Introducing your NSW/ACT boys Allies 2024
The 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Boys is halfway through, with the Allies sitting at 1-1 following a narrow loss to SA and a tough win against WA.
There are 11 Allies from NSW/ACT for this campaign, with 10 of them playing both matches so far, and the other playing in the second match.
But who are these players? Where do they come from? And what drives them?
Read the profiles below.
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The Allies comprises the best U18 talent from NSW, ACT, NT, Queenland and Tasmania. The team takes on interstate rivals Vic Metro, Vic Country, Western Australia and South Australia at the National Championships each year. The team won the Championship in 2023 for the first time ever, with multiple players from the Allies taken at high picks in the 2023 AFL Draft.
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We wanted to get to know our next crop of local (and possibly AFL) superstars. See below for a brief overview of our dozen players ready to take the next step in their footy journey.
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Joshua Murphy
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Born: 28/11/2006
Club: Murray Bushrangers / North Albury Hoppers
Height: 191cm
Allies jumper number: 37
Nickname: Murph
Position: General forward
Model my game on: Callum Brown, Jake Stringer
Mantra/motto: Leave better
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: To gain knowledge from the experience in the group and to forge relationships with people from across the country and, of course, win some footy.
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Joe Harrison
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Born: 20/07/2006
Club: Sydney Swans Academy / Warners Bay Bulldogs
Height: 182cm
Allies jumper number: 9
Nickname: Joey, Harro
Position: Midfield
Model my game on: Lachie Neale, Caleb Serong
Mantra/motto: Do something beneficial towards your goals everyday to achieve the best version of yourself.
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Make memories with all the boys, have fun, apply myself to the fullest against the best in the nation.
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Jobe Shanahan
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Born: 02/08/06
Club: Bendigo Pioneers / Moama Football Netball Club
Height: 194cm
Allies jumper number: 32
Nickname: Jobey, Yob
Position: Key half forward
Model my game on: Nick Riewoldt, Charlie Curnow
Motto/mantra: Control what you can control
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Become a tight group with all teammates and play a high standard of footy as a group.
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Noah Chamberlain
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Born: 21/03/2007
Club: Sydney Swans Academy / UNSW Bulldogs
Height: 192cm
Allies jumper number: 30
Nickname: Nozza, Chambo
Position: Wing/forward
Model my game on: Jeremy Cameron, Jordan Dawson
Mantra/motto: Grow through what you go through
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: An experience of going against the best and beating the best.
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Nick Andreacchio
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Born: 03/10/2006
Club: Sydney Swans Academy / Sydney University
Height: 178cm
Allies jumper number: 1
Nickname: Nicky, Nicko
Position: Half back
Model my game on: Jake Lloyd, Ollie Florent, Errol Gulden
Mantra/motto: TBC!
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Hope to play for a winning Allies side, play good consistent footy, and hopefully get noticed for my skills and efforts.
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Josaia Delana
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Born: 1/07/2006
Club: GIANTS Academy / East Coast Eagles
Height: 176cm
Allies jumper number: 11
Nickname: Joey
Position: Midfield/small forward
Model my game on: Chad Warner, Izak Rankine
Mantra/motto: Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: I want to enjoy the experience to its fullest whilst also performing at my best amongst the best.
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Ben Kennedy
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Born: 02/07/2006
Club: Murray Bushrangers / Yarrawonga Pigeons
Height: 189cm
Allies jumper number: 36
Nickname: BK
Position: Medium defender
Model my game on: Lachie Ash, but I take aspects from many players
Mantra/motto: Whatever you do in life, enjoy it and have a smile on your face
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: To enjoy the experience of playing high-quality footy with a team full of good people and to further develop my skills to keep getting better.
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Lachy Carmichael
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Born: 27/08/2007
Club: Sydney Swans Academy / North Shore Bombers
Height: 185cm
Allies jumper number: 10
Nickname: Carmo
Position: Half back
Model my game on: Skills: Harry Sheezel. Approach: Joel Selwood
Mantra/motto: If we aren’t monsters we’re food
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Experience going into my top age year and a couple of wins as well.
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Cooper Bell
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Born: 30/11/2006
Club: GIANTS Academy / Belconnen Magpies
Height: 198cm
Allies jumper number: 41
Nickname: Belly
Position: Key back/forward
Model my game on: No players in particular but I am influenced by players like Harris Andrews and Jeremy Cameron
Mantra/motto: When you feel like stopping, think about why you started
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: I want to challenge myself against stronger opponents and put my front foot forward and really good shot for November. As a team I believe we can win the champs, have a good time, and make more mates along the way.
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Joel Cochran
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Born: 26/03/2006
Club: Sydney Swans Academy / UNSW Bulldogs
Height: 195cm
Allies jumper number: 28
Nickname: Joely
Position: Centre half back
Model my game on: Jordan Ridley, Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin
Matra/motto: Success is no accident
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Learning new things each opportunity and having fun playing footy with people from around the country.
Logan Smith
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Born: 24/09/2006
Club: GIANTS Academy / Queanbeyan Tigers
Height: 204cm
Allies jumper number: 40
Nickname: Nil
Position: Ruck
Model my game on: Rowan Marshall
What do you want to get out of the National Championships: To make a name for myself and play to the best of my ability.
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