Image courtesy of Slattery Media
AFL Queensland in conjunction with the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS talent academies held a Combine Event on Sunday 14 November, with 20 talented athletes to see if they have what it takes to play AFL at the highest level.
The young men, all aged from 16 to 17 years, come from Northern NSW and South East Queensland and were selected from an initial group of 150 athletes.
AFL Queensland’s Combine, formerly known as Rookie Search, is a five stage program run in partnership with the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast SUNS talent academies to provide athletes from non-AFL backgrounds in NNSW and QLD with the opportunity to participate in and learn about the codes elite player pathways.
Karmichael Hunt (NRL) and Zac Smith (soccer) from the SUNS and Daniel Merrett (volleyball) from the Lions were on hand to speak with the athletes about the opportunities the talent academies can offer. Smith and Merrett are former graduates of the program while Hunt is the highest profile AFL recruit from another code.
AFL Academies & Talent Manager for QLD & NSW, Mark Browning said the Combine is a great opportunity for athletes from any sport to learn about the AFL pathway without leaving home.
“What we can offer for young athletes is the chance to try our game while they continue to play their first sport of choice.
“And ultimately, if they are accepted into the Lions or SUNS academies, there is a pathway that will take them via local football, state representation and potentially to an AFL Club right here in Queensland”, he said.
The Combine program is designed to identify potential players from all sporting backgrounds who possess natural athletic ability and who enjoy competing at the highest level. Athletes might be great sprinters, long distance runners, basketballers, high jumpers, rugby players, tennis or just have a competitive nature.
There’s no obligation to participate in the program beyond the initial testing phase. All athletes are actively encouraged to continue playing their first sport but receive the benefit of access to additional professional coaching.
The program name refers to the search for potential players who combine athletic potential with hand and foot skills and have the mental toughness to play AFL. Players need to show they can combine the three elements. Once a part of the academies, each participant will experience best practice learning, facilities and facilitators in a sports environment.
Daniel Merrett started playing AFL when his mates needed another player for their local Australian football team. He was a talented sportsman who played many codes but his main sport was volleyball. Six months after being spotted by the AFLQ talent staff, Daniel was playing for the Queensland State U18 team.
“I guess it’s pretty funny how I got into AFL, but once I started I was hooked. I started with Surfers Paradise Demons at 16, played with Southport Sharks the next year and was drafted by the Brisbane Lions at the end of that same year.”
“The AFLQ program I was part of, added to what I was learning in club footy by giving me extra skill development work and the opportunity to train with elite level players in the Stingrays, meaning I had a pretty quick transition to AFL level,” Merrett said.
Brett Smith, Zac’s father, also spoke to the parents about his family’s experience of the program and their move from Rockhampton, via the QAFL competition, to a contract with the Gold Coast SUNS.
The next step for the 20 young players involved today, if selected, is an invitation to join the AFL Queensland Scorpions U18 summer training program.
