The future is looking bright for Aspley, with 10 of their players making the 2013 Under 18 Queensland State Squad.
It’s no surprise the Hornets have the highest number of players named in the state squad, with more juniors registered than any other club in Queensland, but 10 players from the one team is almsot unheard of.
New Coach John Blair has barely had a chance to get to know many of his young rising stars due to representative duties, but was excited to see some of them in action last week.
“It’s a credit to the club in what they’ve done in relation to recruiting in the past and it should mean great things for the future of the senior club,” Blair said.
“Even though you are home to the largest junior club in Queensland doesn’t mean you are handed state players.
“It’s a credit to their development and quality recruitment on Mark Perkins behalf.”
Cain Tickner and Isaac Conway are Lions scholarship holders and are obligated to play Lions Reserves; all other state representative players will be available for NEAFL and TIS selection this week against Broadbeach.
Below is a bit of information about each future AFL prospect:
Liam Dawson
An AIS scholarship holder, Dawson is an all-round classy footballer; feels comfortable next to the big sticks where he uses his great running, kicking and marking capabilities to find the goals regularly. Potential to develop into a midfielder if his fitness continues to develop.
Jacob Watson
Watson is a really solid, tough, in-and-under type midfielder who showed he can play with the big boys, starring last week against Redland. A first year under 18 player who has very good composure and makes smart decisions.
Josh Stiller
The ex-Sandgate boy plays midfield and also showed that he could be a very handy senior player, starring against Redland last week. Played a number of top-up games with the Lions last year and had the incredible opportunity to be a part of their cross-conference premiership win against Ainslie.
Jono Freeman
Freeman kicked seven goals at full-forward in Round 3, up from Noosa originally, very athletic and has been known to use his go-go-gadget arms to take some pretty special grabs when sometimes out of position. Coach John Blair is impressed by his athletic ability, but still thinks he has plenty of room to develop in relation to his body position and use of body.
Nic Jackson
Jackson is extremely comfortable down back where he uses his creativity to rebound well. Jackson’s 190cm+ frame comes in handy playing at centre half-back and, according to Blair, if he plays the percentages more could he may find himself in the Aspley senior side sooner rather than later.
Aiden Rutledge
Rutledge is nother player around the 190cm+ mark, and spends all of his time in the forward line playing as a big marking target. Likes to use his leap to beat his opponent, but Blair believes he needs to learn more about the defensive side of his game if he is going to feature regularly in the seniors.
Lachlan Niland-Rowe
The Aspley junior has shown enough to earn him a spot in the state side - despite a bad run with injury of late. He is a good young hit-up forward and uses his great balance, kicking skills and overhead marking ability to find the goals regularly.
San Gribble
Gribble is a midfielder with a good thumping kick on him and can turn defence into attack very quickly. Blair says that the possibilities are endless for this youngster if he can develop a real engine.
Cain Tickner
An AIS and Lions scholarship holder, named in the squad despite injury. A big, strong, tough ruckman who is an extreme competitor and has the ability to play down back; is hopeful of being listed by the lions in 2014.
Isaac Conway
In his second year at the Hornets, Conway is a proven NEAFL senior player whose ball winning ability and tackling is a hallmark of his game. Along with Tickner, Conway is hopeful of being listed next year as one of two Lions Scholarship players.
Last Modified on 19/04/2013 10:48