Australian rules: Northland teens heading to Melbourne in NZ U18 squad

Whangarei Boys' High School student Blake Williamson has proven to be a promising AFL prospect. Photo / Supplied

Two Northland teens will be testing their Australian rules skills in the code's home country.

Blake Williamson and Manny Snooks have been selected for the New Zealand Under-18 team which will tour Melbourne and play two fixtures.

Williamson is a Whangarei Boys' High School student while Snooks previously attended the school.

The pair have been impressing both on and off the field, taking out categories at the National Combine in front of AFL scouts from Australia.

Williamson took out the yo-yo, or beep, test with a score of 21.5 while Snooks had the highest running vertical leap at 79cm.

Williamson also was second in the 20m sprint and third in the standing vertical leap.

The pair have also taken home the AFL New Zealand Rising Star award at different points during the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership season.

AFL New Zealand Youth Development manager Mick Coultard has been impressed with the level of talent both Northlanders have shown.

"Blake played AFL a few years ago and then went to concentrate on his Adventure Racing," he said.

"Two years later the benefits of his adventure racing certainly show through with his ability to move around the ground and running a whole game out. Blake's confidence has grown with each opportunity given through the Premiership.

"2019 will see the opportunity for Blake to be drafted into the Premiership, no doubt he will be a highly sought after player.

"Manny has come to AFL from a league background and has quickly grasped AFL concepts.

"He has many quality attributes and I am really excited watching his development. Manny will be an athlete to watch, what ever code he chooses."

Speaking with AFL New Zealand, Snooks said he loves the physicality of the sport and believes his passion for the game is a huge advantage on the park.

"I enjoy the adrenaline rush, support and brotherhood within the game of AFL. The Northern Suns team included me in the team instantly and I felt welcomed and very comfortable," he said.

"I also enjoy taking marks and contesting as I love to be physical.

"My biggest advantage would obviously be my height but also my passion for the sport itself as I have grown to love the game. My rugby league background gives me a few advantages especially when it comes to defence and contesting the ball."

Their tour begins next Tuesday when they head to Melbourne for games on Wednesday and Friday.