McVeigh: “AFL players amongst RAMS”

After a breakthrough TAC Cup victory and first-up AFL Under-18 Championships win over NT last weekend, the NSW/ACT RAMS are flying.

Fielding arguably their strongest side of the season, the region’s best young footballers are sparking interest from all quarters, with their precise disposal, ball-winning ability, and attacking flair combining to form one of the more formidable young outfits in the country.

McVeigh, who joined the ranks of the Academy in October last year after a stint with AFL NSW/ACT, is excited by the form of the group, coached by former Sydney and Carlton stopper Jason Saddington.

“The RAMS side has showed what it’s capable of in its last two games, beating Calder in the TAC Cup and NT in the National Championships, led by a very professional and diligent coach,” McVeigh said.

“The group is fortunate as the nucleus of the side stays together to play both TAC Cup and the National Championships, and that continuity is starting to shine through on the field.”

While cohesiveness and consistency has been a big factor in the RAMS’ recent results, it’s hard to ignore individuals whose names keep popping up in the side’s best players week after week.

The likes of Isaac Heeney, Jack Steele, and Callum Mills have been monumental this year, with the trio name-checked by National Talent and International Manager Kevin Sheehan in the wake of the RAMS’ win over NT.

“Those three guys [Heeney, Mills, Steele] as part of the on ball brigade all had excellent games,” Sheehan said.

“Heeney’s contested ball winning, and use of ball by hand and foot, confirmed his ranking as one of best young players in country, and overall the RAMS are an impressive outfit, who use the ball very smartly.

“Though it’s early days with the Swans and GIANTS Academies, we’re starting to see a genuine impact already.

McVeigh, who retired from AFL football at the end of 2012, knows there is a lot of interest in players from the region, noting there are several who “would be incredibly unlucky,” not to get drafted.

“I think this year we have a number of young players who’ll be very keenly looked at by recruiters, which is a great reward for the talent program that’s been set up,” McVeigh said.

“This is a very exciting year to be an 18-year-old playing in NSW/ACT colours.

“I have no doubt the RAMS side has got some genuine AFL players amongst them.”

The NSW/ACT RAMS’ next AFL Under-18 Championships match is against Tasmania at Visy Park in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

Image: Courtesy of Craig Golding.