Queensland has made history by defeating Victoria Metro in the weekend’s Under 17 showcase game in Melbourne.
The match served as a trial for the 2024 Marsh AFL Futures Boys game, giving Queensland players an opportunity to impress national scouts.
The boys in maroon led the entire match, which saw 11 different goalkickers from the 12 goals.
Leading the best on ground for Queensland, were the following players who scored the top coaches votes; Daniel Annable (Brisbane Lions Academy / Redland-Victoria Point), Jared Moss (Brisbane Lions Academy / Kawana), Cooper Collins (Gold Coast SUNS Academy / Broadbeach), Harry Grills (Brisbane Lions Academy / Aspley), Benjamin Lillico (Brisbane Lions Academy / Morningside) and Koby Coulson (Gold Coast SUNS Academy / Broadbeach).
The team, consisting of 30 of Queensland’s top young talents, was coached by John Deitz.
Saturday’s game will assist with selection for the national Marsh AFL Futures Boys match, which will be played as a curtain-raiser to the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday, September 28.
Players who don’t play in Saturday’s trials can still be selected for the national Marsh AFL Futures match next month.
The Futures match and trials will feature players born in 2007 who will be eligible for selection in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.
All four squads were selected following nominations and consultation with Coates Talent League clubs and Academy programs.
The weekend’s historic result, showing how the Lions / SUNS Academy and community club programs are working well to develop and nurture young Queensland talent.
Vic Metro: 2.2.14. 4.3.27. 4.5.29. 8.2.60
Queensland: 4.3.27. 6.5.41. 10.7.67. 12.8.80
Goal kickers
M Hoy: 1
D Annable: 1
Z Uwland: 1
J Chambers: 1
C Collins: 2
K Coulson: 1
M Iverach: 1
R Geesu: 1
O Tanks: 1
J Murray: 1
J Harris: 1