by Stephanie Kirkman
The NAB AFL Under-18 Championships is a celebration of a truly unique national event, and an ultimate challenge - the best against the best.
The championships provide the perfect platform to unearth the next generation of AFL Rising Stars, with aspirations to pursue their dreams of playing at an AFL Club.
The carnival provides talented, young footballers with the opportunity to display their skills under the watchful eyes of AFL scouts and coaches. Such a daunting backdrop rarely influences these gifted young players, who all share several common goals.
For some, this is the best time on the football calendar, a sneak preview of the talent about to burst into the AFL scene for the 2010 season.
For TAC Cup players, the championships represent a major goal for the season, with approximately 30 players from the seven metropolitan clubs able to test themselves against the best Under-18 players in Australia.
The 2009 season has seen great potential arise from the Eastern Ranges, with 11 players being selected to represent the Vic Metro squad:
With the ability to play in a variety of positions, Andrew Moore (Yarra Valley Grammar) has been a dangerous midfielder for the Ranges over the years.
Matthew Scott (Norwood) has been actively involved with the leadership group this season, and is a dynamic on-baller for the Ranges.
Also Part of the leadership group, Jayden Cass (Croydon) is a small forward/midfielder that is quite dangerous around the goal square.
Jordan Gysberts (Yarra Valley Grammar) is a strong midfielder who goes about his footy with incredible skill. Jordan was also recently chosen by the AIS squad to tour in South Africa.
With a piercing left-foot kick, Josh Dyson (Scoresby) is a small forward/midfielder who possesses great speed and agility with the footy.
In his first year at the Ranges, David Mirra (Scoresby) was selected by the Ranges, due to his capability with quick ball handling in the midfield.
Kieran Harper (Yarra Valley Grammar), alongside Jordan, was also selected by the AIS squad, and has the ability to play vigorously on both sides of the field.
Standing at 198cm tall, Nathan Burnage (Yarra Valley Grammar) is a young, athletic ruckman with great endurance for a player in this position.
Ben Griffiths (Blackburn) is a big, key, power forward, who possesses great contested marking skills.
Setting down in the back line early in the season, Cameron O'Shea (Emerald) also has the potential to go down forward if needed.
In his first year at the Ranges, Ayden Kennedy (Wantirna South) is a mobile key position forward, with a strapping kick to the footy.
With 11 out of a possible 30 spots taken up by the Ranges, this years Vic Metro team promises to be jam-packed with skill, athleticism, bravery and speed from these young stars.
The processions of greats that have emerged from these carnivals include champions such as Tony Lockett and James Hird, to current day superstars Chris Judd (Vic Metro), Buddy Franklin (Western Australia) and Jonathan Brown (Vic Country).
The Under-18 Championships kick-off on Sunday May 31st at the MCG, where Vic Metro will open the carnival against arch rivals Vic Country.
NAB AFL Under-18 Championships Competition Fixture
Round 1
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Match 1
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QLD
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v
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NSW/ACT
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QLD
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16-May
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Match 2
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TAS
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v
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NT
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QLD
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16-May
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Match 3
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WA
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v
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SA
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SUBIACO
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23-May
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Match 4
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VIC C
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v
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VIC M
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MCG
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24-May
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Round 2
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Match 5
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NSW/ACT
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v
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VIC M
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SYDNEY
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Match 6
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QLD
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v
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SA
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SYDNEY
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Match 7
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TAS
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v
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VIC C
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BEL, TAS
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Match 8
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NT
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v
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WA
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DARWIN/ALICE
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Round 3
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Match 9
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WA
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v
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VIC M
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SUBIACO
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13/14-Jun
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Match 10
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SA
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v
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VIC C
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AAMI
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Match 11
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NSW/ACT
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v
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NT
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SYDNEY
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20/21-Jun
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Match 12
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TAS
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v
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QLD
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AURORA, TAS
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Round 4
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Match 13
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VIC M
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v
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QLD
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CASEY FIELDS
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27-Jun
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Match 14
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VIC C
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v
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NT
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CASEY FIELDS
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27-Jun
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Match 15
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NSW/ACT
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v
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SA
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CASEY FIELDS
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27-Jun
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Match 16
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TAS
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v
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WA
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CASEY FIELDS
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27-Jun
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Round 5
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Match 17
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TAS
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v
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NSW/ACT
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TELSTRA DOME
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1-Jul
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Match 18
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QLD
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v
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NT
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TELSTRA DOME
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1-Jul
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Match 19
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VIC C
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v
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WA
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TELSTRA DOME
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1-Jul
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Match 20
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VIC M
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v
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SA
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TELSTRA DOME
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1-Jul
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Last Modified on 12/05/2009 20:40