Curra Swans U17 side signalled their intentions to rival teams in their season opener for 2009 played at Tony Ireland Stadium on Saturday.
The Thuringowa Bulldogs were no match for the hungry Swans who dominated the match from start to finish.
It was great to see the boys out on the field for the first time this year and to their credit they picked up from where they left off last year. They did themselves, the club, the coaching staff and their supporters proud by defeating the Bulldogs 22.17.149 to 4.6.30.
12 players out of the 22 from last years Premiers were missing through natural attrition but on the day 7 of the remaining players from last year were ably supported by 3 former U15s who have to step up this year, 4 new U17s and 3 current U15 players.
It was difficult to nominate any one player as best on ground on the day. Former fullback Max Tink kicked 7 goals up forward and Brad Simmons kicked a lazy 5 on debut. The engine room of Max, Joel Sim, Jayd McGregor and David Faulds linked the team together from back to forward lines exceptionally well with Wally Wall and Harold Maroa displaying speed and agility down the left wing. Liam Hope-Shackley stood tall at full forward before succumbing to a knee injury. He switched positions to fullback where he menaced the oppositionâÂÂs forwards and was forced to kick out with his non favoured leg, a top effort Liam.
Congratulations to former U15 players Isaac Harris, Dale Colgrave and Adam Blake for stepping up into the U17 squad this year. All had a great game in their first appearance for the U17s and worked tirelessly all afternoon.
Thank you to current U15 players Dominic Stout-Milkins, Jake Ward and Sam Britton for putting their hands up last week at training to have a run with the U17 lads. Their skills were well above their ages and they handled the pace of the game and the size of their opposition exceptionally well. All have great prospects, not only in their U15s comp this year, but into the future with the club.
Welcome back Josh Hogan, a former U15 from two years ago and to newcomers Ashley Nunn, Brad Simmons and Andrew Prior. Josh impressed with his hard at the ball attitude in a forward pocket whilst Ashley, Brad and Andrew displayed quality ball handling and running skills. All displayed good skills and ability which will bolster the squad for the remainder of the year.
We must also remember our six U16 representative players who were unable to play on the day because of their U16 commitments. We will welcome back Brodrick Hill, Tristan Dennis, Khyle Goodman, Taylar Webb, Michael Roverts, and newcomer Sam Staib for the Hermit Park Tigers clash this coming weekend.
In summary, it was a great team effort first time round, all the lads contributed and there were no passengers on the day. As reigning U17 Premiers they produced quality football and set the standard by which they will play for the remainder of the year.
Curra Swans U17s is proudly sponsored by Baulderstone
Last Modified on 21/04/2009 08:46