Our final team we take a look at is the 2017 runners up, the Northern Suns.
The Suns were in red hot form in the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership and were one win away from taking out the title. With key players such as Captain James Kusel, Jackson Clince and Mitch Ryan all returning to the Premiership, the Suns will look to continue their attacking style of footy in 2018.
During the 2017 AFL New Zealand National Draft, the coaching staff picked up New Zealand senior member Josh Mackie from Otago. The 18 year old was the youngest member of the 2017 International Cup squad and has the potential to become one of New Zealand’s best players in the future after being awarded a scholarship from AFL New Zealand in 2018.
The 2018 Suns squad is full of talent but without a recognised goal scorer, they could find it hard to put points on the board.
2017 position: 2nd
Predicted position in 2018: 4th
Player to watch: James Kusel
Northern Suns Captain James Kusel is a strong Centre Half Forward who is capable of turning a game.
After a strong second season with the Suns, the Wellingtonian made his debut at the 2017 International Cup where he was selected in the World Team.
James has a Rugby background and has recently taken up the sport of Muay Thai so best not make him mad on the footy field.
Get excited: Heta Scarf-Matthews
Formerly based in Nelson, Heta Scarf-Matthews will soon make the move to Auckland for the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
The Otago representative had a shortened season in 2017 but Scarf-Matthews was a shining light for the Suns in 2016. With a Soccer background, he reads the play extremely well and finds himself getting stuck in to every contest.
The 2016 AFL New Zealand U18 Player of the year will be called upon to step up his game to another level in 2018 and he will be up for the challenge.
