U16 Joss State Zone Trials video

The Under-16 Joss State Zone Trials, held at St Igntaius’ College, Riverview from April 17 to 21, brought together the best AFL talent from NSW, ACT and abroad.

Please click here for a video on the event.

For five days, players were exposed to AFL recruiters and heard talks on nutrition, leadership and goal setting.

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire and Best and Fairest winner Kieren Jack as well as GWS GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy spoke to the players about their experience at the top level.

Keeping a close eye on matches was newly appointed Under-16 RAMS coach and former dual premiership winning captain of Geelong, Tom Harley. Harley, and his selection panel, will choose the NSW/ACT RAMS squad prior to the Under-16 NAB Nationals in July.

For the first time ever, the Joss State Zone Trials featured under-15 Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS Academy teams.

Both Sydney-based clubs have been nurturing and developing the next crop of stars for the past 12 months. The Academies are designed to fast-track player development to give players every opportunity to be drafted by their respective club when they turn 18-years-old. 

This year, the Joss State Zone Trials also included an Oceania team, comprised of players from Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu.