The QBE Sydney Swans Academy and Giants Academy wrapped up the 2023 Super 24 Series in Coffs Harbour today with the U15s and U14s playing their final game.
See the scores and what the coach's had to say below.
U15 Girls - defeated by Giants Academy
QBE Sydney Swans Academy 4.5.29
Giants Academy 7.11.53
Best: Grace Tracey, Charlotte Tidemann, Eliza McLeod, Annalise Stackpool, Camryn Harland, Heidi de Saxe
Goals: Evie Charles, Madison Marsh, Charlotte Tidemann, Hannah Phillips
Coach's comments: Kathryn Hull
"I think their rate of effort impressed me. It was definitely there but it was hard to back up today but you could see they were still trying. Their execution was a bit off but I'm putting that down not to a lack of trying but fatigue. Skills were really good in pockets. It's just consistency. We're working on them under pressure in Academy week-to-week, that's developing, but now we need to see that pressure and connecting line to line."
U15 Boys - defeat Giants Academy
QBE Sydney Swans Academy 14.12.96
Giants Academy 5.1.31
Best: Alex Norris, Lachie Price, Maclean Coble, Leon Titmuss, Will Jenkin, Lincoln Chambers
Goals: Thomas Coughlin, Maclean Coble, Max Jans, Lincoln Chambers, Ben Pignatelli, Henry Meaney, Cody Beavis, Conrad Blackwell-Smith
Coach's comments: Shane McGahan
"The challenge for the boys today was bringing the energy after a day's break. We looked to step up the intensity in better conditions that would allow the guys to show off their skills and ball movement. Right from the start it was evident. We were switched on and keen to improve on Tuesday's performance. The guys played a good brand of footy and we're just too good for the Giants with their attack on the ball and clean skills. The next step for this group is to now drive each other towards the next level and push themselves to get there starting with Benchmark training in November. There is some real talent in this group and we should all look forward to seeing them mature as footballers in the near future."
U14 Girls - defeat Giants Academy
QBE Sydney Swans Academy 12.8.80
Giants Academy 2.2.14
Best: Geneieve Hynes, Isabella Evans, Macy Neyland, Oasis Huender, Amelia Rainbow, Ashleigh Lestrange
Goals: Ashleigh Lestrange, Addison Gale, Leila Clark, Shilo McF-Anning, Ella Tyack, Genevieve Hynes, Eve Loebel
Coach's comments: Craig Tidemann
“The players were focused on improvement and delivered again today with sustained effort. We worked on the basics and executed. We improved our scoring efficiency and continued to improve our playing style as a team. It’s been a rewarding group to coach this week as they have listened and continued to try and execute what they’ve been asked, and to play the Swans Academy’s brand of football. All players improved across the week and had a great attitude. We also had a lot of fun together, including at our video review!”
U14 Boys - defeated by Giants Academy
QBE Sydney Swans Academy 5.8.38
Giants Academy 14.6.90
Best: Duke Orr, Henry Trueman, Henry Lamond, Charlie Edwards, Charlie Cheshire, Liam Taylor
Goals: Jimmy Milne, Jack Donaldson, Tobie Quinn, Coen Hardy
Coach's comments: Randall March
"After game 1 and a disappointing second half the boys were asked to lift their intensity and effort for game 2. This was evident from the start of the game with increased energy and their tackling pressure forcing turnovers from the stronger giants boys. They showed a willingness to compete to the end of the game and were able to transition the ball up forward creating scoring opportunities. The boys took a number of learnings from the Super 24 series and will focus on their fundamentals over summer, before returning to the Academy in February 2024."
