NAB League live stream: Gold Coast Suns Academy stars thriving against Victoria’s best

The Gold Coast Suns will be determined to upset the Jets in their final outing of the 2022 NAB League season. Here are five future stars who can make it possible.

Gold Coast Suns Academy coach Jarrod Cotton isn’t surprised to have seen his players excel against some of the best juniors in the country.

On Sunday, the Suns will wrap up their four-week experience in the NAB League, Victoria’s elite AFL junior competition, with a game against the Western Jets.

The month-long event has seen Gold Coast play two games against Victorian sides, the Geelong Falcons and Eastern Rangers, as part of their continued development.

WATCH THE SUNS TAKE ON THE WESTERN JETS FROM 2.15PM ON SUNDAY

It continued on the 2022 season for the Academy who had already played in other games against fellow AFL academies Brisbane, GWS Giants and Sydney.

Cotton said the experience had given his players a terrific insight into the life of those at the top level.

“The whole travel experience for the players is really good for their development for how to prepare yourself to be an elite footballer,” he said.

“Going to Melbourne which is obviously in a strong footy state and playing against some real high quality players.

“We get to play a high level in terms of intensity, skill and how to learn against high end players in that age bracket.

Check out our NAB League live stream schedule below to catch up on games you might have missed.

“It’s been a good learning curve for our players and definitely one they’ve enjoyed.

“Our under 19 group missed a lot of footy (because of Covid) so we thought it was a great opportunity for them.”

Cotton said when it came selecting the playing list for the NAB League experience he tried to “balance it out” with players from the under 17 to 19 squads.

“You still try to pick your best team but at the same time balance it out and give everyone opportunity to play throughout the season,” he said.

Among those to have performed strongly are players who could be taken in the AFL Draft at the end of the season while others are still a couple of years away.

Jed Walter

Key forward

Jed Walter has impressed for the Suns. Photo: Peter Wallis.

Walter is the only Sun in the AFL Academy this year after being selected as a bottom age player. At just 16, the 194cm prospect is someone who is getting better with every game. He is a powerful presence who brings explosive speed to the field while he is aggressive with his tackling pressure. Walter is a dominant big man who is already taking strong contested marks. His leading patterns are a work in progress but has already shown great improvement in that area.

Will Bella

Key forward

William Bella was part of the Suns side that contested the VFL last season. Picture: AFL Photos

Finding consistency is one of the biggest challenges in any forward’s game but Bella has managed to do so throughout the NAB League series. One of his biggest improvements has been the defensive pressure he has brought to the game in 2022. He has been a really consistent performer and can take a strong contested grab. He has played in the Suns’ VFL side before.

Ethan Read

Ruck

Part of the Suns Academy since he was 12, Read is developing into one of the most exciting prospects in Queensland. He is an extra midfielder at ground level given his cleanliness and quickness with his hands. He is renowned for his second and third efforts which make him an exciting prospect. As he develops his ruck craft and stoppage work, the sky could potentially be the limit.

Jed Foggo

Midfielder

Jed Foggo played for Queensland during last year’s Under-19 National Championship. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

One of the most consistent performers for the Suns this season consistently putting up big numbers with his disposal count. Despite being predominantly a midfielder, he can also be used in the defensive half of the ground to break play open with his powerful left foot. He thrives on the physical contest as well with fantastic tackling pressure. Foggo has also been described as a terrific leader.

Jared Eckersley

Midfielder

Eckersley is resilient as they come after overcoming a serious back injury two years ago. He is currently the team’s captain and can be deployed across the ground which makes him a coach’s dream. He is also a threat forward of the footy given his powerful presence at 191cm. Eckersley is a player who has got better with every NAB League game.