Brisbane Lions Academy products Matthew Owen and Caylen Murray have been named in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships U16 Boys All-Australian Team following a string of consistent performances across the carnival.

Owen, from the Victoria Point Sharks, averaged 32 touches across the Lions three games and was awarded the Alan McLean medal as the Pool B best and fairest.

Maroochydore product, Murray, excelled as an inside and outside midfielder and a running half-back averaging 27 disposals.

Lions U16 boys coach, James Gellie was proud of both players and his sides maturity across the three championship games.

“Both boys being named in the All-Australian side is credit to their professionalism and their consistency across the three games,” Gellie said.

“Matt and Caylen work incredibly hard on their games and have a strong appetite to improve.

“They were both really important for us through the midfield, they’ve got great footy IQ and use the ball really well.

“As a group we’ve been training since April, but to be beaten by Tassie in the second game, it was great to see the boys rally, show maturity as footballers and bounce back to beat GWS.”

Owen played most of his football through the midfield for the Lions, was hailed for his ability to find the football, and played a key role in both wins throughout the championships.

A good decision maker, Owen was damaging with ball in hand, making his average of 32 disposals per game important for the Lions.

Murray, who played all over the ground for the Lions was at his most damaging through the midfield with his speed and footwork with ball in hand.

Playing across half-back and through the midfield, Murray’s development and damage with ball in-hand across the championship was a highlight.

The Lions finished the 2024 Marsh National Championships U16 Boys with two wins and one loss.

After kicking off their campaign with a 10.11 (71) to 7.7 (49) win over local rivals the Gold Coast SUNS, the Lions turned their attention to Tasmania the following week.

Despite having the same number of scoring shots, the Lions lost to Tasmania 4.14 (38) to 11.7 (73).

Backing up only three days later, the Lions were able to overcome a spirited Greater Western Sydney GIANTS outfit running out 8.13 (61) to 5.16 (46) winners.