Division 2 of the 2017 NAB AFL U18 Championships kicks off this weekend with the four northern club academies, along with Tasmania and the Northern Territory in action.
The expanded Division 2 Championships will include six teams, incorporating the AFL Club Academies for the first time.
Following the five-round competition, the Allies Squad will be selected and compete in Division 1 of the NAB AFL U18 Championships from June 10.
On Saturday the Gold Coast Suns Academy will meet the Brisbane Lions Academy at Southport (11.00am), while Blacktown International Sportspark will host two games on Sunday: Tasmania vs. Northern Territory at 10.00am and Sydney Swans Academy vs. GWS Giants Academy at 1.00pm.
AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said inclusion of the four academies would effectively double the number of boys from Queensland and NSW who will have the opportunity to compete at Championship level.
“This change reflects the increased depth of the talent in Queensland and NSW, while ensuring that the best underage players from Tasmania and the Northern Territory continue to have the same opportunity as in previous years,” he said.
“History shows that the best players in our game come from all corners of Australia and this format hopes to build on that.
“The Championships also provide teams with the experience of interstate travel, different grounds, conditions that reflect the challenges at AFL level.”
“Guys such as Jack Bowes (Gold Coast Suns) and Harrison Macreadie (Carlton) were two players from Division 2 last year that went onto play in the Allies side and ultimately receive a chance in the NAB AFL Draft.
“The Allies concept was introduced for the first time in 2016 and gave players like Jack and Harrison the chance to test themselves against the best from Victoria Country, Victoria Metro, South Australia and Western Australia.
“I look forward to seeing who emerges this year and presses their case in front of AFL recruiters.”
U18 Academy Series – Rd 1 teams
2017 UNDER-18 ACADEMY SERIES FIXTURE
ROUND 1
March 25
11.00am: Gold Coast Suns vs. Brisbane Lions (Southport)
March 26
10.00am: Tasmania vs. Northern Territory (Blacktown)
1.00pm: Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants (Blacktown)
ROUND 2
April 1
10.30am: Brisbane Lions vs. Tasmania (South pines Sports Complex)
10.30am: GWS Giants vs. Gold Coast (Blacktown)
3.20pm Northern Territory Thunder vs. Sydney Swans (TIO Stadium, Darwin)
Round 3
April 8
10.30am: Sydney Swans vs. Gold Coast Suns (Blacktown)
10.30am: Tasmania vs. GWS Giants (Blundstone Arena)
3.20pm: Northern Territory vs. Brisbane Lions (TIO Stadium, Darwin)
Round 4
April 29
10.00am: Gold Coast Suns vs. Tasmania (Southport)
1.30pm: Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions (Blacktown)
4.00pm: GWS Giants vs. Northern Territory (Blacktown)
Round 5
May 6
9.30am: Tasmania vs. Sydney Swans (UTas Stadium)
10.00am: Brisbane Lions vs. GWS Giants (Broadbeach)
12.30pm: Gold Coast Suns vs. Northern Territory (Broadbeach)
The NAB AFL U18 Championships are part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program comprises the following elements:
- NAB AFL Rising Star
- NAB AFL Draft
- NAB AFL Draft Combine
- NAB AFL Trade Period
- NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
- NAB AFL Academy
- NAB AFL Under-16 Championships
NAB has been supporting footy from grassroots to the elite level since 2002.
