Promising Gold Coast academy forward Damien Burke booted five goals against Greater Western Sydney academy on Saturday at Blacktown International Sportspark to help his side to a 17-point victory in the Under-18 NAB AFL Academy Series.

In calm conditions, conversion in front of goal was the difference as Gold Coast ran out winners, 12.3 (75) to 7.16 (58).

Burke, standing at 188cm can win the ball in the air and on the ground and impressed with his composure and accuracy in front of the goals in his standout performance.

He combined with Shawn Watson to do the damage for the SUNS. Watson booted four, with many of his goals coming early in the game. A 19-year-old, he nominated for last year's NAB AFL Draft.

In the midfield, Brodie Foster was the standout for the Gold Coast Academy. He not only won the ball on the inside but was involved in transition, making the Giants pay for their mistakes.

Tom Highmore stood tall in defence for GWS, often intercepting across half-back and showing good ball use under pressure.

Tough onballer Nicholas Shipley was a touch scrappy throughout the match, due largely to the consistence pressure applied by the SUNS around the contest.

His marking made him a threat up forward and a nice goal on the run in the last quarter, when he showed good awareness and weaved through traffic, helped the Giants push for the lead before the SUNS kicked away.

Key forward Jarrod Brander presented well and took plenty of marks but his inaccuracy was costly. GWS lost priority access to Brander when the Albury/Murray region was taken out of the club's zone.

Brander is one of several players who could be drafted at No.1 this year depending on how the season plays out.

Highly rated midfielder Charlie Spargo pulled out of the game earlier in the week with knee irritation. He should be fine to return in the next fortnight.

However, as with Brander, GWS no longer has priority access to Spargo. He is the son of former Lion and Kangaroo Paul Spargo.


GOLD COAST ACADEMY 5.0 7.1 10.2 12.3 (75)
GWS ACADEMY 1.3 3.11 3.14 7.16 (58)

GOALS
Gold Coast academy: Burke 5, Watson 4, Arnold, Bowie, Simington
GWS academy: Fitzgerald 2, Gray 2, Stevens, Shipley, Edwards

BEST
Gold Coast academy: Foster, Burke, Graham, Crossley, Smith, Davidson
GWS academy: Highmore, Shipley, Fitzgerald, Brander, Gaynor, Budd