This Friday sees the annual Jonathan Brown Cup commence at Yeronga AFC, with the eight Schools of AFL Excellence participating.
The first of two carnival days, the Jonathan Brown Cup is a chance for boys new to these specialist high schools, in Year 8, to go head-to-head in a round-robin 9-a-side competition.
The established schools Palm Beach-Currumbin SHS, Helensvale SHS (both Gold Coast), Narangba Valley SHS, Sandgate District SHS, Victoria Point SHS and Park Ridge SHS (all Brisbane) will be joined by newcomers Benowa SHS from the Gold Coast, and Mountain Creek SHS from the Sunshine Coast.
Fresh from a visit by the Brisbane Lions during community camp on the Sunshine Coast last week, the ‘Creekers’ boys are bound to draw from what they learnt and put the Lions’ coaching tips into action.
In a unique format, modified to ensure all players get a go in each ‘zone’ (forward, centre, back), players will rotate each ‘third’ providing boys with the opportunity to showcase their skills in all areas.
Over the course of two carnival days, each school will play the others once, with the top two progressing through to the Jonathan Brown Cup grand final in early Term 2.
Helensvale SHS are the current defending champions, but as the competition is only open to Year 8 boys, it ensures a clean slate each year with new talent coming through and no one able to predict a winner.
The second carnival day will also be played at Yeronga on Friday 23rd March.
For a copy of this Friday’s Jonathan Brown Cup draw, click here.
