Young guns take centre stage

A second half onslaught of goals saw NSW/ACT take their final score of the first game in their three match nationals campaign to 17.9 (121) to Northern Territory 9.7 (61).

An outstanding five goal haul from Charlie Morgan, ably assisted by Lyndon Hupfeld and Billy Lambert with three each, saw NSW/ACT make a convincing start to the tournament, just days after the NSW/ACT Under-18 team took out the Division 2 National Championships with a win over Queensland at Etihad Stadium.

A 25-man squad was announced to represent NSW/ACT at the upcoming Under 16 state championships on the Gold Coast, with 197-game Sydney Swans premiership player, Tadhg Kennelly to coach the side assisted by State Coach Jason Saddington.

Speaking prior to the start of the tournament Kennelly said the team had come together well despite the short timeframe.

“We spoke mainly about the structures and that sort of stuff. They’re highly skilled already which means we don’t have to focus on those areas,” said Kennelly.

“We can talk about game plans rather than coach them on their skills.”

Held on the Gold Coast this year, the junior Rams will travel north in two weeks time to take part in the Championships.
The National Under 16 Championships mark the beginning of a player’s journey to the National Draft at 18 years of age.
Kennelly says there is a lot of talent in the group, commenting that this year’s squad is out to impress on a national stage.

“The past few years have been really successful, because of the academies,” said Kennelly.
“Guys like Harrison Macreadie (191cm, 75kg), Kobe Mutch (183cm, 76kg) and the big ruckman Liam Maze (196cm, 80kg) will all make an impact.

“It’s been really different from the past… a step up though… We are really looking forward to it.”

There are a number of other youngsters chomping at the bit to impress at the Championships.
Tom Highmore, Will Setterfield and Harry Perryman have been noted as players to watch, however the talent on the NSW/ACT list is very deep.

Head coach Tadhg Kennelly is quietly confident about how the young Rams will perform against state level sides.

“Queensland are always the rival because of location and skill level in the past,” said Kennelly.

“It’s hard knowing, but we’ve had success last year in the U15 school championships, so that’s pleasing.”
The selected team will play three matches in division two at the championships this year.

Matches will be comprised of 4 x 20 minute quarters, except for round one, which will have an alternate format to allow more players to be used by each side.

The Rams will now prepare for Round 2 against Queensland on Wednesday at Southport FC.

NSW/ACT Rams 17.9 (121) to Northern Territory 9.7 (61).

Goals: Charlie Morgan 5, Lyndon Hupfeld 3, Billy Lambert 3, Connor Byrne 2, Logan Gray 2, Michael Nettheim, Cooper Page.

Best: Connor Byrne, William Setterfield, Lyndon Hupfeld, Charlie Morgan, Michael Nettheim, Kobe Mutch, Billy Lambert.