EXCITING Gold Coast Academy forward Damien Burke slotted six goals as the Suns kicked away after quarter-time to post an 82-point win against Northern Territory at Broadbeach in Queensland on Saturday.
Northern Territory fielded a relatively full-strength side and showed plenty of promise early before the Suns took the ascendancy.
Burke showed his excellence in the air and on the ground. His marking prowess was on display and his ability to read the ball in the air, position himself well and protect the drop zone would have impressed recruiters.
Inside midfielder Brodie Foster took out the NAB Under-18 Academy Series MVP for the Suns after another excellent display. The natural footballer racked up plenty of the ball and can also play in the backline.
Jacob Dawson played in a similar vein to Foster, burrowing into the contest and using his smarts and composure to distribute the ball.
Harry Simington slotted two goals and won the footy all over the ground. He is a 189cm hit-up forward who can also move into the midfield.
For the Northern Territory, Matthew Green won the MVP for his performances throughout the carnival. Green is a well-rounded midfielder and his running and ball use are assets.
Tough onballer Zac Bailey again performed well for Northern Territory, while Rodney Baird's hardness and intercept marking across half-back again impressed.
Baird, who was on a scholarship with rugby league side Paramatta before entering the AFL system, caught the eye with his vicious tackling.
The best players from the NAB AFL Under-18 Academy Series will form an Allies side that will be part of the division one carnival that starts next month.
GOLD COAST ACADEMY 17.7 (109)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 4.3 (27)
GOALS
Gold Coast Academy: Burke 6, Crossley 3, Foster 2, Simington 2, Arnold, Bowie, Charlesworth, Olarenshaw
Northern Territory: Lawrence, Cubillo, Foster, Schwarze
BEST
Gold Coast Academy: Dawson, Foster, Burke, Heron, Graham, Simington
Northern Territory: Hutt, Bailey, Green, Schwarze, Lawrence, Baird
