The Darling Downs have 11 new boys selected in the Hyundai Brisbane Lions Academy for 2017. The Darling Downs now have a total of 18 boys across the squads in 2017.
The Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy is a development and coaching program designed for aspiring AFL players between the ages of 12 and 18 years.
The Academy enables the Brisbane Lions to identify and nurture local talent within designated zoned areas throughout Queensland, constructing a pathway for young players to realise their potential in their chosen sport and perhaps become a senior player in the future.
The program involves four separate stages of involvement – from the Future Stars program at primary school level right up to Under 18 level where the most promising representatives could possibly play with the Brisbane Lions Reserves team in the NEAFL.
The Academy aims to attract promising athletes, allowing the Club to fast-track the development of up to 120 young Queenslanders each year.
The boys will train under the watchful eye of Birt Cherry in the Darling Downs before heading to Brisbane for testing with the rest of the squad.
"It is fantastic to see so many boys be included in the squads for 2017 and also to see the connection with the very talented multicultural players are being recognised at the Academy level," Tasman Myles Development Coordinator.
The Darling Downs will be keeping an eye on these players as they could be in the AFL in the coming years.
Please find below the boys that have been named in the 2017 squads.
Darling Downs (U13)
Caleb Back
Nick Maxwell
Sam Dearnaley
Donald Saunders
Ayden Bate
Harrison Copland
Owen Debney
Darling Downs (U14)
James Packer
Nyok Kag
Darling Downs (U15)
Justus Liddicoat-Hill
Jonty MacDougall
Jack Hall
Deklan Branson
Jack Briskey
Darling Downs (U16)
Rowan Anderson
Campbell Aston
Lachlan Davies
Tyler Debney
Last Modified on 23/11/2016 12:42
