IN a first as part of the new NAB League Boys competition, the four Northern Academy sides take their place over the next five rounds competing against each other and some Victorian teams, as does Northern Territory. The five teams and Tasmania will look to put their best foot forward ahead of the National Under 18 Championships where the top stars from the sides will combine to form the Allies. We take a look at each of the teams and their fixtures below.

BRISBANE LIONS:

Brisbane Lions Academy have some familiar names in their squad who showed promising signs last year. Will Martyn is a crucial member of the Lions squad, showing off his versatility as an inside midfielder and forward. The Lions midfield is quite strong, with fellow AFL Academy members, Saxon Crozier and Bruce Reville able to create some run off the wings, while Tom Griffiths is another AFL Academy member who will play off half-back at times. Key position forward Kobe Tozer is a huge talent but has been unlucky due to injury over the past couple of years since starring at the National Under 16 Championships. In the five rounds, the Lions begin their campaign against the GWS GIANTS Academy before tackling cross-state rivals, Gold Coast SUNS Academy. They then meet Eastern Ranges, Sandringham Dragons and Dandenong Stingrays in which should be a huge test for the Lions against some strong Victorian talent.

Fixture:

R2 = vs. GIANTS Academy
R3 = vs. SUNS Academy
R4 = vs. Eastern Ranges
R5 = vs. Sandringham Dragons
R6 = vs. Dandenong Stingrays

GOLD COAST SUNS:

The Gold Coast SUNS Academy have a number of bright prospects who will no doubt shine on the big stage for the Allies once the NAB League Boys five-round series is done. The SUNS will face Northern Territory up first in a game that they should be favourites in, before tackling cross-state rivals, Brisbane Lions Academy. They finish with three sides from Victoria, as the Suns test themselves against the highly-fancied Oakleigh Chargers – albeit without their schoolboys, Eastern Ranges and GWV Rebels. Connor Budarick is a name who many became familiar with last year at the National Under 18 Championships, playing predominantly forward and averaging 10 disposals, 5.5 tackles and 1.5 goals in a pressure forward role. Expect him to spend more time in the midfield this year, and along with Ashton Crossley and Alex Davies will cause some headaches for the opposition midifield. Other AFL Academy members who will be ones to watch include the exciting Hewago Paul-Oea and key defender Jack Johnston.

Fixture:

R2 = vs. Northern Territory
R3 = vs. Lions Academy
R4 = vs. Oakleigh Chargers
R5 = vs. Eastern Ranges
R6 = vs. GWV Rebels

GWS GIANTS:

The GWS GIANTS Academy have just the three AFL Academy members, with midfielders Matt McGrory and Thomas Green, and versatile tall, Liam Delahunty. However Green is considered among the top prospects in the draft crop, and will likely cost the GIANTS a high draft pick given his 73 per cent contested possession rate from almost 20 disposals at the National Under 18 Championships. The inside bull does not take a backwards step, and along with Delahunty who will likely predominantly play forward, but can play in defence, will create a couple of playmakers for the GIANTS. Jeromy Lucas, Nick Murray and James Peatling are among the overagers returning to the squad. Over the next five rounds, the GIANTS will take on the Brisbane Lions Academy before looking to win the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ against Sydney Swans’ Academy. They face the Northern Knights, Gippsland Power and Murray Bushrangers in what will be likely the hardest draw of any of the Academies with those sides close to full strength if all available.

Fixture:

R2 = vs. Lions Academy
R3 = vs. Swans Academy
R4 = vs. Northern Knights
R5 = vs. Gippsland Power
R6 = vs. Murray Bushrangers

SYDNEY SWANS:

Sydney Swans Academy are the only Academy side to face just one fellow Academy team, taking on cross-state rivals, GWS GIANTS Academy in Round 3. First up they play Tasmania Devils who will be fresh into the competition after a bye in Round 1. They then tackle Sandringham Dragons, Murray Bushrangers and Geelong Falcons in what will be a huge test for the Swans. Josh Rayner will be a crucial player in midfield and when he goes forward, while captain Sam Thorne will lead from the front in the midfield. Jackson Barling is another key onballer to watch out for, while Braedon Campbell and Errol Gulden are a couple of talents to keep an eye out for next year’s crop. Luke Parks at centre half-back will straighten the Swans up and hopefully repel attacks going forward.

Fixture:

R2 = vs. Tasmania Devils
R3 = vs. GIANTS Academy
R4 = vs. Sandringham Dragons
R5 = vs. Murray Bushrangers
R6 = vs. Geelong Falcons

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

The Northern Territory are always an exciting team to watch, and will have a great opportunity to showcase some lively types. With only one Academy clash in place against the SUNS and a bout with Tasmania to start off their five-week campaign, the Thunder will also face tough NAB League opposition in Sandringham, Murray, and Northern. A trio of forward maestroes headlines the top Territory talent, with Malcolm Rosas Jr, Joel Jeffrey, and Maurice Rioli Jr all winning rising star nominations in the recent NTFL season. Richmond fans are already excited at the possibility of adding another Rioli to their ranks, and will get a good chance see how the bottom-ager competes against the nation’s best. Over-aged brothers Matthew and Stephen Cumming are also set to bolster the side’s key position stocks, with plenty of zip buzzing at their feet.   

Fixture:

R2 = vs. SUNS Academy
R3 = vs. Tasmania Devils
R4 = vs. Sandringham Dragons
R5 = vs. Murray Bushrangers
R6 = vs. Northern Knights