The AFL has announced the All-Australian team and each Academy’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) from the 2023 AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls.
Brisbane Lions Academy claimed the Pool B title, edging out the Gold Coast Suns Academy on percentage after both sides finished with a 2-0 record.
The All-Australian team comprised of girls from across both pools in the competition and is complete with some of the best talent across the country.
The Lions, Mia Geere was selected at half-back in the All-Australian team, capping off a very strong campaign from the Wilston Grange product.
A classy defender with a strong intercept mark, Geere was a pivotal part of the Lions title run.
Geere had two crucial performances, opening her account with two goals against GWS Giants Academy to go along with 15 disposals and a game-high 10 marks.
After being a key contributor to the Lions first win of the Giants, Geere took her game to another level in her second outing against the Northern Territory Academy.
A game-high 29 disposals from Geere allowed her to showcase her rebounding speed and long kicking ability.
Geere, a bottom-aged player, averaged 22 disposals at 68% efficiency, 7.5 marks and 5.5 rebounds 50s making her All-Australian case too hard for the panel to ignore.
A unique part the championship allowed team officials and coaching staff to select their sides MVP.
The Lions coaching staff selected Molly Ferguson, the key forward starred in both games and is another bottom-aged player was elected MVP.
The opening fixture against the Giants, Ferguson did it all, with 21 touches, two goals and nine marks.
A catalyst for their first win, Ferguson carried her form into the next match against the Northern Territory with 24 disposals and three goals.
Ferguson provided the Lions with a key target up forward and she willingly obliged, with five goals from two games, averaging 22.5 disposals as well.
The Lions Academy U19 teams continue to roll on as the boys take on the Eastern Ranges in a double header with the Girls who take on the Murray Bushrangers.
All the action kicks off from Highgate Recreation Reserve at 1pm with the Boys.
