Territorian Beau O‘Connell has been added to the 50-player Allies squad which will play two games in Melbourne ahead of the final squad of 35 being selected for the 2019 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships which begin in June.
He joins fellow Territorians Joel Jeffrey, Ben Jungfer and Malcolm Rosas Jnr who were already named in the squad that is made up of the most highly-rated players from NSW/ACT, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Like Jeffrey, O’Connell is a product of the Wanderers Football Club and he won the Haritos Medal for best on ground playing in the winning team in the 2018/19 NTFL Under 18 Grand Final in March.
He also made his senior debut in the Men’s Premier League competition going on to play 10 games in the 2018/19 season.
The 17-year-old impressed in his five NAB League games for the NT Thunder Under 18 Academy, with his athletic nature and ability to win his own ball.
AFLNT Talent and Pathways Manager Wally Gallio said O’Connell was added to the squad off the back of consistent performances in the recent NAB League series.
“It’s really pleasing that Beau was selected and now gets an opportunity to impress at national level.
“He played in the midfield, forward and defence in the NAB League showing good versatility to play in a number of positions when asked by NT coach Jason Roe and this caught the eye of national selectors,” said Gallio.
The extended 50-player Allies squad will travel to Melbourne for a camp from 23 – 26 May culminating in trial games against Vic Country and Vic Metro at Ikon Park on Sunday 26 May under Head Coach Luke Power.
From there the 35-player squad to play for the Allies in the Under 18 national championships will be determined.