The AFL New Zealand Level 1 Academy have come away from the 2 match series against the MPJFL U14’s having gained a big amount of experience on their pathway to an AFL career.
The visitors showed their skills throughout the whole of the second match as they kicked 16 goals to win by 108 points at QBE Stadium.
New Zealand defender Xavier Giles was busy down back once again but showed his potential to be a big name in the football community in year’s to come with another strong game.
Ty Cull was playing an important role in the forward line for the MPJFL side, kicking another 2 goals to add to his tally for the weekend.
The home side kept persisting and never giving up and eventually found a way through the MPJFL defence as Tony Worthington kicked a goal early on in the fourth quarter.
Notable performances from New Zealand were Drew Clemas (Auckland), Cameron Howison (Canterbury), Carter Lowther (Wellington) and Tane Kirton from Auckland.
The win see’s the the MPJFL take the trophy back to Australia this time around but the Level 1’s will work hard and continue to develop in the off season.
Both games were played in great spirit and all the players came away from the series having gained a heap of experience and will look to come back next year bigger and better.
AFL New Zealand would like to thank Andrew Souter, Paul Lonsdale and Bec Mantell along with their team from Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League for making this trip possible and giving their side an opportunity to experience something special in playing International footy.
Goals:
Mornington Peninsula U14’s: Ty Cull 2, Will Dalgliesh 2, Leon Brancatisano 2, Bailey Gent 1, Jed Harris 1, Isaac Freene 1, Joshua Van Der Horst 1, Thomas Payne 1, Luca Hagai 1, Jack Leete 1, Harry VanRaay 1, Austin Goddard 1, Bruen Peers 1, Harvey Logue 1
NZ Academy Level 1: Tony Worthington 1
Best on Ground Awards:
NZ Academy Level 1: Jacob Nynam and Oliver Giamblanco
