The Gold Coast SUNS kicked off its 2026 Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys campaign with a 47-point demolition over the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, 5 July.
The SUNS lead confidently all afternoon to command its first victory over the Lions at the national level for U16 Boys.
StreetSmarts SUNS Academy U16M Coach John Deitz was thrilled with the team’s performance.
“It was a really good team performance from us,” Deitz said.
“We started really well. In the first half, we kept them goalless and our aerial power defensively was outstanding.
“We were able to capitalise on some good ball movement going forward and get some scoreboard pressure on them which was also pleasing.
“It’s the first time we've ever beaten Brisbane at 16's level so it's a really good scout for us because they're a program we respect really highly.”
One of seven goalscorers on the day, Callum Samuelson (three goals) delivered a hat-trick before half time and a mature performance in the contest up against a preying pair of Lions.
Cairns product Travis Larkins (32 hitouts, six clearances) provided a strong presence in the ruck to feed the SUNS midfield the first taste of the footy. Midfielder Kobe Mundy (26 disposals, eight tackles, five clearances) was a barometer for Gold Coast, driving his power and pressure through the contest and into the SUNS territory alongside counterpart Paddy Fitzgibbon (two goals, 10 contested possessions, eight tackles).
Hunter Weatherley and Ashton Gardner were solid across the half back all day, proving crucial to the SUNS set up. The defence duo tallied a combined 11 contested possessions and 14 intercept possessions and were both undefeated in one-on-one contests.
The SUNS now turn their attention to Monday afternoon’s match at People First Stadium against the Sydney Swans Academy.
“We know that Syndey are a really strong side and they're obviously a bit of a benchmark in terms of academy programs so it's a great chance for us to take some lessons,” Deitz added.
“We were really good against them for three quarters down in Canberra last month.
“We probably dropped away the last quarter defensively particularly our ability to reconnect with our direct opponents.
“So, we'll look to tighten up a bit defensively, try and stop their handball game, and we'll just try and play a fast game of footy that's fun to watch."
