U18’s set to impress in Coffs Harbour

The state and territory’s top under-18-year-olds will commence arguably the biggest phase of their young careers in January following TPP teams announcing their squads for the upcoming Joss State Zone Trials in Coffs Harbour.

(Please click on the name of the respective TPP team to see the players selected. ACT/South Coast, Sydney South, Sydney North, Western Sydney, Northern Coast. To view the umpires selected to officiate at the trials please click here.)

The time is now for players to impress with NSW/ACT RAMS selection up for grabs for those who standout during the four-day event.

For players selected in the RAMS, they will take part in training camps and will play for the combined NSW/ACT state team in the Under-18 NAB National Championships next year. The NAB Nationals has typically been used by club talent scouts as the carnival where they identify players for selection in the end of season drafts.

NSW/ACT players on AFL lists have gradually risen in previous years, and State Talent Manager Darren Denneman said he hopes the numbers will continue to grow in the future.

“We saw a record 18 NSW/ACT listed by AFL Clubs this year but we truly believe there is the potential for more local players to make it in the AFL,” Denneman said.

“The Joss State Zone Trials presents itself as one opportunity for players to improve their games by taking full advantage of the resources available to them.

“For four days, players get access to coaches 24/7 so there are visual and verbal mechanisms available to them, as well as the recovery processes in place to ensure players play at their best each match.

“We aim to make the camp as though the players are part of an AFL club and hopefully they’ll come out of the carnival with a heightened level of enthusiasm to take their game to the next level.”

The future of NSW/ACT players has never been better with the establishment of the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants Academies in 2010.

The Academies are designed to enhance players’ sporting capabilities and athletic potential by providing direct access to each club’s first-class coaches and facilities.

Players who are part of the Academy will have the opportunity to be drafted or rookie-listed by their respective zoned club when they are eligible for the draft.

The Joss State Zone Trials, being held in Coffs Harbour from January 17 to 20, will act as another incentive for players to impress with both clubs seeking players to form their 2011 Academies.

“To have the academy programs and the quality of resources available presents itself with a unique opportunity for players in our market to develop even quicker than they would through the wonderful environment at their local club and the environment that the AFL NSW/ACT Talented Player Program has created,” Denneman said.

The Under-18 Joss State Zone Trial will be held at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium from January 17 to 20. All draws and results can be found at www.aflnswact.com.au.