GOLD Coast Suns Academy produced one of the most dominant performances in recent history through the national championships with a 140-point belting of Tasmania in the second game of an AFLW Under 16 Championships triple-header at Blacktown yesterday. It was fairly competitive for a half, before the Suns went full throttle and piled on 15 goals in the second half to blow the margin right out.

Kicking three goals in each of the first and second terms, the Suns Academy had the game under control heading into the main break with a seven-goal lead, but few would have predicted what would come next. The Queensland side piled on 15.8 (98) to 0.0 (0) in the second half to run away with the contest, 21.16 (142) to 0.2 (2).

Ally McKenzie lead the way with a massive five goals to accompany her 26 disposals, while Lily Moana – a star from last year – also caught the eye with a long-range goal amongst 21 touches, five clearances and six inside 50s. They were far from the only ones though, with the Suns have six multiple goalkickers and 11 different goalkickers in total.

It was a tough day out for the Tasmanians, but Aya Cottam was one player who never stopped trying, with the bottom-age deployed in a few different places and battled hard alongside the likes of Sabella Hanigan. In the end though, the likes of Pippa O’Grady and Eliza Davenport joined a stack of Suns Academy members with impressive numbers across the board.

TASMANIA 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 (2)
SUNS ACADEMY 3.5 | 6.8 | 14.12 | 21.16 (142)

GOALS:
Tasmania: Nil.
Suns Academy: A. McKenzie 5, K. Nunn 3, S. Adamson 2, B. Edwards 2, C. Spicer 2, S. Williams 2, E. Ballantyne. L. Bell, L. Minster, L. Moana, T. Nixon

RMC BEST:
Tasmania: A. Cottam, S. Hannigan, M. Fielding, M. Devine. G. Lange
Suns Academy: A. McKenzie, L. Moana, E. Davenport, S. Williams, H. Howe

TASMANIA:

#1 Aya Cottam (Kingborough)
Utility | 163cm | 13/01/2011

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 2 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

It was an incredibly tough day for the Devils, but full credit to Cottam who really fought hard until the final siren. A bottom-ager as well, Cottam continually tried to create some magic whether it was taking on opponents or just putting speed on the ball at any cost, but ultimately was just overwhelmed in the end. She even ended up having a kickout at the end but was mobbed by hungy Suns Academy members. Liked her fight, competitiveness and desire to keep running and not drop her head.

#5 Sabella Hanigan (Clarence)
Defender | 169cm | 05/10/2010

Stats: 13 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 1 clearance, 8 rebound 50s

Was one of a number of defenders under siege, particularly in the second half, but saved multiple additional goals on the goalline. She rushed a behind as one was going through and then took another grab on the last line, while trying to burst out of the backline to create some run and carry going forward.

SUNS ACADEMY:

#1 Ally McKenzie (Southport Sharks)
Forward | 156cm | 27/05/2010

Stats: 26 disposals, 5 marks, 7 tackles, 2 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 5 goals, 1 behind

Stole the show with a remarkable five-goal performance in what was ultimately just a one-quarter complete domination. McKenzie could have kicked a major under water upside down with the floodgates opened and she was the beneficiary. Only 156cm, but she knows where the big sticks are and slotted them in a variety of ways. Her third quarter was 12 disposals, two marks and four goals, which was equal or more than all bar three Tassie players for the full game. Clean, quick, smart and skilful. Huge performance.

#3 Kirra Nunn (North Mackay Saints)
Forward | 162cm | 10/12/2010

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 mark, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 3 goals

Benefited from the Suns Academy dominance going forward when she two kicked a couple of majors in succession. One was from a free kick 15m out, and then other just landed in her lap perfectly midway through the final term. She had a couple more chances that went wide or sprayed out on the full so it wasn’t a perfect day, but she’s a lively small forward who adds pressure at ground level.

#4 Pippa O’Grady (Tweed-Coolangatta)
Midfielder/Forward | 159cm | 28/06/2011

Stats: 20 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

One of many contributors to a dominant Suns Academy performance, she set up a number of goals including a lovely release handball to set up Williams early in the third term. Her quick disposal release is a tick, and it helps her both at the stoppages and up forward. At 159cm, O’Grady is another player who might be small in stature, but is not afraid to match it with bigger opponents.

#9 Lily Moana (Burleigh Bombers)
Midfielder | 167cm | 23/03/2010

Stats: 21 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal, 2 behinds

Moana was the player to watch heading into the game after a breakout Development Championships last season and even a debut with the Under 18s Suns at 15. Her explosive speed out of the contest is what first catches the eye, but her ability to just create plays is something that continually happens. The top-ager is one of those players who with ball in hand, you just know a special moment is coming. Her goal was a fitting outside of the boot ridiculous long-range major, and then she nearly launched one from 60m bursting out of the middle but it went to the right for a behind. Her highlights tape in a few years will be insane.

#10 Stephanie Williams (Broadbeach Cats)
Forward | 160cm | 08/10/2010

Stats: 12 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 goals, 3 behinds

If there was one goal that could beat Moana’s brilliant strike, then it had to be Williams’ one from the boundary that many people probably still don’t understand how it split the big sticks. With the floodgates opened, it was definitely the time for ‘why not?’ shots at goal, and somehow after aiding in forcing a turnover from the kick-in, Williams threaded the needle from the boundary line in the seventh minute of the fourth quarter. She kicked a classy major early in the third term as well to start the stampede, and also provided teammates with a number of good looks.

#11 Harriet Howe (Southport Sharks)
Midfielder | 163cm | 11/01/2010

Stats: 14 disposals, 1 mark, 7 tackles, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s

Another Sun who set the tone with a brilliant run-down tackle in the first quarter, and continually looked busy through the middle. She covered the ground well, got her hands on the pill at the coalface, but also worked to the outside. A multi-bounce run down the wing during the third term highlighted her ability to impact in space as well, and she looked to add speed to the ball whenever possible.

#16 Eliza Davenport (Broadbeach Cats)
Forward | 168cm | 23/04/2010

Stats: 18 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles, 10 inside 50s

It might be the number 16 that automatically draws comparisons, but Davenport’s running gate and ability to lean back and deliver through her kicks looked eerily similar to that of Collingwood pick one, Ash Centra. She played in a high half0forward role, and was a player that teammates looked to get the ball in hands of because she lowered the eyes and weighted her kicks. While her possessions were largely uncontested, that’s where you want her because she’s got a nice one-two punch of skill and vision.