As preparations commence for the New Zealand v AFL Academy clash at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on April 27th, we will work through a list of talented candidates in the mix to make an impact for New Zealand against the Australian team.
Players already named in the 2020 International Cup Squad will all come into contention. The upcoming 2019 AFL New Zealand Premiership could also provide the coaching staff with some answers.
The successful 2018 Under 18 New Zealand team, the 2017 International Cup squad, an impressive contingent of Australian based players and a host of debutants in the 2019 AFL New Zealand Premiership, will all play a part in what is expected to be the most competitive selection process in recent memory.
Carlos Donnell-Brown
20 year old Carlos ‘The Weapon’ Donnell-Brown will be looking to run out on Marvel Stadium on the 27th of April, 2019
In his short time playing AFL, the skilled midfielder has won the National AFL Cup Secondary Schools Competition with Green Bay High School, won the 2016 Auckland AFL League with the Waitakere Magpies in an undefeated season, he is an NPC winner with Auckland, played for the NZ Academy Level 2, U18’s (Captain) and Senior sides and was a member of the victorious 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership Southern Saints side.
Carlos made his International Cup debut in 2017 and his accomplishments at still such a young age shows that Carlos has a bright future in the AFL New Zealand community.
In other news:
Who will wear the Silver Fern? – Part 1
Who will wear the Silver Fern? – Part 2
Josh Mackie
Otago based Josh Mackie has gone from strength to strength over the past two years.
His performance in the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership didn’t go unnoticed when New Zealand Senior Head Coach Rob Malone included him in the NZ squad for the ANZAC and International Cup campaigns.
In 2018, Mackie went on to Captain the NZ under 18 side in their historic victory during their Melbourne campaign when they defeated a representative side from the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League in May.
In other news:
Who will wear the Silver Fern? – Part 3
Who will wear the Silver Fern? – Part 4
Josh Morgan-Ranui
Josh Morgan-Ranui will be pushing for a spot in the 2019 ANZAC squad.
The 19 year old from Wellington became involved with the sport through the AFL Cup Secondary School competition in 2015 where he represented Wellington College. Since then, he has been making waves with his hard nosed attitude and desire to become the best AFL player in the country.
Morgan-Ranui is a strong footballer who uses his size to his advantage when he lines up for his local Wellington Club side the North City Demons.
Josh has been a member of the U18 side for the past three years and in April this year, Josh made his debut for the New Zealand Senior side against the AFL Academy after being named as Emergency in 2017.
