Downs trio ready to roar for Brisbane Lions Academy

Three make initial Lions Academy

AUSSIE RULES: Three Darling Downs players have moved a step closer to the top flight with selection in the initial Lions Academy U18s squad.

Jack Briskey, Jonty MacDougall and Samson Ryan were named in the 54-player squad as they strive to make the final squad determined in January.

AFL Darling Downs regional manager Jeff Neumann said having the trio recognised was a glowing endorsement for the players and the region.

“I know all three are keen to get started, and they’ll be able to develop elite habits and standards there. Fingers crossed the three can carry that into the state team,” Neumann said.

“It’s fantastic for not just our boys but everyone in the academy to get access to the best coaches across the initial period.

“We’re lucky at moment with the talented 14-18 year olds we have in the region at the moment. It happens in cycles, it doesn’t matter if it’s Toowoomba or Brisbane.”

Neumann was full of praise for the three representatives and said they had the potential to make an impact at the higher level.

“Samson comes from more of a cricketing background. He’s a Toowoomba Grammar student and is in the squad as a 19-year-old,” he said.

“He stands at over 195cm and can get a fair bit out of the program and progress to state team.

“Jonty plied his trade in the Brisbane U18s competition this year. He’s a smart, quick and agile footballer who played in the U16s Demons team last year. He’s only 17 and this is a great reward.

“Jack was one of our many state players that we had last year in a key position, and he’s a good, marking forward.”

Academy training begins on Monday for the trio.

ACADEMY TRIALS COMMENCE

The promising wave of talent sweeping through the Downs got their chance to impress with the first trial session for a position in the Darling Downs Lions Academy.

Almost 40 boys showed up at Concordia Lutheran College as the first phase of the U16s trials commenced.

The aspirants went through a series of fitness and performance tests throughout the afternoon.

Photo: Contributed ON THE MOVE: Jonty MacDougall kicks forward for the Darling Downs Demons at the South Country Carnival U16 against Moreton Bay. He’s one of three Downs players chosen in the Lions Academy initial U18s squad.