Stars of the AFL under-16 girls National Development Championships

The AFL is holding its inaugural under-16 girls National Development Championships. Here are the top performers and the players who should be on the radar of every AFLW club.

TWENTY-SEVEN years ago Kevin Sheahan watched the likes of Matthew Pavlich and Adam Goodes play in the inaugural under-16 AFL national championship.

Together with Luke Power, Jude Bolton and a myriad of others they went on to become legends of the game.

Now Sheahan, the AFL’s talent ambassador, is hoping the maiden under-16 girls National Development Championships does the same for the young female footy stars across Australia.

Sheahan was on hand to witness the history-making opening games at Bond University on Tuesday where Gold Coast, Brisbane, GWS, Northern Territory and Tasmania all took to the field.

Sheahan has run the rule over the games and revealed some of the top performers who could one day be drafted to AFLW clubs.

Gold Coast Suns Academy 12.14 (86) def Sydney Swans Academy 3.2 (20)

GOLD COAST SUNS

GEORJA DAVIES

“An outstanding performance for the Suns came from Southport Sharks’ tall forward/ruck Georja Davies who used not only her height (183cm) but her mobility and skill in gathering 28 possessions taking 10 marks, having 19 hit outs and kicking 6 goals making her the undisputed best player afield.”

Dekota Baron, Chloe Gaunt, Georja Davies and Sunny Lappin of the Gold Coast Suns Academy Girls walk off the field after their victory during the AFL U16 Girls match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns on September 19, 2022 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

SUNNY LAPPIN

“The daughter of former Carlton and St Kilda star Matthew Lappin) who amassed 27 possessions, had 7 clearances, and kicked a goal, together with midfielder Ava Usher who was impressive throughout with her 28 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles and 7 clearances both being stars for the Suns.”

Poppy Tindal of the Lions is tackled by Sunny Lappin during the AFL U16 Girls match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns on September 19, 2022 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

SYDNEY SWANS

“Resolute for the Swans throughout were midfielder KIERRA YERBURY (24 disposals and 10 tackles) and defender LAUREN APPLEBY (19 disposals and 8 rebound 50s) to be among their better players.”

Brisbane Lions Academy 19.10 (124) def GWS Giants Academy 2.4 (16)

BRISBANE LIONS

ZOE PETRIDES

“Bottom-age midfield-forward, who turns 15 in September, had an impressive game with 25 disposals, having 11 inside 50s and kicking 3 goal.”

MIA GEERE

“Another bottom-ager who recently turned 15, Geere was another star playing across half back with her intercept marking (she had 10 marks) and 15 neat disposals eye-catching.”

Mia Geere of the Lions handles the ball in front of Evy Reeves of the Suns during the AFL U16 Girls match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns on September 19, 2022 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

“The Giants had a number of promising contributors particularly midfielders MOLLY MCLAREN (15 disposals) and ISIA WIENCKE (18 disposals) who both fought hard against the tide.”

Northern Territory 3.7 (25) def by Tasmania 15.10 (100)

TASMANIA

“Stars for the Devils included mobile and strong marking forward HARRIET BINGLEY who capitalised on their dominant midfield having 21 disposals, taking 8 marks and kicking 4 goals in an impressive performance with that midfield capably led by the unrelenting and prolific PRIYA BOWERING with her 33 disposals, 6 clearances and a goal a standout performance as well.”

NORTHERN TERRITORY

“Among the Thunder girls to impress were the very fleet of foot indigenous small forwards in AMBER WUNUNGMURRA (14 disposals and a goal) and MARIKA CARLTON (12 disposals) who were shining lights for their team with both putting in promising displays and are full of potential.”

Sydney Swans 8.4 (52) defeated GWS Giants 7.6 (48)

SYDNEY SWANS

For the Swans, LUCY FINN was a clear standout at half-forward. She used her body well to win possession, showed great poise when marking and displayed her brilliant her foot skills. A goal and two goal assists highlighted the impact she had. Was also strong when used in the ruck. SAVANNAH NEWTOWN led the way with 11 contested possesions, three inside 50s and a goal to cap a very busy performance in the midfield.

AYLA FLYNN’S height up forward made a big difference in the third, kicking a goal and stamping her authority as a key target. MADELINE QUINN looked great with her overhead marking. She slotted home a pair of goals and showed good range with the boot.

GWS GIANTS

JERRAH CARUSO was simply outstanding for the Giants. Her involvement as a small forward was incredible, applying constant pressure on the Swans defence and reaping the rewards. Showed composure with her kicks and deserved her two goals. She formed a great partnership with LILA PARKER in the forward line. Her tackling was exceptional and her presence alone intimidated the opposition. Also has a great boot on her.

PHILOMENA GRIGG showed a willingness in defence and was good at interrupting the Swans flow. ROSE BELL was in everything, kicking four goals, getting inside 50 four times and finding 10 disposals as well.

Originally published as Stars of the AFL under-16 girls National Development Championships