AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan recaps the Academy series, that was part of the NAB League competition between Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, NT Thunder, GWS Giants, Sydney Swans and Tasmania Devils.
The Gold Coast Academy has won the NAB AFL Academy Series Cup, on percentage, from the Sydney Swans Academy in a result taht was only decided in the final. With the AFL Academy series now part of the NAB League, both finished on 4 wins and 1 loss from their 5 matches, but the Swans' first defeat of the season denied the club the title, with Gold Coast jumping to top-spot with a win over GWV Rebels.
Not only have the Suns Academy provided the first piece of silverware for the fledging AFL club but it’s also produced the Hunter Harrison Medallist -the series best-and-fairest player - with dynamic midfielder Connor Budarick taking out the prestigious award.
Budarick had a remarkably series for the Suns, polling votes from the 3 National selectors in all 5 matches with his total of 38 votes winning comfortably from GWS Academy’s Tom Green and Suns teammate, Papua Guinea born and raised Hewago Paul Oea (just call me Ace) in 3rd place on 22 votes. The dynamic duo played a pivotal role in providing the speed, skill and passion needed to match the opposition in Australia’s premier underaged football competition. Budarick finished off his outstanding run with another eye catching performance across half back and the midfield in the Suns’ 14-point win over the GWV Rebels with 23 disposals, 8 marks and 7 Inside 50s in Round 6.
Budarick averaged 25.2 disposals (9.4 contested possessions) in the midfield and in occasionally defensive roles for the Suns as well as averaging 8.3 tackles and 2.8 clearances in playing a key role for his coach Andrew Raines in the Suns successful series. His overall strengths include versatility which allows him to play both inside and outside in the midfield or as a small defender or forward.The small defender role was one he recently played for the Australian Under 18s team in their win over the VFL’s Casey Demons when he contained dangerous AFL small forward Jeff Garlett (who has kicked over 300 AFL goals) to just 1 goal in another impressive performance to help set up his season.
The 176cm and 76kg youngster from Labrador’s other assets include his neat, efficient kicking ability, his natural competitiveness and his impressive combination of speed and endurance which give him a sound foundation to play multiple roles for his team. His Combine testing earlier this year confirmed his elite speed (2.79 seconds for 20 metres) and agility (7.90 seconds – AFL Agility run ) as well as an excellent Yo Yo score of 21.5. A resilient character with a good balance between winning contested and uncontested ball, Connor’s father Craig was drafted from Glenelg in South Australia to the Sydney Swans way back in 1989 before the family later settled in Queensland.
Budarick joins an impressive list to win the award including last year’s winner Tarryn Thomas (Tasmanian Academy) now playing with North Melbourne, along with Sydney Swans Academy graduates in Nick Blakey (2017) and Isaac Heeney (2014) and another Gold Coast Sun’s Academy graduate in Jack Bowes (2016) in winning the medal.
The final voting in the Hunter Harrison Medal was –
1st – Connor Budarick ( Gold Coast Suns Academy ) 38 votes
2nd – Tom Green ( Greater Western Sydney Academy ) 24 votes
3rd - Hewago Paul Oea ( GC Suns Academy ) 22 votes
4th - Will Martyn ( Brisbane Lions Academy ) 21 votes
5th – Errol Gulden ( Sydney Swans Academy ) 15 votes
Kevin Sheehan OAM
