AFL Pacific Cup 2024: Top 27 under-17 players
The AFL’s growth continues to take it beyond the borders of Australia. Discover the top under-17 players from the Pacific Islands who AFL clubs must consider recruiting. Full list here.
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AFL clubs have been granted a direct look at the topic Pacific Island Australian Rules players who could one day become the next stars of the game at the top level.
More than 500 players from across the Pacific region have descended on the Sunshine Coast this week for the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup.
The 10-day carnival, held at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, features six nations in open male, female and under-17 divisions.
Participating teams include Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and South Africa.
In the Under-17 divisions, Nauru claimed the male title while Papua New Guinea won the female trophy.
With the under-17 divisions uncovering a number of standout players, here is a snapshot of the standout stars that AFL clubs should be taking a look at.
BOYS
Shekanah Dagiaro (Nauru Stars)
The Nauru ruckman and forward threat finished as the division’s leading goalkicker after claiming a number of key majors throughout the tournament. Dagiaro was very accurate in front of goal and had a cool presence with the footy.
Riv Baguga and Red Grundler (Nauru Stars)
Both midfielders looked to have the ball on a string and shared a telepathic ability that complimented each other’s strengths. Both were tenacious players, always competing for the ball and finishing off plays thanks to their accurate kicking and hand passing ability. Grundler claimed the boys competition’s joint best and fairest award while Baguga won his side’s coaches award.
Wise Duburiya (Nauru Stars)
Duburiya was a constant pest for opposition players. He was always hard at the contest, had a great motor and a booming long kick. He seemed to pop up near the ball on every play and stopped the opposition flow on a number of occasions.
Adu Dageago (Nauru Stars)
Just an electric midfielder with great spatial awareness and an exciting play style. Dageago kicked goals, defended with intensity and always looked to put his teammates into space.
Jordan Harris (Nauru Stars)
Harris was a key target up forward. Despite his size, his safe hands and agility on the ball was too much for the opposition to handle. The Nauru pocket-rocket was an electric goal sneak up forward and was able to create something out of nothing on numerous occasions.
Juniorstangas Molebatse (South Africa Lions)
Was a clear standout performer and improver from day one until day four. Molebatse wouldn’t have attracted too much attention in the warm ups but once he enters the field he flicks a switch and becomes a deadly force on both sides of the ball. He showed a great understanding of the game
Luke Olleman, Connor Hulme and Fynn Waring-Jones (South Africa Lions)
The Melbourne trio made their mark on every match from the midfield, structuring their teammates well on both sides of the ball. Each player had a great understanding of the game, communicating well and leading by example when they had the ball. Olleman also claimed the boys competition’s joint best and fairest award.
Sisa Bogitini (Fiji Jnr Tribe)
A tall, long player that was a dominant force anywhere on the field. Bogitini showed he read the game well and was strong in the air.
Samco Manisela (Tonga Thunder)
A big defender that was an aggressive presence at every contest. Manisela had a big booming kick from the goalsquare that got his team moving up the field with precision.
Palu Fifita (Tonga Thunder)
A tough in and under player who kept his head over the ball all carnival. Fifita led by example against some crafty opposition teams and was a vital part of the Tongan midfield.
Tevita Falepapalangi (Tonga Thunder)
Falepapalangi was a defensive menace that hounded the opposition and picked up a number of turnovers for his side. Falepapalangi controlled the midfield and ruck really well.
Allan Sevara (PNG Binatangs)
The Port Moresby and Gold Coast Suns academy talent was a key performer all carnival for his side. The 16-year-old led by example, showed a great footy IQ on both sides of the ball and always looked to play in a positive manner. Sevara also won his side’s coaches award.
Rocky Rex (PNG Binatangs)
Was an explosive player that nipped around the field and excelled in attacking situations. Rex had a great short, accurate kicking game that found his teammates in tight pockets of space.
GIRLS
Vilisi Vabati (Fiji Jnr Vonu)
Was all over the field, stepping into any position that was required for her side and still performing a step ahead of the opposition. She showed great skill with the ball and loved to tackle. Vabati also won her side’s coaches award.
Makaylla Sukhu (Fiji Jnr Vonu)
Sukhu had multiple highlights including big marks and great goals. Her clean hands, speed and goal sneak ability was crucial for her side’s performances.
Paulina Matavudi (Fiji Jnr Vonu)
Matavudi was a standout performer down back, holding her own against some great attacking teams. Her communications skills were very good and her clearances boosted her team’s attacking flow.
Mackelyn Hendingao and Oriana Waraningi (PNG Kurakums)
Always looked a step ahead of the opposition, controlling the flow and speed of the game from the midfield. The duo were a key reason for the Kurakums silverware success, producing a number of big effort plays when their side needed them. Hendingao was awarded with PNG’s coaches award while Waraningi finished as the competitions joint leading goalkicker.
Baby-Girl Menke (Nauru Angels)
The clear Nauru Angels standout, Menke proved extremely hard to handle with the footy and loved to lay a tackle when the opportunity presented itself. Was also strong in front of goal.
Maya Itaia (Nauru Angels)
Itaia was one of the youngest players at the carnival but her presence on the field and in front of goal was noticeable. She booted a number of goals and attracted plenty of opposition attention.
Jeimi Vera Deraudag (Nauru Angels)
Deraudag set the tone for her side and was very strong against champion side PNG. She put her all into every contest and was effective with the ball in hand. Deraudag also won her side’s coaches award.
Emeline Toto (Tonga Storm)
Toto was a powerful and versatile ruckman who used her body extremely effectively. She was a dominant force in the middle and had a great booming kick to get the ball forward.
Liliani Fine (Tonga Storm)
Fine, an on-ball midfielder, led the way as captain and showed she read the game extremely well. She put her all into every contest and was effective with the ball in hand.
Salome Holika (Tonga Storm)
Holika was the ultimate team player with great skills. She was strong at ground level, often beating players one-on-one who were much larger in stature. Holika also claimed her side’s coaches award and the girls competition’s joint best and fairest award.
Originally published as AFL Pacific Cup 2024: Top 27 under-17 players
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