The future of Queensland footy was on display for all to see at the Under-15 AFL State Championships held in Dalby in May.
Teams from 10 regions across the state converged on the town for the forty-third championship, with 20 games played over four action packed days.
The Sunshine Coast Regional side finished in sixth place despite winning two out of four games, but coach, Steve Moody, said his boys put in a solid effort.
"The team performed as expected with a number of very talented players making up the group… we also had a very young group with eight Under 14 boys," Moody said
"The highlight of the carnival was an eight goal win against our rivals Met North, followed by a great game against Met West that we eventually lost by eight points."
The team then enjoyed a big win over Capricornia before finishing the carnival with a ‘tired effort’ against Peninsula.
James Puschmann, Jason Kennedy and Troy Hammond were all chosen as starters for the squad, with Tom Fullarton and Declan Watson picked as reserves.
Their selections were well deserved according to Moody, who believed it reflected on the consistency of their effort and abilities across four days of footy.
"James is a very mobile tall defender who attacks the ball hard," he said.
"Jason is a tall forward come ruck who can take a good grab and kicks very well for a big fella."
"Troy is a tough, uncompromising midfielder who loves a contest and winning his own footy."
The standout for Moody however, was Tom Fullarton who made the state squad despite still being a bottom-aged player.
"Tom’s effort was all the more admirable because he is a bottom-aged boy… his future as a tall is very promising as his decision making skills are exceptional for a tall boy," he said.
Aside from Fullarton, Moody said there were a number of other bottom-aged players who appeared to be comfortable playing older boys.
"Reid Gordon, Jake Warren and Zephyr Jenkins all stepped up at different times and Baydon Goff kicked 14 goals for the carnival which was sensational," Moody said.
"All the boys were extremely coachable and enjoyed themselves out at Dalby for a good weekend of country hospitality and good footy."
The Queensland State team will travel to Darwin in August for the National Carnival.
Written By Clancy Hurst (University of the Sunshine Coast)
Last Modified on 15/08/2013 17:05