RAMS double header

It will be a NSW/ACT RAMS double-header this Saturday, June 25 when the Under-18s and Under-16s travel to Tasmania for the NAB AFL Championships.

For the Under-18s, they’ll be looking to record their first win of the tournament and will be well positioned to do so coming up against a division two opponent for the very first time.

There have been three changes made to the side that lost to South Australia a fortnight ago as Lonnie Hampton (Albury), Blake Guthrie (Sydney) and Jordan Taylor (Finley) get their chance to impress on the national stage.

While the Under-16s will be vying to kick off their championships campaign with a win before taking on the best from around the country in a week-long event starting on July 10 in Sydney.

Former Geelong premiership winning captain Tom Harley will be coaching the Under-16 RAMS for the first time. Harley’s knowledge of the game and leadership is a major boost for the team.

AFL NSW/ACT State Talent and Coaching Manager Darren Denneman said all players should be congratulated for their selection in the teams to play Tasmania.

“This weekend presents a unique opportunity for both the under-18s and under-16s to travel united as NSW/ACT in what is a snapshot of life in the elite AFL competition,” Denneman said.

“For the players there is no better occasion than a trip to Tasmania where they’ll be able to showcase their talents in a match which will be well monitored by AFL club recruiters.

“We are very fortunate to have the experienced Nick Stevens and Tom Harley coaching the sides this year which presents another opportunity for players to learn and develop.” 

The Under-18 RAMS play Tasmania at 12pm while the Under-16s play at 2.35pm. Both matches will be played in Launceston.

All of the news and results from the championships can be followed on www.aflnswact.com.au.