THE 2023 AFL Under 16 National Development Championships have wrapped, with Vic Metro and the Brisbane Lions Academy crowned champions of Pool A and B respectively. Each representative side crowned their Most Valuable Player (MVP), while a selection committee decided the overall MVPs for either pool. Get to know the future stars recognised for their outstanding carnivals.

POOL A

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Dyson Sharp (Central District)
Midfielder | 184cm | 23/05/2007

South Australia’s skipper and a worthy recipient of the Kevin Sheehan Medal as Pool A MVP, Sharp was simply outstanding throughout the three games. The big-bodied ball winner played during last year’s Under 16 carnival as a defender, but this time plied his trade in midfield and racked up plenty of possessions. He was imposing at the contest with his strong frame and two-way work rate, thriving in a range of conditions and stepping up at the crunch amid his side’s pair of close games. His best outing yielded 33 disposals, 11 clearances, and nine inside 50s as SA thrashed Vic Country in the wet.

VIC COUNTRY

Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Defender | 189cm | 21/06/2007

That’s right, there’s a fourth Duursma sibling, and Willem is now well on track to not only follow the path his brothers and sister paved, but make it all the more greener. A dynamic and athletic type who is already as tall as 2023 draft prospect Zane, Willem played mostly in defence with stints on-ball during Country’s heavy loss to SA. He was best afield in his side’s epic comeback win over title-winners Vic Metro and looked a class above at times with his notable composure and ability to hardly waste a possession. Duursma has massive upside in his game.

VIC METRO

Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder | 176cm | 05/04/2007

A left-footed midfielder with sheer class, Dalton was the title-winning captain of Pool A and a lock for MVP honours. He got better as the carnival wore on but set a high standard from the start, featuring among his side’s best players in all three games. Dalton was clean in all conditions and showed a nice inside-outside balance when streaming away from the contest. His best game helped Metro clinch the trophy, collecting 33 disposals, nine marks, seven inside 50s, and booting two goals.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Basil Hart (Peel Thunder)
Forward | 183cm | 18/01/2007

Though others may have stuffed the stats sheet a touch more, Hart played a major role in helping Western Australia notch two wins for the carnival. The crafty forward booted multiple goals in each game, with his high of three including a match-winner to defeat South Australia. Hart battled through a knock to snare a pair from six touches in the wet against Vic Metro, before helping seal the Sandgropers’ second victory with another two against Vic Country. His goals mattered and came at times which nearly saw WA snatch the cup.

POOL B

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY

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

Another title-winning captain and MVP, there was simply no one more deserving that Annable in the Lions Academy camp. The ferocious midfielder willed himself to the ball throughout all three games, often topping the disposal charts and winning wars of attrition against game opponents. Annable has already had success in Brisbane’s Under 18 side and it showed in his ball winning acumen, with a dominant 35 disposals, six clearances, and 11 inside 50s against the Northern Territory rounding out his prolific carnival.

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY

Beau Addinsall
Midfielder/Forward | 179cm | 09/03/2007

There’s plenty of talk about the current Suns Academy crop and there may well be another prospect with serious star power in Gold Coast’s midst. Addinsall took out the Alan McLean Medal as Pool B MVP for his dynamic work from midfield. Not only did he find plenty of the ball, but consistently impacted the scoreboard and played in a way which was fitting for a talent showcase. He brought flair, attacking intent and dare to each contest, with his best outing yielding 24 disposals and five goals in game two against Tasmania – at Heritage Bank Stadium, no less.

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY

Ryder Corrigan
Midfielder | 185cm | 14/03/2007

Another big-bodied midfielder who was simply outstanding for his side, Corrigan showed a great balance of traits across the carnival. He was arguably among the Giants’ best two or three players for each game, but especially in the first two outings. A return of 25 disposals, six marks, seven inside 50s, and two goals against the Northern Territory brought out the best of Corrigan, who was strong at the source, clean overhead, able to carry the ball, and impactful with his disposals both between the arcs and in front of goal.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

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

In a side which lacked true key position depth, Murray was a standout at 199cm with his craft in the ruck and dexterity around the ground. Capable of clunking marks, gathering the ball below his knees, and hitting passes by foot, Murray showcased genuine traits and is a developable tall prospect for the future. It was often tough going for the Northern Territory, who suffered three losses in excess of 100 points, but their ruck was a shining light in each match. Murray’s best game came against the Giants Academy in game two, amassing 15 disposals, four marks and 22 hitouts.

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY

Lachlan Carmichael
Defender | 180cm | 27/08/2007

A running defender who can do a bit of everything, Carmichael’s quality was obvious throughout Sydney’s 1-2 campaign. He took on much of the kick-in responsibilities and generated serious drive out of defence, making good decisions with ball in hand and bringing a positive approach to the Swans’ transitional play. He also defied his 180cm standing with a series of sensational overhead marks throughout the tournament, getting into great spots to intercept and flying at the ball confidently. His best game yielded 34 disposals, eight marks, and 11 rebound 50s in a loss to the Lions Academy.

TASMANIA

Jasper Hay
Ruck | 199cm | 10/05/2007

The second ruck to earn MVP honours in Pool B, Hay is another prospect whose upside and traits point towards strong future scope. At 199cm, he moves well and is comfortable below his knees, but also as strong as you would expect in the air. Particularly in more favourable marking conditions during games one and three, Hay dropped back to rise for intercepts and was difficult to beat for pure reach overhead. He finished his campaign strongly in a loss to the Giants Academy, winning 26 hitouts to go with 15 disposals, four marks and three clearances.