The Mackay Crows selectors have today announced an initial 26-player squad for the 2016 Under 17 AFL Queensland State Championships in Brisbane from the 20th to 23rd October.
The initial squad of 26, has 13 players from a non-playing background showing the growth and interest across AFL Queensland school program's across the Mackay and Whitsunday's region. The Whitsunday Sea Eagles will be impressed with six players selected from the Whitsunday Coast, ahead of the clubs bid to enter into the Women's AFL Mackay season in 2017.
Women's AFL Mackay premiers, the Mackay Magpies boast the most representatives with four, including State Under 16 Captain, Lois Beckingham and fellow Queensland representative Brooke Laffan.
2016 Mackay Crows Coach, Matthew Bateman, said he is pleased with the balance of the squad.
"We are really happy with the 26 we have picked' it's a fantastic mix of youth and experience," Bateman said.
"The makeup of the whole squad is excellent, and they all have a great opportunity.
"If we get the buy-in from the players as we have had so far, in the lead up to the championships, it's going to be a competitive side."
The mix Bateman speaks of ranges from Sarina Demons, Zali Ronald (13yrs) through to the experience of Abby Anderson (18yrs) of the Eastern Swans.
Also announced was assistant coach Jennifer Revell of the Moranbah Bulldogs, who returns for her second consecutive stint after assisting at last years State Championships.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager, Jeff Neumann said that the coaching group as a collective are the driving force behind the youth girls program going from a walk up start to over 50 vying for selection.
"To be honest, the last few years for the Mackay Crows (formerly Vipers) hasn't been outstanding, compared to this year with 53 players putting their hand up for selection," Neumann said.
"We have an awesome group of coaches, who have done a terrific job. To have our regions Gold Coast SUNS Academy Coach, Gary Downes assist has been massive for the development and enjoyment of the girls.
"Again to have Jennifer Revell, who is an up and coming head coach is fantastic and really compliments the group we are taking away," Neumann added.
The squad part-take in a two day camp over the September-October school holidays, where following this the squad will be cut from 26 to 20 ahead of the October State Championships.
First |
Last |
Club |
School |
Abby |
Anderson |
Eastern Swans |
|
Hannah |
Atherton |
Mackay City Hawks |
Mercy College |
Lois |
Beckingham |
Mackay Magpies |
Mercy College |
Lauren |
Bella |
Bakers Creek Tigers |
St Patrick's College |
Aimee |
Carter |
Rookie Search |
Holy Spirit College |
Chelsea |
Castle |
Rookie Search |
Whitsunday Christian College |
Angelique |
Golding |
Rookie Search |
Whitsunday Christian College |
Takeisha |
Graham |
Rookie Search |
St Catherine's Catholic College |
Molly |
Hocking |
Rookie Search |
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School |
Sarah-Jean |
Ingledew |
Rookie Search |
Mackay State High School |
Brooke |
Laffan |
Mackay Magpies |
Holy Spirit College |
Kayla |
Lette |
Rookie Search |
Holy Spirit College |
Madison |
MacDonald |
Rookie Search |
St Patrick's College |
Amber |
McGrath |
North Mackay Saints |
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School |
Teah |
Mealy |
Mackay Magpies |
|
Claire |
Moffat |
Eastern Swans |
St Patrick's College |
Shenae |
Murphy |
Bakers Creek Tigers |
St Patrick's College |
Caitlin |
Newbery |
Rookie Search |
St Catherine's Catholic College |
Ruby |
Poole |
Rookie Search |
St Catherine's Catholic College |
Wallis |
Randell |
Rookie Search |
Sarina State High School |
Ebony |
Rix |
Bakers Creek Tigers |
St Patrick's College |
Zali |
Ronald |
Sarina Demons |
Sarina State High School |
Tanancha |
Saunders |
Eastern Swans |
Sarina State High School |
Darcy |
Semmler |
Moranbah Bulldogs |
St Catherine's Catholic College |
Mackenzie |
Smyth |
Rookie Search |
Pioneer State High School |
Lily |
Tarlinton |
Mackay Magpies |
Mackay North State High School |
All players selected will receive an email from AFL Queensland Regional Manager, Jeff Neumann regarding selection.
Coach: Matt Bateman
Assist Coach: Jennifer Revell
Sports Trainer: Tricia Plate
AFLQ: Jeff Neumann
Last Modified on 07/10/2016 13:59