THE NAB AFL Under-16 Championships is the first step on a long journey, according to World XVIII coach Anthony Koutoufides.

 

The Carlton champion will take the reins for the second time, doing his utmost to impart his knowledge and expertise on a team consisting of the nation's best multicultural players.

 

Koutoufides will lead his side alongside 11 other teams as the most talented junior players in the country are showcased over the week-long tournament.

 

The round-robin series, which encompasses teams in three divisions, will be held on the Gold Coast at three venues (Metricon Stadium, Broadbeach and Southport) and is set to kick off on Friday night.

 

"Getting all the guys together in this carnival is fantastic to see all the different cultures come together and form a 'family' for the week," Koutoufides told AFL.com.au.

 

"They just need a bit of guidance through their career and this is a great stepping stone for them to understand what it takes to become an elite player."

 

Both Koutoufides' parents were born overseas, meaning he was not as familiar with the intricacies of the game as some of his fellow peers growing up.

 

However that did not hamper him at all, as he finished his career with 278 games, two All Australian guernseys and an AFLPA MVP award. He was also inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame this year.

 

Koutoufides believes he has a duty to mould these young players into future stars.

 

"You've just got to try to simplify the game. We make it basic for them so they understand their roles in the team," Koutoufides said.

 

"Then eventually the time will come where we'll find two or three sensational players who will make it in the AFL."

 

The World XVIII team is part of the Division three category, which includes the Flying Boomerangs, the South Pacific and WA North West teams.

 

The division two sides consist of Tasmania, NSW/ACT, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The division one heavyweights will come from South Australia, Vic Country, Vic Metro and Western Australia.

 

The talented youngsters will strive to follow in the footsteps of Curtly Hampton, Chad Wingard, Craig Bird and Jack Ziebell who have made it to AFL ranks after going through the Under-16 championships.

 

Here are a few players to look out for:

 

Ben Jarman – son of former Hawk and Crow Darren, shows all the cleverness and footy smarts of his old man.

Jonty Scharenberg – inside midfielder who works hard both ways. Brother of Collingwood's Matt.

 

Jy Simpkin – clever player who works to contest after contest. Smart. One of the top choices.

Josh Battle - likely forward. Can mark and is a very good goal kicker. Uses his body well in marking contests.

 

Sam Petrevski-Seton - indigenous midfielder. Highly skilled on both sides of his body. Best and Fairest at the 2013 Division 3 NAB 16’s championships representing Western Australia North West team as an underage player.

Luke Strnadica - ruckman/key forward. Genuine developing tall. Agile and athletic with clean hands below his knees. Kicks with both feet and has displayed very good goal sense.

Jake Waterman – medium forward/midfielder. Clean overhead and reads the ball very well in the air. Composed in traffic with good vision and awareness. Uses the ball well and displays very good goal sense. Can play a variety of positions effectively. Son of former WCE player Chris Waterman.

 

Sam McLarty - Athletic, competitive key position with good marking ability and running capacity. Plays with energy.

Ovie Magbegor - ruckman from Nigerian parents. Possesses a great leap and strength. From a basketball background, he is still learning the game.

Jack Scrimshaw - Wiry athletic left-footed hybrid defender with excellent skills and size. Makes good decisions and has a solid left foot.

 

Harrison Macreadie - Athletic type who can play in many positions. Will likely play as a tall winger in championships but can switch up at any stage. Strong running ability, looks to have time when in possession and makes good decisions. Strong kick, mark and can play inside or out.

Tom Highmore - Makes good decisions and is able to stay calm when under pressure. Very skilled and strong overhead. Rebounds hard when defending and organises others around him very well.

 

Jack Bowes - A real smooth mover who has the ability to play both inside and outside of the contest. He has very good awareness and a keen ability to get through traffic. Jack looks a natural forward when he plays there. Good overhead.

Jesse Esam - Key forward who is a very good contested mark and excellent kick at goal. Jesse has an excellent mix of speed and endurance. He can also play through the midfield.

 

Jhdara Jones - Tall, athletic half forward or half back who has come from a predominantly basketball background. Won a scholarship to attend Scotch College in 2014. Younger brother of Liam Jones from the Western Bulldogs.

Jack Donnellan - A classy left-footer who can play midfield/wing or as a running defender. Has good speed and moves across the ground well. Is very professional for his age. Has already played three or four games at senior level in the TSL with Launceston this year.