Devils match AFL clubs for players in Allies squad for championships

Tasmania has eight players in the Allies squad for the national under-18 football championships next month. See what AFL clubs we matched and the club we bettered for the number of players picked.

Devils midfielder Mitch O’Neill is one of eight Devils picked in under-18s Allies squad. Picture: FIONA HARDING

THE Tasmania Devils have eight players named in the Allies squad for the NAB AFL Under-18 championships next month – the same as AFL clubs Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns and two more than GWS Giants.

The Allies team is formed from the best-performed players from Tasmania, NSW/ACT, Queensland, and Northern Territory, following the Under-18 Academy series that took place in rounds two to six of the NAB League competition.

The Tasmanian contingent includes Australian under-18 representative Mitch O’Neill, and Australian under-17 players Jackson Callow, Sam Collins and Oliver Davis.

The foursome is joined by fellow Tasmanians Hamish Allan, Jared Dakin, Matt McGuinness and Will Peppin in the initial 50-player Allies squad.

The Sydney Swans had the most players selected with 10, followed by Tasmania, Brisbane Lions and GCS with eight each, GWS with six, four from Northern Territory, as well as three each from Bendigo Pioneers and Murray Bushrangers.

AFL Tasmania football manager Craig Notman said selection in the Allies squad was a great result for the Devils program.

“All eight players deserve their opportunity and possess attributes that make them attractive to recruiters and I’m sure they will all take the experience with two hands and give it their best shot,” he said.

The Allies squad will gather in Melbourne for a camp from May 23-26, culminating with trial games against Vic Country and Vic Metro at Ikon Park on May 26.

The Allies’ first championship game is against Vic Country at UTAS Stadium on June 9.