Prior to the local league Grand Finals in Auckland and Wellington, the next wave of up and coming AFL New Zealand stars were in action in the Youth competition over the weekend.
Auckland:
U13 Boys
Fantastic weather at North Harbour Stadium ensured there was some fast running footy in the U13 competition.
As they have done every week, both sides kicked a high number of goals, which provided great viewing from the onlooking parents and spectators. Ronan Morling from the Bulldog’s had an outstanding game which earnt him the player of the day along with a notable performance from Callum Maloyd and Joel Hetherington. New comer Henry Searle kicked four goals for the Lions and player of the day Alvin Grant chipped in with 2 to give the Lions the win.
| Team: | Goals: | Behinds: | Total: |
 | 9 | 7 | 61 |
 | 7 | 7 | 49 |
Lions: Henry Searle 4, Alvin Grant 2, Wade McNabb 2, Tom Hack 1
Bulldogs: Logan Ganalofa 2, Joel Hetherington 2, Elijah Winchester 1, Callum Maloyd 1, Ronan Morling 1
Player of the day:
Lions: Alvin Grant
Bulldogs: Ronan Morling
U17 Girls
In the lead up to the Woomera’s tour of New Zealand (11th and 13th December) , the focus for the girls was once again preparing for the upcoming 2 game series. The group practised contesting and moving ball around the field this week and will continue to work on general skills and strategy in hope of a victory in 2 weeks time.
U17 Boys
Each week, the U17’s boys seem to produce some close finishes and this week was no different with the first draw of the competition.
The Tigers jumped out to a fast start with Tigers midfielder Zeon McNabb kicking a few early goals but the Magpies came back at them hard with leading goal kicker Braedyn Collins slotting four goals. Bay of Plenty youngster William Warbrick played well through the midfield for the Tigers and continues to develop each week.
Notable performances this week went to Jack Morris from the Magpies and Tigers defender Max Stuart.
| Team: | Goals: | Behinds: | Total: |
 | 7 | 3 | 45 |
 | 7 | 3 | 45 |
Tigers: Zeon McNabb 3, Cullen Marsters 1, William Warbrick 1, Max Stuart 1,
James Dakin 1
Magpies: Braedyn Collins 4, Maxwell Hicks 1, Jacob Write 1, Gerome Gudhue 1
Player of the day:
Magpies: Levi Boyd
Tigers: William Warbrick
Wellington:
U13 Boys
For the second week in a row there were great conditions out at Hutt Park. The Giants were able to get off to a flyer kicking 3 goals with Beren Goodwin utilising a great snap kick to nab a couple of goals. The second quarter was tighter with the Crows grabbing a goal back through Douglas McJorrow. The defence of the Giants shone through in the 3rd quarter holding the Crows scoreless.
With 14 behinds and 8 goals kicked in the day the next development session will focus on goal kicking, so we can see more of the young players great AFL goal celebrations.
A special mention to Harry Trainor, who kicked his first AFL goal in his first game.
| Team: | Goals: | Behinds: | Total: |
 | 7 | 12 | 54 |
 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
Giants: Beren Goodwin 3, Ryan Awatere 1, Luke Robinson, William Anderson and Harry Trainor
Crows: Douglas McJorrow
Player of the Day:
Giants: Luke Robinson
Crows: Beaudean Parkes
U17 Boys
The Saints came out strong in the first half kicking 5 goals to 1 for the Lions. Lewis Gill was amongst the best players having a great game up front for the Saints with strong leads and marking. The Lions started to pull it back in the second half, but the deficit proved too large and the Saints were deserving winners.
Congratulations to Jordan Mueller, who in his first game was able to nab a goal for the Saints.
| Team: | Goals: | Behinds: | Total: |
 | 7 | 4 | 46 |
| 4 | 4 | 28 |
Saints: Lewis Gill 4, Iraia Tuhiwai, Josh Morgan-Ranui, Sam Isbister
Lions: James Watkins 2, Cahon Holden, Jordan Mueller
Player of the day:
Saints: James Watkins
Lions: Sam Isbister
AFL New Zealand would like to thank all the parents who volunteered their time to help out during the day. We couldn’t do it without you.
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