Devils quintet to attend first camp next month after being picked in next year’s Allies squad

Five of the state’s most promising junior footballers have been selected in the 2020 Allies NAB AFL National Academy Squad, including two first timers.

Tasmanian Devils Sam Collins, left, and Ollie Davis are two of the five Devils named in the 2020 Allies squad. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

FIVE players from Tasmania’s under-18 side have been selected in a 30 strong NAB AFL National Academy Allies squad for 2020.

Clarence duo Sam Banks and Oliver Davis, North Hobart pair Sam Collins and Patrick Walker and North Launceston key forward Jackson Callow will join emerging talent from the Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast and GWS academies, as well as two players from Murray Bushrangers and three from the Northern Territory.

The Allies squad will meet next month and train from November 18 to 20, taking part in a high performance camp focusing on both on and off-field education.

Devils co-captain Davis, Callow and Collins all tasted Allies action this year, while fellow draft-age player Walker and bottom-ager Banks are debutants to the program.

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“The new approach to the national NAB AFL Academy, introduced for the first time in 2018, will again ensure more of our most talented players have access to AFL facilities, while receiving the best quality coaching, high performance and wellbeing services in the country,” AFL national talent pathways manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

“Importantly these players will spend more time in their home states, with year-round first-class support that will enhance their opportunity to perform at an elite level.”

Last week Davis was crowned the Devils’ bess and fairest and midfielder of the year, while Callow took home the forward of the year award and was runner-up to Davis in the best and fairest count.