Football
11 September, 2024
HDFNL GF Preview: Teenagers the wildcards
In 2024, Harrow Balmoral had six players fresh out of the under-17s getting their first taste of senior football: George Austin, Rhys Daffey, Maddox Blake, Josh Grant, Alex Rees, and Brody Devlin. On Saturday, Austin, Daffey, Blake, and Grant could be playing in their first senior Grand Final.
They have been instrumental in getting the club to the Grand Final. Austin, Daffey, Blake, and Grant have played most weeks and were pivotal in the win against the Swifts two weeks ago, which put them into the grand final.
With Matt Jones and Michael Close coming back into the team, it is unclear if any of the four will make way, but regardless, they are excited to see what unfolds in the next week.
George Austin has played 17 games and has been a consistent contributor off half-back. He credits strong club leaders with helping his football.
"It's been a special year, and there are a lot of strong leaders at the club. Playing high-level football and learning from them is a great feeling, and making the grand final with them is amazing. It's a good team effort, and the boys are doing well," Austin said.
Maddox Blake has played 16 games, kicked 19 goals, and featured in the best on three occasions.
"It's incredible. I am nearly lost for words. For being able to come from the under-17s and be with a great bunch of boys with the support they give you now is special," Blake said.
Rhys Daffey is the man in form and is becoming one of the best small forwards in the competition. He has kicked 31 goals in 16 matches, with two bags of four and two bags of five in the second half of the season. He only kicked three goals in the first half of the season, but he wasn't playing up forward as much.
"It's been great having the leadership out there pointing me in the right direction. I moved forward halfway through the year, and it's working well for me now. It's good to help out the team on the scoreboard," Daffey said.
Josh Grant would love to play in a premiership with his brother, Mitchell. He has played 14 games, kicked four goals, and been solid on the wing this season.
"I am happy with the year that I have had. It's been excellent," Grant said.
"With our leadership group, helping us out and teaching us new things to develop our game has been great, and it's special playing with my brother."