Three SUNS Academy prospects have earned selection in the 2023 U18 Boys All-Australian Team.
The AFL has today announced the team which includes eight Allies representatives after producing an unbeaten run through their four matches to win the title for the first time.
Key forward Jed Walter, explosive midfielder Jake Rogers and ruck Ethan Read were all selected on-field following superb performances across the Championships and are among 20 draft-eligible players named in the side.
It’s a second selection in as many seasons for Walter who also earned a berth in the side as a bottom-age player in 2022.
Read was also awarded The Hunter Harrison Medal, presented to the best player in the Academy Series, which involves non-Victorian Academy teams competing in the Coates Talent League. Past winners include Michael Voss, Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey and Toby Nankervis.
The Allies, comprising players from the ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania, had never previously won more than one of their four matches since the current Championships format was introduced in 2016.
The 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All-Australian Team was selected by a panel comprising Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy Coach/Manager) and AFL recruiters Adrian Caruso (GWS GIANTS), Kade Nanscawen(Gold Coast SUNS), David McMullin (Fremantle) and Stephen Wells (Geelong Cats).
Wing
Jake Rogers
(Allies/Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach)
Date of Birth: 02/03/05; Height: 170cm
Tenacious small midfielder whose clean hands at ground level together with his vision and creativity consistently set up the Allies through the middle of the ground. Quick and with elite agility. he was always in the contest. Averaged 22.5 disposals at 77 per cent efficiency, 5.5 clearances and 5.2 tackles to be a driving force for the title-winning team.
Centre Half Forward
Jed Walter
(Allies/Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin)
Date of Birth: 08/06/05; Height: 195cm
A powerful and athletic tall forward with a real appetite for the contest. His attack on the ball both in the air and at ground level was imposing. Was a threatening target up forward throughout the Championships, averaging 13 disposals and seven marks per match and kicked 11 goals to be a vital cog in the Allies team. Is now a dual All-Australian at under 18s level.
Ruck
Ethan Read
(Allies/Gold Coast Suns Academy/Palm Beach Currumbin)
Date of Birth: 07/07/05; Height: 200cm
Mobile and highly-skilled ruckman whose work rate and ball use were outstanding features of his game, along with his aggressive work at stoppages. Used his elite running capacity to be a dangerous marking target and used his foot skills to create opportunities for his team. Had a massive impact on all four games, averaging 21.5 disposals at 76 per cent efficiency, 7.5 marks and 13 hitouts to play important role in the Allies’ title win.
