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AFL Sydney Grand Finals: 15+ players to watch in U19 Men Div 2, U20 Women, Men Div 5 GF’s

The opening weekend of the AFL Sydney grand finals are here with three huge games to kick off proceedings. We take a look at the 15+ set to make a big impression this weekend.

Flynn Withers is set to shine for Camden. Picture: Contributed
Flynn Withers is set to shine for Camden. Picture: Contributed

The AFL Sydney grand finals take place over two big weekends at Blacktown International Sportspark.

This Saturday sees three divisions crown their champions before two massive days next weekend.

We take a look at the 15+ players who are set to shine on the opening weekend.

UNDER 19s DIV 2

FLYNN WITHERS

Camden Cats

Ruck

He is strong, can jump and when the ball is on the ground he is extremely good at applying pressure on the opposition teams.

Flynn Withers of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Flynn Withers of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed

WILLIAM FOOTE

Camden Cats

Forward/Ruck

Standing at 6’5 Foote brings plenty of size both in the forward line and in the ruck. Can jump, take marks and kick goals from wherever he wants. Can tap the ball to perfection.

William Foote of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed
William Foote of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Brock Beveridge of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Brock Beveridge of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed

BROCK BEVERIDGE

Camden Cats

Half-Back

Has plenty of run in his legs that gets Camden going from the backline. Is a very skilful play who is rarely beaten one-on-one.

Cruz Martin of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Cruz Martin of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed

CRUZ MARTIN

Camden Cats

Half-back

Martin is the captain of Camden who is an absolute workhorse. His partnership with Beveridge in defence will be key.

Jeremy Battistuzzi of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Jeremy Battistuzzi of the Camden Cats in the U19s Mens Div 2 grand final. Picture: Contributed

JEREMY BATTISTUZZI

Camden Cats

Midfield

An in and under player that will tackle all day and has a great ability to set up his forward line with precision kicks inside 50.

UNDER 20s

AVA SAAD

Ruck

A versatile player who can also play a bit of half-back. Born in 2008 so is playing well up in age, Saad is a highly promising, developing young talent in those key roles.

BREA TREVITT

Parramatta Goannas

Midfield

Forms a key part of the Goannas midfield along with Skyla Seal, Trevitt has been described as an entertaining prospect with her skills.

SKYLA SEAL

Parramatta Goannas

Midfield

The yin and yang with Trevitt, Seal is slight of frame but has the run to go all day. Has a great footy IQ that she applies across the park.

BELLA HENDRIKS

North Shore Bombers

Midfield

A tough, hard-running midfielder who can run all day and is a pretty hard player to match up on. Has come through Willoughby.

MARLEE BARNET-HEPPLES

North Shore Bombers

Half-Back

A former state junior hockey representative who started playing footy at school at Queenwood. Is a critical member of the backline who marks and reads the ball well.

Emma Byrne of the North Shore Bombers in the Women's U20s grand final. Picture: Contributed
Emma Byrne of the North Shore Bombers in the Women's U20s grand final. Picture: Contributed

EMMA BYRNE

North Shore Bombers

Forward

A Lane Cove junior who is a strong full-forward, kicking 37 goals for the year to put her right up near the top. A strong, natural key forward who plays smart.

Imogen Hungerford of the North Shore Bombers in the Women's U20s grand final. Picture: Contributed
Imogen Hungerford of the North Shore Bombers in the Women's U20s grand final. Picture: Contributed

IMOGEN HUNGERFORD

North Shore Bombers

Utility

Can play in the midfield or forward. Another Willoughby junior who has played rep footy for NSW and is very good at kicking with both feet. Has played some Premier footy.

MENS DIVISION 5

Alan Donohoe of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Alan Donohoe of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

ALAN DONOHOE

Randwick City Saints

Half forward/wing

Started the year on the wing before a dominant 4 goal game earned him a spot in the forward line which he hasn’t left since. Was the 2023 Club Best and Fairest Winner.

Paul Dadic of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Paul Dadic of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

PAUL DADIC

Randwick City Saints

Full Back

A man of few words, reliable in the last line of defence. Doesn't lose too many one-on-one contests. Part of the leadership team and a former Maroubra Saints Junior.

Michael O'Connor of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Michael O'Connor of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

MICHAEL O’CONNOR

Randwick City Saints

Ruck Rover

Main man in the mids, shoulders a lot of the responsibility and does a lot of two way running. Is a former Maroubra Saints junior.

Michael Tran of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Michael Tran of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

MICHAEL TRAN

Randwick City Saints

Forward

The captain, started the season in the midfield but moved into the forward line to add forward pressure with his attack. A character both on and off the field.

Elijah Elias of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Elijah Elias of the Randwick City Saints in the Men's Div 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

ELIJAH (LIJ) ELIAS

Randwick City Saints

Half Forward

The longest serving member of the Saints. A genuine club legend - one of only nine players to play 100 games or more for the Saints. Has plenty of experience playing footy and will be the one to keep the boys level headed

Steve O'Connor (left) and Tim Physick of the East Coast Eagles in the Men's Division 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Steve O'Connor (left) and Tim Physick of the East Coast Eagles in the Men's Division 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

STEVE O’CONNOR and TIM PHYSICK

East Coast Eagles

Forwards

The dynamic pairing up front have combined for over 600 games at the club and are consistent targets who can apply scoreboard pressure for East Coast.

Will Mitchell of the East Coast Eagles in the Men's Division 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed
Will Mitchell of the East Coast Eagles in the Men's Division 5 grand final. Picture: Contributed

WILL MITCHELL

East Coast Eagles

Midfield

The young gun recently brought up his 100th game as an Eagle and his impact in the midfield is immense.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/afl-sydney-grand-finals-15-players-to-watch-in-u19-men-div-2-u20-women-men-div-5-gfs/news-story/9071007519deb4e7d7ee02e93fdc8efe