Australia’s under-17s too good for New Zealand as next generation shows off talent at Marvel Stadium

Australia’s under-17s were a class above New Zealand in their annual clash at Marvel Stadium on Saturday with the depth of talent on show suggesting the 2020 draft will be a strong one.

Australia under-17s coach Luke Power.

Some of Australia’s best up-and-coming talent strutted their stuff at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Australian under-17s were a class above the New Zealand Falcons as fans got an early preview of the 2020 AFL Draft class.

Captain Will Phillips (Oakleigh Chargers/Beverley Hills) was outstanding through the midfield, while Elijah Hollands (Murray Bushrangers/Wodonga Bulldogs) kicked three goals in the 17.20 (122) to 7.3 (45) win.

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The team featured several famous names with father-son prospects Luke Edwards (Adelaide) and Taj Schofield (Port Adelaide) and Henry Walsh (brother of Carlton’s No. 1 pick Sam) putting their best foot forward.

Coach Luke Power was impressed with local talents Phillips, Campbell Edwardes (Calder Cannons/Keilor), Nik Cox (Northern Knights/Montmorency) and Connor Downie (Eastern Ranges/Vermont).

“Will was terrific and captain for the game. He played midfield for most of it and kicked a couple of goals,” he said.

The Walsh family, Henry, father Wayne and Sam in 2018. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“He won a lot of the footy and it’s important for guys like him to be hard around the contest because the New Zealand boys are obviously grown men.

“Nik is a developing tall with good size and a really good runner. It was good to see him defend really well and beat his man but I really liked the way he looked to run off and create some attack for us.

“Campbell was pretty good. Played a bit of forward and on the wing for a little bit. He worked hard.

“Connor is explosive and kicks the ball really well on his left foot.

“He’s come up late, come on to our radar recently. We hadn’t heard of him until the start of the year and he’s doing some really nice things with Eastern.”

Power said the match was a chance for the players to challenge themselves as they continue to develop ahead of next season.

“They need to be realistic that this year is a development year for them and next year is the important year,” he said.

“We need to manage them to make sure they’re coming into next year ready to perform.”

AUSTRALIA UNDER-17 SQUAD

Kaine Baldwin (Glenelg)

Ethan Baxter (Murray Bushrangers)

Tanner Bruhn (Geelong Falcons)

Braeden Campbell (Sydney Academy)

Jackson Callow (North Launceston)

Sam Collins (North Hobart)

Nikolas Cox (Northern Knights)

Alex Davies (Gold Coast Academy)

Oliver Davis (Clarence)

Connor Downie (Eastern Ranges)

Zachary Dumesny (South Adelaide)

Corey Durdin (Central District)

Luke Edwards (Glenelg)

Campbell Edwardes (Calder Cannons)

Denver Grainger-Barras (Swan Districts)

Errol Gulden (Sydney Academy)

Oliver Henry (Geelong Falcons)

Elijah Hollands (Murray Bushrangers)

Logan McDonald (Perth)

Nathan O’Driscoll (Perth)

Will Phillips (Oakleigh Chargers)

Taj Schofield (Subiaco/Woodville-West Torrens)

Jye Sinderberry (West Adelaide)

Riley Thilthorpe (West Adelaide)

Zane Trew (Swan Districts)

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (GWV Rebels/Oakleigh Chargers)

Henry Walsh (Murray Bushrangers)

Brandon Walker (East Fremantle)

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