IT WAS a not-so-insignificant contribution from the club's young blood that helped Nelson Bay to a 108-35 thrashing of Newcastle City at Number One Sportsground last week.
Six of the Marlin's 16 reserve grade goals came from the consortium of junior stars.
Dylan Riebe, Wayd Blackburne, Blake Erickson, Todd Thornton and Ethan Smith all stepped up into the senior ranks in 2010 from under 16s and 18s, giving club president Brett Kittel an optimistic outlook for the future.
"The long term future of the club is developing our talented young players and providing opportunities to play above their age group with more senior players," he said.
"The same opportunities are provided for under 16 Northern Sharks Players (combined Nelson Bay and Port Stephens Junior AFC under 16s) to play up into the under 18s Nelson Bay side."
Nelson Bay, having lost only three reserve grade fixtures this year, are in third spot behind Singleton and Cardiff and look on course for a finals berth.
Having been plagued by injuries in the second half of the season, the Marlins under 18s side is doing well to cling to fourth spot on the ladder.
They to managed a gutsy win over Newcastle City 80-57 at the weekend.
This Saturday the Marlins travel to Burwell Oval to take on Warners Bay.
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