Eleven of the Gold Coast SUNS Academy players are a step closer to earning state representative honours, with star midfielder Lachlan Weller headlining the 28-man U18 Queensland training squad that will take on Morningside this Saturday.
Other Queenslanders include James Holland and Darcy Trask, with the former having captained the GC SUNS Academy team against the Brisbane Lions in round one.
But all eyes will be on 18-year-old Weller this year, as the AIS-AFL player looks to follow in the footsteps of brother Maverick, who played three seasons on the Gold Coast before earning a spot on St. Kilda’s rookie list.
He is considered amongst the hottest draft prospects in the country, with many draft analysts forecasting that he could be drafted inside the Top 10.
And no doubt his draft stocks would have received a significant boost over the summer thanks to the Gold Coast SUNS Academy program, after Weller was granted special permission by the club officials to train alongside the GC SUNS playing list over the pre-season.
Unfortunately Braydon Preuss will be unavailable for the squad’s friendly against the Panthers, with the ruck-forward being nursed back from injury.
GC SUNS Academy Talent Manager, Jason Torney, told goldcoastfc.com.au he was thrilled to see such a strong group of Academy players in state representative contention.
“After the first hit out in the Academy series the SUNS staff were delighted to see 11 players added to the Queensland squad of 28 to take on Morningside,” he said.
“The group will train together on Wednesday night and then stay in their region for a final training run on Friday.”
GC SUNS Academy players selected in U18 Queensland training squad
- Cassidy Haberfield
- Robert Blood
- James Farley-Smith
- Lachlan Weller
- Ryan Agita
- James Holland
- Dylan Mutu
- Tom Michael
- Darcy Trask
- Matthew Dickenson
- Kyle Emery
