U14 Taipans - 7 players make AFL Brisbane Lions Academy

The players, Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds, David Lewis, Timmi Peck, Matthew Uebergang, Patrick Crosling, Bill Pendlebury and Lewis Radford, were all standouts at the carnival and demonstrated all attributes needed for selection.

For those not familiar with the AFL Lions Academy, its objectives are to:

• Target and attract potential AFL players aged between 12 and 18 to the Academy

• Fast track the development of these individuals by providing first class coaching, facilities, infrastructure and support services.

• Provide all participants in the Academy with the opportunity to learn from AFL stars, who coach in the Academy.

• Provide state-of-the-art coaching and analysis.

• Provide leadership and teamwork skills to assist in the personal development of participants.

• Provide best-practice physical training and nutritional advice to support optimal performance.

• Increase the number of Queensland players ultimately drafted or rookie listed by AFL clubs.

A number of factors were taken into consideration when selecting the initial squad including fitness levels, skill levels and football knowledge.

Feedback was also sought from regional managers and coaches on player’s attitude at training and in games, commitment and general behaviour.

All  players selected will be required to attend an orientation session in late August at the GABBA followed by a testing session in the September school holidays so that the final breakdown of the Level 2 and Level 3 squads can be completed.

Players can enter, and exit the AFL Lions Academy at any stage depending on a player’s attitude, commitment and testing results. Selection should not be taken for granted but seen as a great opportunity to further develop your football and personal development.

For those boys who have missed out on selection we would encourage you to seek feedback from your regional Under 14 coaches and AFLQ managers and then continue to work hard on all areas of your game.

The best players at age 13-14 does not necessarily represent who will be the best players at age 17-18 with many boys developing physically and mentally at various stages.

Please click on the link to view the squad for 2008-2009. www.scorpions.aflq.com.au