The Brisbane Lions under-16 Academy boys have claimed the 2023 AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys Pool B title, emulating the Lions under-16 girls’ team from earlier this year. 

The Lions won all three matches to finish four points ahead of GWS Giants Academy and Gold Coast SUNS Academy.  

Taking on the SUNS Academy at Brighton Homes Arena last month, the Lions ran out 30-point winners 10.11 (71) to 5.11 (41) with Daniel Annable, William Munro and Charlie Hewitt among the best players. 

The Lions then travelled to Heritage Bank Stadium on July 3 to tackle the Sydney Swans Academy. 

Three goals to Fletcher Callaway and two majors to Hewitts ensured the Lions second victory by 25 points, 10.15 (75) to 8.2 (50). 

A final clash against the Northern Territory at Fankhauser Reserve on July 6, secured the National Championship victory for the Lions with a 103-point win, 3.6 (24) to 19.13 (127). 

Annable was again among the best of ground along with Hewitt who booted three goals to steer the Lions to the title. 

Following the event, the 2023 AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys All-Australian Team was announced with two Lions named. 

Defender Harrison Bridge was selected at half-back, the composed left-footer averaged 21 disposals at 71 per cent efficiency across the three matches. 

Midfielder-Forward, Annable was also picked on the interchange. 

The Lions Academy Most Valuable Player for the 2023 Championships, was Annable who showed his ability to win contested ball throughout the three games. 

He averaged 30 disposals, 5 clearances and 6 tackles to drive the Lions midfield. 

The Lions now hold both the under-16 boys and under-16 girls AFL National Development Championship titles.