Daniel Brown and Will Caccianiga represented the under 17s team, Brayden Macey played for the under 15s, Heath Caccianiga and Ryan Macey did their bit in the under 13s and Belle Brazel, Codie Gainey, Piper Phillis and Shae Mitchell were part of the youth girls side.

The North West Youth girls side ended up coming third in the carnival, which was held in Coffs Harbour from July 16 to 18, while none of the North West boys teams won a game.

Competing against some of the best juniors in Northern NSW – with teams from North West, Central Coast, Northern Rivers, North Coast and Hunter – Moree Suns committee member Annette Hadley said the North West sides played well, despite the losses.

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“This is the first time the AFL North West has fielded four teams,” she said.

“Other leagues are significantly more established; AFL North West has only been going since 2016. And for the girls there’s not a junior competition, so girls can only play in the women’s competition in the North West.”

Hadley said each of the Moree representatives not only had a great time, but the carnival provided them an opportunity to develop which they wouldn’t otherwise have.

“Shae Mitchell said it was the best game she’d ever played, it was the game she had the most fun,” she said.

“It was good for them to get to experience a higher level of play.

“This is a next level up for them, playing the best kids from Central Coast, Hunter, etc.

“It’s good for them and their development. It’s also good to see what they can aspire to.”