Gold Coast Suns to feature in revamped under-18 academy comeptition as part of widespread changes

SUNS football manager Jon Haines has backed a revamped under-18 academy competition to improve the quality of both players and coaches coming through Gold Coast’s system.

SUNS football manager Jon Haines has backed a revamped under-18 academy competition to improve the quality of both players and coaches coming through Gold Coast’s system.

Gold Coast academy members will play three TAC Cup sides as part of a five-game series set to replace the traditional format that restricted the Suns to an under-18 academy series including the Northern Territory, Sydney, GWS and Brisbane.

In 2019 Gold Coast will play the Northern Territory and Brisbane before facing Victorian TAC Cup teams Oakleigh, Eastern Ranges and Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

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The games will be run in addition to the 2019 TAC Cup fixtures, with games to be played the scheduled matches for Victorian teams.

The Allies representative team — made up from players from Queensland, Northern Territory, NSW and Tasmania — will be selected following the five games.

Haines said the new format will increase the exposure the club’s academy players get against some the country’s top football talent in Melbourne while also improving the quality of their coaches.

Gold Coast Suns academy player Austin Harris at training. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

“It’s a good opportunity for our players and staff that will hopefully better prepare them for AFL football,” Haines said.

“In essence the change came about when the AFL had a look at the talent pathway last year in terms of what worked best for developing states like NSW and Queensland.

“It allows us to still be involved with fellow academy teams like Brisbane and the Northern Territory this year while also getting broader exposure against players from Melbourne in particular.

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“Strategically, whatever exposure we can get that will improve our players and coaching staff is great. It’s a really exciting opportunity and initiative.

“It will also provide a reference point for us when we head to the draft so it’s a really important tool.”

SUNS U18 ACADEMY FIXTURES:

March 30: Suns Academy v Northern Territory. Blacktown, Sydney. 2.20pm.

April 6: Suns Academy v Brisbane Lions Academy. Qld, TBC. 11am.

April 14: Suns Academy v Oakleigh. Gold Coast. 10.45am.

April 27: Suns Academy v Eastern Ranges. Trevor Barker Oval. 1.15pm.

May 5: Suns Academy v Greater Western Victoria Rebels. 10.45am.