TWO young Redlands footballers have starred in the Queensland State Academy Carnival, helping the Brisbane Lions Academy dominate its Gold Coast rivals.
The annual three-day event showcased the best under-14 boys and girls in the state, with the Lions South boys side – featuring Redlands talent Phoenix Douglass – winning all three of its matches.
The Lions recorded convincing wins over Gold Coast South (56-20), Gold Coast North (35-15) and North Queensland (69-13).
Vice-captain Phoenix, who started his footy with the Redlands Sharks before joining Coorparoo’s Division 1 under-13s this season, played a key role in the midfield.
He capped off a strong year that also saw him claim Coorparoo’s Best & Fairest award.
His father Kieron said the move from his junior club to a new environment had tested Phoenix but helped him grow both on and off the field.
“Leaving his old club wasn’t easy. He had to walk away from good mates and the comfort of what he knew, but he showed real strength in choosing a path that would push him to grow,” Kieron said.
Phoenix, who models his game on Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley and AFLW star Belle Dawes, is known for his versatility and team-first approach.
Also impressing at the carnival was fellow Redlands junior Airlie Pace, who has been turning heads with her fierce, agile style of play.
Pace, who stepped up to play with the Sharks’ under-15s this season, counts Dunkley and AFLW’s Orla O’Dwyer among her favourite players.
Both Phoenix and Airlie have been playing footy together since under-9s and were proud to represent their region at state level.
Several other Redlands girls were selected in the Lions’ under-14 squad, high-lighting the area’s depth.
