Exciting players return for Youth Competition in 2016

The AFLNZ Youth Season starts 16^th October and sees new players from Intermediate and Secondary Schools. All using the Youth Season to develop their skills, game understanding and leadership, towards possible selection in the AFLNZ Academy.

We take a look at some of the returning players from the 2015 season.

Wellington

After representing the Academy Level 2 New Zealand Hawks and U18 New Zealand Hawks earlier this year, Josh Morgan Ranui from Wellington College will be returning to demonstrate his athletic ability and develop his game understanding with hope of appearing in the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership.

St Patricks Silverstream student Jack Matheson returns from injury looking to regain a representative position in 2017.

U14 player, Douglas McJorrow looks to add to the skills he displayed in 2015 and capitalise on being a more senior player in this age group.

Auckland

2015 Youth Player of the year Jake Tucker from Northcote College returns to develop his leadership on and off the field. Areas he will be working on the field are his possession rate and distribution involving the younger and newer players into the game.

Green Bay High School Student Declan Crann’s ability to get the ball and evasive skills will be put to good use as he works towards being drafted as a regular development player in the 2017 Premiership season. Certainly a player for the Younger and newer player to watch.

U14’s Joel Hetherington from Kingsway School and Luke Buckley (Albany Junior High School) will be two young players looking to put their development and game understanding from previous 2015 season.

Ronan Morling (Rosehill College) will be given opportunities to develop his leadership coming off his representation in the Academy Level 1 New Zealand Hawks and utilising some of the skills he developed from that experience.

AFL New Zealand Female player of the year 2015 Killarney Morey from Epsom Girls Grammar will once again grace the AFL Field in pursuit of extending her pathway with the goal of selection in the AFL U18 Youth Girls National Championships 2017 played in Australia.

AFLNZ wish all youth players, new and returning the best for the 2016 Youth season.

If you would like to join these players and learn how to play AFL you can register online for the Youth competition here.

For any queries contact Mick Coultard AFLNZ Youth and Talent Officer on 027 205 0054 or 09 213 3251.