Under-14 and U17 players represent Cape York and Torres Strait as part of the Gold Coast SUNS North Queensland Academy on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Supplied.
The next generation of Cape and Torres teenage footy stars took to the big stage in style at this year’s AFL Queensland Under-14 State Academy Carnival.
Eight U14 AFL Cape York players selected to represent North Queensland earlier this year took on teams from across the state, Papua New Guinea and Nauru on the Sunshine Coast from 21-24 September.
Seven donned red and blue as members of the Gold Coast SUNS North Queensland Academy, one played for the AFL Queensland Diversity Team.
AFL Cape York participation programs coordinator Jake O’Halloran said the carnival was an important first step in a junior player’s development for team selections in the future.
“They’re 14 years old now, the draft is four years away, so it’s a talent ID in regards to where these kids will be in 12 months’ time when they’re around 15 and 16,” he said.
“We were very fortunate to have representation from Badu Island to NPA to Weipa, and anywhere in between.”
O’Halloran said AFL Cape York’s development pathway starting from programs within schools in communities, which often lacked footy clubs and matches, provided the chance to see athletes develop from the very beginning of their journeys.
Joining players in Maroochydore were AFL Cape York students and Gold Coast SUNS Academy U17 players Mistee Sagigi and Nelly Anu, who faced off against the Brisbane Lions Academy in a high-level trial game designed to see where young players fitted into the U18 drafts.
“I’ve seen the progression from 12 months ago to now, that development of the young people within the school and then rep football,” O’Halloran said.
“All the players definitely held their own – the way they conducted themselves, presented themselves, you wouldn’t think they’re from a remote community. They blended in with the crowd.”
