Northern Heat AFL squad announced for 2022-23 – player profiles
The latest group of AFL young guns in the North Coast’s top juniors are set to be put through their paces over the summer months. See who made the cut and why.
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With AFL grand finals done and dusted across the state you could be forgiven for thinking that local footy is now on an extended break, but for the 28 elite players who have been named in the Northern Heat program, the ‘off-season’ is anything but.
The hotly contested program requires players to trial before admittance.
Players from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie have committed to a gruelling series of training sessions that will be held from now through to March when the focus is on individual development of skills, fitness, and footy IQ.
AFL community football manager Paul Taylor said the Northern Heat program has had a great response from players in both the North Coast and North West since it started in 2018.
“Our focus is on preparing players to take the next step within footy, whether that be stepping up an age group, moving into open age footy, or progressing to higher level honours,” Taylor said.
“We’re already seeing our past players making a significant mark on local footy and further afield.”
Once again the program will have a Colts squad (players born 2005 or 2006) and a Futures squad (players born 2007-08) and will conclude with both groups playing a pre-season match on the Gold Coast.
Coffs Harbour Breakers
Beau Guthrie
Age: 15
Position: Wing, forward, back
Coach Jay Guthrie said Beau is a versatile player who can play multiple positions.
“He has a high level of effective disposal and ability to impact the scoreboard,” Guthrie said.
Cooper Marle
Age: 15
Position: Midfield, back
“Coop’s desire is only for the ball, he gets in and under and he gets the ball out of a contest,” Guthrie said.
“He’s a workhorse in his repeat efforts.
Oscar McKenzie
Age: 16
Position: Midfield, forward
Coach Guthrie said Oscar is a ‘hard at the ball’ player with reckless endeavour.
“He finishes off work well and regularly hits the scoreboard,” Guthrie said.
He was also selected in one of the Sydney Swans North Coast Force junior rep teams earlier in the year.
Luke McLennan
Age: 16
Position: Back
“Luke has great skills with an ability to run with the ball,” Guthrie said, “he has a long boot which allows him to break lines by foot or by run.”
Luke was also a part of one of the Sydney Swans North Coast Force junior rep teams earlier in the year.
Lincoln Chambers
Age: 14
Position: Midfield, morward
“Linc has a tank to run all day,” coach Guthrie said, “he loves to get the ball in space and run forward with an ability to hit targets or kick the goal.”
He was also selected in one of the Sydney Swans North Coast Force junior rep teams earlier in the year.
Max Morgan
Age: 14
Position: Back, midfield
“Max is a smart player,” Guthrie said.
“He can read the contest and intercept mark. Uses the ball well and ensures his team maintains possession.”
Max was also selected in one of the Sydney Swans North Coast Force junior rep teams earlier in the year.
Riley Morrissey
Age: 15
Position: Back
Coach Guthrie said Riley has a great ability to take intercept marks.
“He will contest the ball in the air and will get the ball out of the backline to one of his team,” he said.
Glen Innes Celts
Diesel Harvey
Age: 16
Position: Centre/Back
Coach Aaron Harvey said Diesel’s No. 1 strength is his attitude toward the game and his teammates.
“He puts in 100 per cent on the training track and game days,” he said, “he’s a great leader.”
A fierce competitor who aims to win the ball at all cost, Diesel is a strong voice on the field.
“When playing in the backline Diesel reads the play well and gets himself in great positions to defend and then link up with teammates to drive the ball forward.
“His ability to run all day is a great asset for his team and a credit to his fitness level.”
Shaun McKenna
Age: 15
Position: Centre/Forward
Coach Aaron Harvey said Shaun is an up and coming player.
“He has progressed to U17s football this year and his commitment to the team has been outstanding. He has the furthest to travel each week but always arrived on time to be ready for the game,” Harvey said.
A quiet achiever, McKenna brings great skill and combined with his hunger to learn more about the game is a coaching asset.
“Shaun is a speedy player and when given the chance can link up and become a great attacking player,” Harvey said.
Both Glen Innes boys will be valued team members of their Heat squads.
Nambucca Valley Lions
Josh Monaghan
Age: 16
Position: Ruck/rover/centre half back/centre half forward
Coach Andy Johnston said Josh has played 68 games for the Lions and is in his fifth season.
“He is a tall player and quick across the ground,” Johnston said.
“He played reserve grade this year as we did not have an Under 17 team. He acquitted himself very well in this team. He also played in the North Coast Under 17 representative team this year.”
Wilson Baade
Age: 15
Position: Ruck/rover/centre half back/centre half forward
Coach Johnston said Wilson has played 94 games and is in his sixth season.
“An average size player, he has great skills and endurance,” Johnston said.
“He plays on the ball and has been captain of his club team for six years and captain of the representative team this season.
“He won the Under 15 Best and Fairest this year in the North Coast Competition and played in the NSW Combined High Schools Under 15 team this year.”
Port Macquarie Magpies
Seniors
Lochlan Jones
Age: 15
Position: Full forward
“Lochie is a small forward blessed with speed and a penetrating kick,” coach Mik Rolfe said.
“His tackling pressure which has come on in leaps and bounds in 2022 has also seen him have short stints on the ball where he can break a game open.”
Evan Pitt
Age: 16
Position: Left back pocket, centre back, right back pocket
Coach Mik Rolfe said Evan is learning his craft but is a fearless backline player.
“He is extremely fast for his height,” Rolfe said, “his raw skills are what see him underestimated by opposition sides.
“His willingness to listen and be coached is paying dividends in his growth.”
Will Kelly
Age: 15
Position: Forward/on baller
Coach Mik Rolfe said Will’s dedicated training and commitment to refining his game is testament to his success.
“He prepares for every game and training session like a professional footballer,” Rolfe said.
Juniors
Riley Bates
Age: 13
Position: Ruck/forward
Coach Vicki Bates said Riley is a great competitor and teammate.
“He always gives 100 per cent,” Bates said, “Riley is a student of the game – he doesn’t mind the rough stuff either with his relentless tackling or a hip and shoulder.”
Tom Gallagher
Age: 14
Position: Midfielder/defender
Coach’s comment: “A competitive beast with a big heart who loves the game and will never shy away from a contested possession. He’s happy to take on players twice his size, and holds no fear.”
Freycin Hostettler
Age: 14
Position: Midfielder
Coach’s comment: “A running machine with a workmanlike approach to his football. He does everything you ask of him. Leads by example with his willingness to attack the ball at all costs.”
Isaac Luke
Age: 13
Position: Midfielder
Coach’s comment: “A tireless athlete who wills himself into games. Silky skills for getting the ball out to a teammate. Does all the little things that coaches ask for. A pleasure to coach.”
Lincoln Proctor
Age: 15
Position: Ruck
Coach’s comment: “Like a diesel engine in the ruck, he just keeps going all day long. Never shirks a battle and loves the hard stuff. Has a booming right foot kick.”
Cooper Sheldon
Age: 15
Position: Forward/back
Coach’s comment: “A general for the troops, leads with his support and strong voice on the field. A very reliable kick for goal and great hands for overhead marking.”
Reeve Simmons
Age: 15
Position: Ruck
Coach’s comment: “A tall and agile ruckman with a very competitive edge. A rugby league convert who has picked up AFL very quickly. Tackles with gusto.”
Mitchell White
Age: 14
Position: Defender
Coach’s comment: “Reads the flight of the ball very well and uses the ball wisely without rushing. Has a raking left foot that can pick out a target with ease.”
Sawtell Toormina Saints
Seniors
Chad Anderson
Max Cracknell
Charlie Martin
Angus McFarlane
Juniors
Tristan Staines
Age: 15
Position: Centre back/half back
Coach Adrian Carle said Tristan is fast.
“Speed, reads the game well, and defends really tough (above his size/weight). Loves the contest.”
Tane Skinner
Age: 15
Position: Utility
Coach Carle said Tane is a very versatile player.
“Tane can play in numerous positions, due to his athleticism. He has height, speed, agility and a long accurate kick,’’ he said.
“He demonstrates excellent leadership skills on the field,” Carle said, “and has represented the North Coast Force for the Past FOUR years. This is his second year being selected in the Heat Program.”
In addition to the squad training sessions, players will also be given individual running, strength and conditioning programs to complete over the Christmas/New Year period.
First session kicks off October 15.
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