Wanderers young gun Beau O’Connell an ‘AFL draft hope’, Muk Muks building team around him
WANDERERS have plenty of young talent coming through the ranks, with future AFL draft hopeful Beau O’Connell enjoying a solid NTFL season.The 18-year-old has made a statement in both the Premier League and the under-18s thanks to his pace and ability to move the ball on both sides of his body.
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WANDERERS have plenty of young talent coming through the ranks, with future AFL draft hopeful Beau O’Connell enjoying a solid NTFL season.
The 18-year-old has made a statement in both the Premier League and the under-18s thanks to his pace and ability to move the ball on both sides of his body.
O’Connell was part of Wanderers’ under-18s back-to-back premierships and was also part of the leadership group for NT Thunder’s under-18 side.
Wanderers president Jerome Cubillo has been particularly pleased with the young gun’s development, identifying him as one of the club’s future stars.
“He’s one of our real up-and-coming stars of the club. He’s someone that we can build our future around and have in the side for years to come,” Cubillo told the NT News. “We love having him on the field at both 18s and Premier League level, the things he can do with both sides of his body and his pace just make him a privilege to watch.
“But removing my Wanderers hat I would like to see him get drafted at some point. He has the talent and skills to play at the highest level.”
O’Connell has mainly played in the Premier League this season but has played twice for the under-18s in his last season at that level.
He has made a name for himself around the club, with under-18s coach and senior player Brenton Motlop noting improvement in his game with each match.
Wanderers currently sit in sixth position with three wins to their name this NTFL season, but the club is developing around its young, successful names to push for the top-grade premiership in coming years.
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