THE region's next generation of football stars were on display during the Northern Heat's clash with Surfers Paradise-Southport on Sunday.
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The clash was the culmination of the Northern Heat program, which brings the best under-18 players from AFL North West and AFL North Coast together.
The five-month program focused on the development of skills, fitness and game sense, while the match allowed the youngsters to apply their learning against a quality opponent.
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Despite playing in blustery conditions, an early-goal from Moree's Nick Fisher helped the Heat set the tone for the game and take a 16-point lead into the opening break.
Fellow Moree Sun Daniel Brown kicked truly in the second term to help the Heat extend their margin to 18 points at half-time.
After the break, the Heat struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard due to the conditions.
However, a goal from Inverell's Tim Beattie, gave the Heat a 29-point advantage going into the final term.
Kicking into the breeze in the final term proved to be no obstacle for the Heat, as two final-quarter goals helped them record a memorable 40-point win.
AFL NSW-ACT community football manager Paul Taylor said the side's performance was outstanding.
"This was the most complete performance I've seen from any team in this age group across the two regions," Taylor said.
"The coaches asked the boys to focus on doing the small things like chasing back, laying tackles, and putting on bumps for team mates, and they never strayed from those instructions.
"This group has worked really hard and been extremely focused since we first came together back in November.
"I'm really pleased for them that they claimed a win."
Taylor said he was confident the relationship between the Heat and Surfers Paradise-Southport would continue in the future
"They've really set a standard for future Heat squads to live up to," he said.
"They've also made a huge positive impression on the staff at Southport Football Club and there will be opportunities for some of our players to pursue with Southport in the near future."
Gunnedah Bulldogs speedster Jasper Thomas, who took out the Anderson Medal for most committed to the program, said the experience was life changing.
"I've really enjoyed playing with the Heat and it has helped my football a lot," Thomas told the Leader.
"There was a great atmosphere playing on the Southport Sharks ground, which is much bigger than we are used to.
"It was definitely great to get a win with a team that has only trained three times and missed out on a practice game because of weather.
"It was so good to cap off this year's program with a win and I can't wait for the upcoming AFL North West season."
Fellow Bulldogs young gun Hayden Baker said the experience of representing the Heat last year helped the side turn around the result.
"I think similar to last year, we had a really good team of blokes that have played high levels of footy for a few years so with that, plans and execution of the plans were done well," Baker said.
"To me there wasn't a whole lot that was different other than our team."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
