Page 53 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

TALENT PROGRAM 2013 THE PLAYERS
In three years, the Gold Coast SUNS Academy has seen more than 1000 players that have tested for or been a part of the Academy program.
This year again, five testing days were conducted and a total of 350 players invited to participate from Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, as
well as in regional North Queensland zones in Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.
The final squads comprised of:
✏ Future Stars - 11 (New to AFL U12)
✏ Level 1 – 48 (21 North Queenslanders)
✏ Level 2 – 85 (48 North Queenslanders)
✏ Rookies – 17 (Rookie Search Selections)
LEVEL 3
The Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academy provides the pathway to the AFLQ U18 Scorpions State program on the Gold Coast and through North Queensland.
HIGHLIGHTS:
✏ 45 Gold Coast and 37 North Queenslanders in initial squads, vying for selection in the SUNS Academy vs Lions Academy matches.
✏ 16 players selected in Scorpions squad (six bottom age)
✏ 18 debuted or continued playing Senior NEAFL football
✏ Forty-six academy players played as top ups for the SUNS NEAFL
✏ Seven players played more than six NEAFL games
✏ One player invited to the AFL National Draft Combine: Jarred Ellis of Broadbeach FC & Lennox Heads in NSW
STAFF & COACHES
Four coaches were added to the part time ranks on the Gold Coast this year, with Academy staff continuing to collaborate with the senior coaching department, as well as 14 coaches based in North Queensland.
Another part of the relationship with the SUNS AFL team is our Strength and Conditioning department with Cameron Ferguson heading up all of the strength and conditioning for our Level 2 and 3 players throughout all zones.
Jason Jeffery again oversaw our Level 2 squad with this group playing a total of 4 representative games for the Gold Coast SUNS academy.
Our Level 1 and Future Stars were directed by Paul Hanrahan who did a great job providing valuable teachings and skill development over the year.
KEY OUTCOMES
✏ Summer development/Pre season program for GC & NQ potential U18 State Players – 85
✏ 15% of participants are new talent from other sports – 17%
✏ Individual Player Development Programs- Level 3 & Level 2 Players
✏ U15 Academies Carnival in Coffs Harbour
✎ 9 North Queensland Players selected for Carnival
✏ U15 & U17 Brisbane Lions Trial
✏ 133 Total games played by academy
players in the NEAFL
JASON TORNEY
GC SUNS TALENT ACADEMY MANAGER
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GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY