left foot, where he would find a target inboard. Seemingly always free on the lead, Beams presented inside forward 50 to slot his lone goal in the final quarter.

#4 Mason Whitney
Midfielder | 176cm | 31/08/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances

With star midfielder Max Gulliver going down in the opening minutes, Whitney was shifted from the wing into the centre bounces. He showcased plenty of power and drive throughout the day, often carrying the ball forward with impetus before thumping a long kick. He held his own on the inside with clean hands and strong contested efforts, able to both tackle hard and fend off opponents. While prone to blazing away, Whitney’s ability to penetrate in the attacking phase was notable.

#6 Benji Russell
Midfielder | 176cm | 19/03/2009

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Russell was industrious as ever and ended up as Tasmania’s top disposal-getter with 23. He accumulated 18 of them in the first half to be the standout player afield, carving up the Giants with his work rate. Russell’s running ability saw him get free in the corridor at will, often being the player to help link inside 50. He also showed a nifty turn of speed in closer quarters, swooping on ground balls and carrying his momentum forward. While much quieter after half time, Russell’s impact was lasting and he rounded out the day with some nice moments, showing his spring in the air.

#7 Henry Chapman
Ruck | 190cm | 14/07/2008

Stats: 15 disposals, 23 hitouts, 3 clearances

Despite conceding 14cm of height in the ruck battle, Chapman split the difference with a spring-heeled leap and competitive spirit. Technically an over-ager in this category, the 190cm prospect also impressed with his mobility in open play. He followed up at ground level and looked comfortable with ball in hand, able to link up with teammates and drive the play forward. He’s one who will look to earn more exposure in Tasmania’s Under 18 side towards the back-end of the season.

#10 Chaice Oliver
Forward | 187cm | 07/07/2009

Stats: 5 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals

Fresh off his record-breaking haul of seven goals, Oliver was up to his old tricks with several strong marks and another three majors. All four of his grabs came in a contest, with the forward proving clean overhead and capable of outbodying opponents. He also read the aerial ball well and generally converted his chances reliably – although put one attempt out on the full having been in two minds whether to snap or drop punt. The next challenge will be for Oliver to compound his marking influence up the ground, shaping as a handy outlet in transition given his aerial aptitude.

#12 Sam Husband
Midfielder | 180cm | 17/09/2009

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 6 clearances

It was another authoritative performance from Husband, who played with plenty of power and confidence. Tasmania’s A1 midfielder displayed his ability to change gears when driving out of the contest, providing quick delivery for his forwards. Despite having 13 contested possessions, he was also an asset on the outside and proved strong overhead when his number was called. Husband’s performance was especially important given Dawkins went off injured early in the piece.

#13 Campbell Barwick
Wing | 180cm | 19/03/2010

Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal

A rare bottom-ager in the Under 16 series, Barwick produced plenty of eye-catching moments on the wing. His blend of speed and work rate helped to apply pressure on the Giants, as he tracked back hard to ensure nothing came easy. He also utilised his turn of foot on the attack, taking the game on with carving runs and having the confidence to bounce his way forward. A real speedster.

#16 Max Fugslang
Defender | 183cm | 11/03/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Fugslang was Tasmania’s standout rebounder from defence, taking the game forward with repeat running efforts and driving left-foot kicks. He got his side going from the restarts but was never finished there, often following up to get the handball receive and continuing the chain further afield. Fugslang’s attacking intent and daring style provided an impactful blend of substance and flair.

#26 Harrison Millwood
Defender | 177cm | 26/02/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 marks, 3 rebound 50s

Often unheralded in such dominant sides, defenders are often what titles are built off and Millwood suits that notion. He was just about unbeatable in one-on-one situations, holding his own in the air to reel in several intercepts and three contested marks. Millwood did so while operating off a high line, helping Tasmania lock the ball in its attacking half and reloading with quick ball movement.