They have played the season 7-1, with their only loss against the New England Nomads in May.

Suns’ president Tina Macey said they started from just a handful of young players who were playing with the Suns senior side, and gently but steadily, they have built up the numbers for their under 16s, seeding what promises to be a flourishing future for the AFL side.

“We really want to grow the AFL club, so we’re desperately trying to get these younger players in, and they train, we work as a team, and they train with the seniors as well, so they can get the skills form the seniors to build up that base that they need,” Tina said.

She said the boys enthusiastically go back to their schools and share their AFL journey with other boys, and the word has spread.

“And it’s amazing, how one by one, we managed to get these kids turn up and they have a go, and they stay, because they really, really like it,” she said.

“That’s all we need, just that one child, and then another child and to build up to be super-awesome, and hopefully maintain a junior team for next year with a full side of 21 kids.”

The team also formed a competitive women’s side this year, the first in the district. Despite their numbers, the Suns’ side of 16 took on the newly formed Inverell women’s Saints, and polished off their 28 players in a decisive win.

Tina believed keeping momentum moving through the ranks will make a difference to their senior side who performed valiantly, but finished out of the finals the ladder. 

“In two years time, our senior team, we came sixth on the ladder this year, but I have no doubt that that senior team will be in first or second place in a couple years time with those juniors coming through,” she said.

The Moree Suns junior major-semi final is scheduled to take place this Saturday, August 27, and the location is yet to be announced. Check the Moree Suns AFL Club Facebook page for details closer to Saturday for details.