YOUNG Mackay Aussie rules player Bo Saunders got a taste of what it takes to make the top league in his favourite sport on the weekend.
Saunders, 14, of Sarina was one of 40 juniors who went through a series of tests for the Gold Coast Suns academy in 30 degree heat at Pioneer State High School.
The group was put through tests for fitness including a 3km run and 20m sprints, AFL-specific skills including jumping and measurements of weight and height.
Saunders, an U15 player for the Eastern Swans for the past two years, said the tests were new to him but he was delighted to get the chance to step up to a new level.
"I just love AFL, it's a good sport to play and it's very good to watch.
"My dad and my mum came from Victoria where AFL is the main sport, so I've always been keen."
Saunders also lived in WA, where the Eagles and the Dockers reign supreme, but not for him.
"I don't like them, I support the Geelong Cats and Joel Selwood is my favourite player."
Watching on at the tests was Jordan Harding, 15, who has been a member of the Suns academy since it started two years ago but is currently nursing a groin injury.
Harding is resigned to a lengthy period of rehab after the injury was diagnosed two weeks ago.
"I haven't done too much this year because it gets really sore," he said.
"I can't run or do anything physical. I don't know how long it will take but I hope to be fit for next year."
Harding, who was one of the players in the inaugural Suns Mackay academy, said the Gold Coast club was a great promotion of the AFL in Queensland.
The North Mackay Saints centreman's ultimate goal is to be selected in the AFL draft, which won't happen for a few years.
"When you get to 17, that's when the serious part starts," he said.
"The clubs ask you to go down there (for the draft) and you do the tests like here, all the AFL clubs look at you, it's full-on."
Ex-AFL player Craig Starcevich, who is now a Suns development officer, said the Mackay region was producing some outstanding players.
"We think it's going to be pretty exciting times coming up in the next few years as the boys who have been in this squad for the last few years start coming through," he said.
Last Modified on 23/10/2012 11:54