Coast teens get nod for Allies

SEVEN Gold Coast footballers have been named in the Allies team for the AFL under-18 division one championships.

Gold Coast Suns academy players Emmanuel Baru (Labrador), Timakoi Bowie (Broadbeach), Connor Budarick (Labrador), Ryan Gilmore (Hermit Park/Labrador), Caleb Graham (Palm Beach Currumbin), Dirk Koenen (Palm Beach Currumbin) and Bailey Scott (Broadbeach) have been selected for the championships, to be held between June 3 and July 4.

The Allies form a representative team selected from all six sides in the under-18 division two championships.

They will compete in the division one championships as a fifth team.

Tasmania dominated this year’s Allies selection with 13 players. NSW/ACT also has a strong presence with 11 players selected from the GWS Giants Academy and six from the Sydney Swans Academy.

The Brisbane Lions had eight of their academy members picked.