Emerging Talent Shines in Allies Trial Match
North Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect Archie Devine was one of the standout performers in the recent Allies trial match. The event brought together 46 of the top players from Tasmania, New South Wales, ACT, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, providing a platform to showcase their skills ahead of the final squad selection.
Devine delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 34 disposals. His ability to link up in possession chains and take control of the game highlighted his potential as a key player. Devine has been training with the Kangaroos, who have priority access to him in this year’s national draft.
Scott Moore, the coach of the Allies and Tasmania Devils, praised Devine’s development, noting that he is finding a balance between accumulating the ball and being more damaging in his play. “He can break the game open with kicking and handballing forward,” Moore said last month.
Another North Melbourne NGA prospect, Jess Bula, did not participate in the match due to a finger injury sustained earlier in the season. He is expected to return to talent pathway football in a couple of weeks.
Standouts from the Trial Match
Jake Beams, a bottom-aged Tasmanian player, was another standout, accumulating 29 disposals and 13 rebound 50s. His lethal kicking from half-back set the tone for the game.
Cooper French, a highly regarded GWS Academy bottom-ager, was absent from the match as he was rested following a strong performance in the Talent League for the Giants. Meanwhile, Coen Hardy from the Sydney Academy emerged as a surprise packet, using his towering presence to compete hard and finish with four goals.
Ethan Matthews, a rising GWS Academy talent, continued his strong form by playing through the midfield and securing seven clearances. Archie Hill, another AFL Academy player, rotated between half-back and the wing, finishing with 28 disposals.
Sonny Smiler, a late addition to the AFL Academy, showcased his x-factor with five shots on goal, rotating between a deep forward post and wing position. Smiler is considered the Northern Territory’s leading AFL Draft prospect this year.
Notable Performances
Cooper Hodge, the son of Hawthorn great Luke, played through the midfield and demonstrated his trademark tenacity, finishing with 20 disposals, five tackles, and a goal. His Lions Academy teammate Caylen Murray had 26 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency.
Ash Prindable, the brother of Collingwood’s Tyan, tied to Brisbane’s Academy, was also in action and had 19 disposals. Among other standouts were Gold Coast Academy’s 19-year-old ruck Jonah Harris, who recorded 30 hitouts, and Tasmania’s Charlie Bovill, who showed versatility by playing both forward and back.
Guy Jenkin from the Sydney Academy roamed the wings effectively and worked hard throughout the game. His performance added depth to the list of emerging talents.
Final Squad Selection
The Allies’ final squad will be confirmed next week ahead of their first game against Vic Country on June 14. This trial match provided valuable insight into the potential of these young athletes, many of whom are expected to make significant contributions to their respective teams in the coming seasons.
