Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy Manager, Lachlan Buszard is excited at the talent that he has seen on display at the AFL Joss State Zone U18’s carnival in Coffs Harbour this week. Buszard spoke to the GIANTS website following the final night of the carnival and said he believed the standard of football across the GIANTS zones had never been higher.

“The standard is still fairly high, despite the guys being quite leg weary after playing in the monsoonal rain for the past two days, so they have bounced back really well. Playing three days of football is never an easy task for young footballers, but it shows I have some exciting players to work with over the next year and in some cases two years with the seventeen year old players,” he said.

“The standard has risen from previous years across the board. There have been a couple of players jump out of the box with their performances and it’s good to see the guys involved in our Slater & Gordon Academy previously, and those involved with our NEAFL side, really act as leaders out on the field, so their improvement has been exciting to see, and who knows how far they can go. I’m looking forward to seeing their continued development over the next twelve months”.

With rain hampering the carnival for the first two days of competition, it was good to see some bright sunshine provide much relief for players and spectators on the final day of competition. Buszard said despite the differing conditions, it did not hamper his ability to assess the players’ ability.

“The better players can still find the football and use the football in all conditions and it’s interesting to see on the final day, marks sticking for the first time in three days which has been a highlight. I think there has been a lot of upside in the carnival, and let’s hope it leads to more players making AFL lists in the next twelve months”.

Buszard also reminded the players that may not be selected in the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy from the selection trials, that they should not see it as the end to their development, and hopes of playing AFL football.

“It’s important that they know they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. If you really want to make it there are still other pathways you can take. James Podsiadly was drafted as a 28 year old to Geelong, and more recently Isaac Smith was drafted by Hawthorn as a 21 year old out of Cootamundra. It’s a matter of improving and playing in an environment where you can improve” said Buszard.

Overall, Buszard is excited at the talent that he has witnessed from all of the GIANTS zones across the last three days, and praised all involved for their hard work and ongoing commitment.

“The Western Sydney Zone improved immensely and won more games at the carnival than ever before. The ACT/ South Coast Zone have some exciting talent, and I was impressed with the athleticism of their taller players. The Murray players have shown a lot of potential and I think it’s important to acknowledge the courageous effort from the Riverina boys in overcoming adversity during the week. I want to thank all players for their commitment and effort during the carnival, and I would also like to thank the parents, and especially the local coaches, who put a lot of time in and without their help this carnival wouldn’t be successful” he said.