Australia triumphs New Zealand in clash at Marvel Stadium

An elite group of Australia’s rising footy stars represented Australia in the NAB AFL Australian Under-17 team at the weekend, with two Geelong players fronting the lineup.

Geelong Falcons players Tanner Bruhn and Oliver Henry helped bring down the open aged New Zealand Falcons in an international match at Marvel Stadium on Saturday April 27, marking the eighth year NAB AFL Australian Under-17 side has played against New Zealand.

The match kicked off before the Adelaide Crows defeated St Kilda by 29 points.

“To represent your country in your chosen sport is one of the highest honours anyone can achieve,” said AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan before the game went ahead.

“The NAB AFL Australian Under-17 team comprises primarily of players who were selected as NAB AFL All-Australians at Under 16 level last year as well as several 17-year-olds who have performed well over the year.

“The open aged New Zealand team comprises of players who were selected in recent National League matches as well as several New Zealanders now playing in competitions in Australia.”

Australia U17 defeated the New Zealand Falcons 122 points to 45 points.

Australian U17 team:
Kaine Baldwin (Glenelg), Ethan Baxter (Murray Bushrangers), Tanner Bruhn (Geelong Falcons), Braeden Campbell (Sydney Academy), Jackson Callow (North Launceston), Sam Collins (North Hobart), Nikolas Cox (Northern Knights), Alex Davies (Gold Coast Academy), Oliver Davis (Clarence), Connor Downie (Eastern Ranges), Zachary Dumesny (South Adelaide), Corey Durdin (Central District), Luke Edwards (Glenelg), Campbell Edwardes (Calder Cannons), Denver Grainger-Barras (Swan Districts), Errol Gulden (Sydney Academy), Oliver Henry (Geelong Falcons), Elijah Hollands (Murray Bushrangers), Logan McDonald (Perth), Nathan O’Driscoll (Perth), Will Phillips (Oakleigh Chargers), Taj Schofield (Subiaco/Woodville-West Torrens), Jye Sinderberry (West Adelaide), Riley Thilthorpe (West Adelaide), Zane Trew (Swan Districts), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (GWV Rebels/Oakleigh Chargers), Henry Walsh (Murray Bushrangers) and Brandon Walker (East Fremantle).