DRAFT WATCH: Part 2 – Best U18s from Qld and Northern Rivers
Find out who are the top talents coming through the Gold Coast Suns Academy who hope to be picked at the AFL national draft. READ THE FULL LIST
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THE Gold Coast Suns have restarted its Academy and the best players from various parts of Queensland and the NSW Northern Rivers are eager to show their wares in the hope of being drafted.
The Bulletin has run the rule over the Academy and come up with a list of the best players coming through the ranks.
Today, we reveal the best under-18 players who are on the club’s radar.
DRAFT WATCH: Part 1 – Best under and over-age chances from Qld and Northern Rivers
DRAFT WATCH: BEST MATURE AGE PROSPECTS
ALEX DAVIES
Age: 18
From: Cairns.
Club: Broadbeach Cats
The undisputed No.1 talent coming through the Suns Academy ranks in 2020. Davies has been on the radar of Gold Coast for the past few years. The former member of the Cairns Taipans basketball Academy is the prototype of the modern midfielder; tall, skilful and with a good engine. Davies relocated to the Gold Coast from North Queensland last year, graduating from All Saints.
He was an under-16 and 17 All-Australian and played in the Allies, further strengthening his case to be picked up in the draft. Davies spent the last pre-season training with the Suns senior AFL side and the playing group praised his athleticism and his ability to move through traffic. Davies stands at 192cm and is expected to add to his 85kg frame further in the coming months. He doesn’t have blistering speed but he is powerful and can break away from packs with his explosive pace.
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JACK JOHNSTON
Age: 18
From: Gold Coast
Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
A centre half-back who possesses great composure and decision making. The Allies squad member stands at 195cm and weighs 95kg. He is a great intercept mark, has nice skills and can kick well with both feet.
RYAN PICKERING
Age: 18 in September.
From: Townsville.
Club: Broadbeach Cats.
An Allies representative member and key position player who stands at 200cm tall and weighs around 88kg. Pickering relocated from Townsville in order to chase his dream of getting drafted.
RHYS NICHOLLS
Age: 18
From: Gold Coast
Club: Labrador
Nicholls is a smooth moving running halfback who is already a good size, standing at 190cm and weighing 78kg. The Allies squad member has a good left foot kick and is incredibly courageous overhead.
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AIDEN FYFE
Age: 18
From: Gold Coast
Club: Broadbeach
A half-forward/winger who was named the Round 15 QAFL Rising Star in 2019. Fyfe is a member of the Allies squad, has a knack for finding the goal and while he isn’t related to Fremantle’s Nate Fyfe, he is a quality player.
TOM HOFERT
Age: 18
From: Gold Coast.
Club: Broadbeach
A 201cm tall ruckman who will add to his frame in the coming years. Hofert is athletic and has good skills for such a tall player. His development has come on in leaps and bounds on the back of a good pre-season.
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