AFL Mackay Finals: Best Young Players to Watch
Find out which young players are set to take the AFL Mackay finals by storm this weekend.
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The AFL Mackay finals are set to excite this weekend at Zeolla Park.
On Saturday, it’s the high-flying North Mackay Saints taking on the Eastern Swans in a semi-final, before the Whitsunday Sea Eagles do battle with the Mackay Magpies in a cutthroat elimination final on Sunday.
Find out which young players could take the games by storm below.
Bailey Wishart
Club: Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Position: Midfielder
Wishart has excelled in his first year playing seniors out on the wing. At just 18-years-old, he’s quick, skilful, and a goal kicker. He is also a favourite among teammates.
Mitch Healey
Club: Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Position: Fullback
Healy’s dominant in the air and has a good, long kick. He’s had a strong season, expect to see him in the top-five of the Whitsunday best and fairest.
Thomas Johnson
Club: North Mackay Saints
Position: Forward/midfielder
Johnson will bring good forward pressure to the AFL Mackay finals and is also a great finisher in front of goal. It’s his second senior finals campaign.
Cohen Frith
Club: North Mackay Saints
Position: Forward/midfielder
Frith’s one of the youngest players in the competition at just 16, and also often doubles up playing under-17s before his seniors. Tied for the under-17s best and fairest this season.
Jameson Beatson
Club: Eastern Swans
Position: Defender
A key defender, Beatson’s very competitive and committed. He always want the opposition’s best player, which is a great trait for a 20-year-old. Also has the ability to go forward, and is aided by his great run and leap. Made the Team of the Year this season.
Joseph Hackney
Club: Eastern Swans
Position: Defender/midfielder
Hackney accompanied Beatson in the Team of the Year this season, named on the wing. He’s also potent off the half-back flank, and is a great reader of the footy. Is hard at the footy when he needs to be, and loves to run and carry.
Harry Thompson
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Midfielder/forward
Thompson has the versatility to operate as a rover or small forward, and his will to win the footy is what sets him apart. He never gives up, and his effort’s contagious.
Blake Thompson
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Midfielder
Of no relation to teammate Harry, Blake’s a pacy wingman that’s making his mark at the senior level. He’s still eligible for the under-17s, and lines up for Moranbah’s junior side most weekends, doubling up when he can.
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