They may not have won all the games, but for all the Moree Suns involved in the AFL North West representative sides that took on the AFL North Coast, it was still a great experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While the 19 Suns players that were originally selected across the five teams weren't all able to make the trip to Tamworth, the club still had plenty of representation with eight players involved in the day.
"We had eight, which is obviously less than the 18 that got selected but that's because some people were unavailable," Moree Suns secretary Annette Hadley said.
Two under-15s, five under-17s and one senior woman participated in their respective games, with the senior women's managing to come away with a 40-point win over their competition rivals.
The AFL North Coast came away with wins in the other matches but the Suns players still stood out in all their games.
"In the under-15s, the North Coast was obviously significantly more experienced and put on a very good display but our Suns players that represented enjoyed themselves thoroughly and learned a lot and came back with a positive experience," Hadley said.
"They got diversified a little bit more and played in positions they don't normally play in so that gave them a bit of an opportunity to experience different aspects of the game and cross-skilling."
READ ALSO:
The under-17s played out a close match, with four Suns playing for the first time, and Danny Brown returning for a second year.
Again, a lot of the players were changed out of their regular positions, giving them valuable experience.
"Particularly with Danny, because he is such a talented player, the coach believed he could play anywhere on the day," Hadley said.
Nick Fisher scored three goals and Corey Baker added one during the game.
"It was once again a positive experience. It was a good day had by all and they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity," Hadley said.
Due to availability and external circumstances forcing late withdrawals, Hadley was the only female Suns player to attend, despite four youth girls and three senior women being named.
Hadley said that while the majority of the Suns female players selected weren't able to play it's still a fantastic achievement for the club.
"I think it's good for the women's side of the game," she said.
"Given we currently don't have a team, the continued training and persistence in trying to promote the women's game, three women ended up getting selected and four girls in the youth team."
Despite the majority of results going against them, Hadley said it was more challenging for the North West given they have less junior competitions and a shorter season than the North Coast.
"The Suns overall are really proud that so many of our junior participants were selected to play," Hadley said.
"Even though not everyone could make it they did a great job on behalf of the club and some some great potential for the future of the club.
The junior and youth girls teams will now prepare for a representative carnival in Coffs Harbour in July, where they will play against Hunter, North Coast and Central Coast representative teams.
The Suns are preparing to host the New England Nomads in the AFL North West on Saturday, with the under-17s kicking off at 12pm before the senior men at 2pm.
