An array of StreetSmarts SUNS Academy talent shone in the final round of the National Development Championships and across the Talent League competitions last week.

The Under 16 girls made history as the first StreetSmarts SUNS Academy squad to be crowned National Development Champions, while their senior counterparts braved a spirited fight against the GWS Giants Academy and the Under 18 boys secured their first win on home soil.

U16W v Vic Country

The Gold Coast SUNS claimed the National Development Championships with a commanding 58-point win over Vic Country in Melbourne on Thursday, becoming the first SUNS side to lift the trophy.

Off the back of a 140-point win against Tasmania in Round 1, Brenton Male’s young side carried strong confidence in their development and progression across the championships to take on the Vics.

“The performance was exceptional from the playing group,” the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy Under 16 Head Coach said.

“Our ability to run and carry by hand was a real feature, playing both smart and fast football.

“With a continued focus on our predictable method, the players were able to further grow in confidence in each other and anticipate effectively, trusting one another’s actions.”

Lily Moana (27 disposals, 11 tackles and 12 inside 50s) was outstanding on the day, breaking lines, showcasing her repeat-effort work rate and launching a monster goal from inside the centre square with the wind at her back. The young SUN’s prolific performance earned her the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy MVP.

Harriet Howe (24 disposals, including 16 contested possessions) continued her strong midfield form, working tirelessly on the inside. Lacey Bell was reliably impenetrable at full-back, consistently intercepting and delaying Vic Country’s forward entries, while Tigerlily Nixon provided constant support with her tenacious approach to the contest.

Up forward, Ella Ballantyne capped off a strong championships with four goals.

The SUNS will now turn their attention to All-Australian selection, with top-agers Moana, Howe, Nixon, Ballantyne, Steph Williams, Eliza Davenport, Ally McKenzie, Rubie Newman and Rosie Ross all pushing for selection in the SUNS Under 18 squad.

U18W v GWS Giants

Despite a spirited fourth-quarter fightback, the SUNS fell short in a 6.10 (46) to 9.7 (61) loss to the GWS Giants Academy.

“Overall, while it was a struggle in the first half, I was really impressed with the girls’ work rate and their fight in the second half to bring it back,” StreetSmarts SUNS Academy Head Coach of Female Programs Emily Avery said.

“In the fourth term, we kicked a couple of goals in a row and took the lead for a period, which was really exciting to watch.”

Maddie Campbell dominated in her first four-quarter midfield outing, amassing a third of the SUNS’ total clearances, while Allie Cameron was influential at ground level, setting the standard for physicality.

Sienna Burnham, Lilly-ann Ryder, Annabelle Foat and Anna Powell were clean and consistent in execution across the ground.

The StreetSmarts SUNS Academy program will turn up the heat this week in preparation to face the Murray Bushrangers at People First Stadium, with eight bottom-age SUNS returning following the conclusion of the National Development Championships.

“We’re looking forward to a number of our Under 16s coming into the squad this week,” Avery said.

“I hope it brings added energy and competitiveness to how the girls are training.”

U18M v GWS Giants

The Gold Coast SUNS secured their first win of the Talent League season with an 8.14 (62) to 6.9 (45) victory over GWS on Sunday at People First Stadium, played in front of family and friends.

Off the back of two byes and two early losses, StreetSmarts SUNS Academy Under 18 Boys Head Coach Jarrod Cotton led his squad into Round 5 with an emphasis on pressure, effort and intent.

“The theme during the week was Grit Week, which focuses on the ability to keep throwing punches and get back off the floor,” Cotton said.

“We’ve had a few tough weeks, so being able to train in really high-pressure sessions with lots of contest work and tackle pressure was valuable.

“The group brought that into the game and I thought our pressure and ability to keep the ball inside our forward half was really strong.

“As I said to the boys, the more effort and intent you bring to a game of footy, the more opportunity it gives you to play, and that’s what they did really well. Hopefully, we can back it up.”

The SUNS return to People First Stadium to take on the Murray Bushrangers on Sunday, April 26.

Best on: Jake Callinan, Harrison Gray, Isaac Mayne, Caleb Williams, Grady Turner, Taj Murray