Revealed: The top 2024 Capricornia Under-17 boys footballers striving to follow in the AFL footsteps of Central Queenslanders Zac Smith and Gavin Urquhart
Central Queensland’s Zac Smith and Gavin Urquhart plied their trade in the regional under-17 ranks before breaking into the AFL. With one round of the regular season to play, we profile some of the current crop who could be destined to follow in their footsteps.
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The AFL Capricornia under-17 competition has provided a springboard for some of the game’s best, including Central Queensland’s own AFL stars Zac Smith and Gavin Urquhart.
The gifted pair both plied their trade with the Glenmore Bulls as teenagers before breaking into the big time, Smith with the Gold Coast Suns and Urquhart, North Melbourne. Their success is sure to be inspiring the latest crop of regional players looking to follow in their footsteps.
Smith’s dramatic rise through the ranks culminated with him being signed by the Gold Coast in 2008.
He served his apprenticeship in the TAC Cup and VFL before making his debut in the club’s inaugural AFL game in Round 2 of 2011.
The relentless ruckman went on to play 124 games for the Suns and then the Geelong Cats, kicking 54 goals in an 11-year career that ended in 2021.
Highly skilled Urquhart’s career accelerated after representing Queensland at the under-18 nationals and joining forces with Morningside (QAFL) in Brisbane.
North Melbourne claimed the defender in the 2006 draft and he made his AFL debut in Round 10 of the 2008 season.
Urquhart played 41 games between 2008 and 2012.
There are a host of players in the AFL Capricornia under-17 competition this season keen to follow in Smith and Urquhart’s footsteps.
We profile the leading players from each of the six clubs involved in what has been an intriguing regular season.
Yeppoon Swans and BITS Saints are locked at the top of the ladder with one round remaining.
Both teams are on 48 competition points, having won 12 of their 14 fixtures, and sit 16 points clear of third-placed Glenmore.
Yeppoon, however, is in first place courtesy of a better for and against.
They play Glenmore in their last game on Saturday, while BITS take on fourth-placed Gladstone.
The game between Brothers Kangaroos and Rockhampton Panthers, who are fifth and sixth respectively, completes the Round 15 match-ups.
Meet the exciting prospects here.
Yeppoon Swans
Isaac Durdin (midfield)
A pocket rocket with elite skills. A talented bull rider, he is tough as nails and always up for the contest.
Liam Welsh (full forward)
The Swans captain who is highly regarded by teammates and rivals. Very evasive and hard to tackle. Has a deadly left foot and has rarely missed a goal this season.
Ozzy Jackson (midfield)
A member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy, he is one of the most dynamic players in the competition. Has elite skills and speed to burn. Physically strong, he is a powerful runner and very hard to tackle.
BITS Saints
Zac Turner (midfield)
The team co-captain, he leads from the front. Has a good overhead mark, goes hard at the ball and instead of telling the boys what to do, he shows them how it’s done. He does not let any setback define him, he’s always ready to come back for more.
Dylan Jaavuo (mid/defender)
In just his second year of Aussie rules, he has the courage of a lifetime player. His ferocious tackling, evasive skills, and safe hands mean he will feature in the AFL Capricornia competition for years to come.
Willem Sorensen (full forward)
Another second-year player who won leading goal-kicker in his first season and is in the mix to get there again. Has a big influence up forward and often has more than one opponent assigned to him due to his safe hands and sharp shooting.
Glenmore Bulls
Dexta Smith (full forward)
Has a radar-like boot and is the leading goal-kicker for Glenmore this season. A natural forward who can clunk it overhead.
Mali Harris (wing)
Tall and athletic, he can go forward and kick plenty of goals. His height makes him a great target and he has a good overhead grab.
Gladstone Suns
Ashton Dale (forward)
A great marking target who has a very accurate shot on goal. Is a big reason Gladstone are in the finals mix, having kicked 26 goals this season. Has also made the step up to the senior ranks, where he looks right at home.
Rob Willis (midfielder)
Has been a standout this season in the under-17 and senior men. Has a high-flying mark, is lightning fast and athletic, and really likes to take the game on.
Brothers Kangaroos
Billy Baxter (midfielder)
The team captain, he leads by example with his actions. An exciting prospect who is a member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy. A potent player who opposition teams know they have to contain. Great ability to read the game. His running effort is incredible; he covers nearly every inch of the park and averages about 10km a game.
Trystan King (on-ball forward)
Making a big impression in his first year in under-17. Has a positive attitude and steely determination. He brings intensity and pressure and sets the standard for his team. Aggressive to the ball and very competitive.
Rockhampton Panthers
Jackson Brighton (rover)
Great leadership characteristics. A workhorse who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to clear the football. An inspirational team player.
Alex Kraatz (on-baller)
A cross country representative, he is super-fit and can run all day. Good decision-maker who goes well with the footy in his hands. Great role model for his teammates.
Honourable mentions
Tyler Johnson (Yeppoon), Jesse McWhinney (Yeppoon), Curtis Geljon (BITS), Jack Wood (Glenmore), Ashton Dale (Gladstone), Kye Chapman (Gladstone), Sam Spearing (BITS), Oliver Bennett (Brothers), Logan Stoddart (Brothers).
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