Round 7 of the 2017 AFL New Zealand Youth Competition wrapped up in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this weekend and with only one round to go, all the players have developed their skills and game knowledge over the past seven weeks.
In Wellington, the Youth played prior to the 2018 Wellington AFL Grand Final. Both age groups combined to play one big game and it was the Giants who scored the victory in a close game. Ryan Awatere and Johnathon Anderson both starred for the Giants.
In Auckland, Marcus Stratford and George Smith led the Bulldogs to a three goal win over the Giants in the U12 grade. Smith ended the game with 7 goals while Stratford was awarded the player of the day.
The Lions secured a two goal victory over the Bulldogs in the U15 grade. Mia Kennedy-Nicholas was superb for the Lions as she claimed the player of the day award. For the Bulldogs, Annabelle Markham kicked 2 goals.
In the Under 17 grade, Bom Verkade was on form in front of goal as he steered the Suns to a three goal win over the Crows. Verkade finished with four goals while Ronan Morling and Liam Mayes both kicked three goals each.
The Giants kicked their way to victory in the U15 grade in Christchurch. They kicked thirteen goals to four as Jacob Nyman received the player of the day for the Giants while Quinn Richards White picked up the award for the Suns.
It was a big win for the Crows in the U17 grade as they defeated the Saints by 11 goals. Luke De Roo and Oliver Giablanco were named player of the day for their respective teams.
Following all competitions in each region, the 2019 AFL New Zealand Academy was announced.
The AFL New Zealand Academy will improve the skills and fitness of athletes, through a training and development programme and prepares athletes for National representation.
Congratulations to all the athletes involved.
Auckland
Player of the day:
Giants: Leo Grant
Bulldogs: Marcus Stratford
Player of the day:
Lions: Mia Kennedy-Nicholas
Bulldogs: Annabelle Markham
Player of the day:
Suns: Bom Verkade
Crows: Xavier Bryham
Wellington
Player of the day:
Giants: Ryan Awatere & Jonathan Anderson
Saints: Luke Russell & Carter Lowther
Canterbury
Player of the day:
Suns: Quinn Richards White
Giants: Jacob Nyman
Player of the day:
Crows: Luke De Roo
Saints: Oliver Giablanco
