U18 Championships 2017

[one-eyed]

U18: Young wins it for WA with a golden point

WESTERN AUSTRALIA   2.4   6.7   10.12   10.14 (74)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA        2.2   5.3    6.6      10.13 (73)

GOALS
Western Australia: Allen 3, Stewart 2, Hill, Stack, Young, Ainsworth, Starcevich,
South Australia: Fogarty 2, Houlahan 2, Rankine 2, Lukosius, Rozee, Rowe, Giro

BEST
Western Australia: Ainsworth, Allen, Naughton, Taylor, Joyce, Frampton
South Australia: Edwards, Rakine, Crowden, Rozee, Giro, Ballard

----------

WESTERN Australia has clinched a nailbiting one-point victory to kick-off the NAB AFL Under-18s Championships, with Matt Young booting a golden behind to down South Australia at Domain Stadium.

After leading by 31 points just before three-quarter time, the Sandgropers' advantage was whittled away as the visitors dominated the final term and leveled the scores thanks to two clutch Izak Rankine majors.

But WA's defence stood tall late as SA desperately searched for the match-winning score, and surged the ball forward for Young to take a mark 40m out directly in front in extra time.

The 187cm forward took his time over the kick before pulling his set shot just wide, but it was enough to clinch a gripping 10.14 (74) to 10.13 (73) win.

It was a heart-stopping finish to Peter Sumich's debut match as WA coach, and a high-quality contest throughout.

"Probably at the beginning you didn't know what to expect from this group – that was probably the hard part – but now what they dished-up you know what they can do," Sumich said.

"Hopefully they can continue that on. I thought they were very good with their pressure, tackling and chasing."

SA did all the attacking early (11-6 inside 50s) in the first quarter as potential No.1 draft pick Darcy Fogarty slotted both his side's goals to the first break.

But WA bookends Oscar Allen (three goals) and Aaron Naughton took control as the hosts gained the ascendancy.

Allen banged through a superb set shot from the intersection of the 50m arc and boundary line before quarter-time, sparking a run of five unanswered goals for WA.

With rangy defender Naughton (15 disposals, four rebound 50s) and full-back Sam Taylor repelling SA's forward thrusts, the home team seemingly had the match under control.

"Oscar was really good early, probably faded a bit," Sumich said. "I thought Sammy Taylor and Naughton were outstanding down back.

"I liked (Taylor's) one-on-one contests. People probably underestimate Sam's body strength. He didn’t get beaten."

With rangy defender Naughton (15 disposals, four rebound 50s) repelling SA's forward thrusts, the home team seemingly had the match under control.

WA midfielders Brayden Ainsworth (26 disposals, eight clearances, one goal), Tom Joyce (21, four) and speedy wingman Jake Patmore (19) were on top and feeding a zippy forward line featuring dangerous Perth smalls Ian Hill and Sydney Stack (one goal apiece).

Such was Allen's influence that big-bodied Glenelg product Fogarty – who played mostly in attack – was shifted down back to start the last quarter.

But if the hosts thought they would romp to an easy victory, the Croweaters had other ideas.

From five goals down at the final change, SA surged with nine consecutive scoring shots – for 3.6 – and drew level when Rankine stepped up late.   

The visitors' engine room took complete control of the contest, led by Mitch Crowden (23 possessions), Jackson Edwards (23), Isaac Hewson (22), Charlie Ballard (20) and Rankine (20).

WA ruckman Jonathan Frampton (15 hit-outs, 15 disposals) and SA counterpart Callum Coleman-Jones (22 hit-outs, 17) were both highly-influential in an entertaining contest. 

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-10/u18-young-wins-it-for-wa-after-the-siren

[one-eyed]

U18: No.1 pick fancy guides Vic Country home
afl.com.au
11 June 2017

ALLIES               2.2   4.3   8.5   8.8     (56)
VIC COUNTRY   2.2   5.3   6.5   10.8   (68)

GOALS
Allies: Dixon 3, Simington 2, Hardman, Blakey, Powell
Vic Country: Barzen 2, Daniels, McHenry, Dow, Handley, Ling, De Koning, Butts, Meek

BEST
Allies: Shipley, Brander, Highmore, Hardman, Thomas
Vic Country: Davies-Uniacke, Paton, Dow, Walsh, Daniels, Butts

-----------------------------------------------------------

POTENTIAL No.1 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke has played a starring midfield role in Vic Country's 12-point win over the Allies in the first round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Sunday.

The 187cm Rye product amassed 34 disposals and took 10 marks – both game-highs – to go with his five inside 50s, four clearances and three tackles in the 10.8 (68) to 8.8 (56) win at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Davies-Uniacke proved the X-factor courtesy of his ability to execute efficiently by hand and foot, and make an impact all over the ground.

The Allies went one man down early after Sydney academy member Luke Robertson, 19, suffered a broken leg in the opening minutes and was taken to hospital.

Potential top-10 prospect, midfielder Paddy Dow, worked his way into the game and stood up under pressure when the game was in the balance, finishing with 21 touches, six clearances and a goal.

Small forward Brent Daniels was lively for his 18 touches and one goal, while 185cm rebounding defender Ben Paton provided quick counter-attacks at the opposite end.

Bottom-aged players Sam Walsh – who was a late inclusion for the match – and Jye Caldwell dominated the match early for Vic Country before finishing with 22 and 17 disposals respectively.

Strong-bodied inside midfielder Nick Shipley led the stats sheet for the Allies with 21 possessions, seven clearances, six tackles and three marks, displaying his strong work ethic and smooth kicking action.

Half-back Jarrod Brander controlled the air and read the ball well, collecting 20 possessions, a match-high nine rebound 50s and four marks.

Small forward Jack Hardman showed a strong burst of speed for his 15 touches, seven inside 50s and one goal.

After trailing by 12 points at three-quarter time, Vic Country kicked four unanswered goals to secure the win, while each of the Allies' three shots at goal in the last quarter hit the post.

Meanwhile, Tasmania secured a comfortable 14.8 (98) to 4.4 (28) win over NSW/ACT in the Under-17 Future Series curtain raiser.

Miller Hodge took out best-on-ground honours for Tasmania and Harrison Gunther bagged five goals, while Matt Walker led the way for NSW/ACT with three majors.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-11/u18-potential-no1-pick-leads-vic-country-home

[one-eyed]

Vic Metro's first game is next weekend. Keep an eye out if Naish will be playing (in the #5 jumper).

2017 U18 Championships

Rd1    
Western Australia v South Australia    Domain Stadium    Sat, Jun 10, 12.30pm
Allies v Vic Country    Blacktown International Sportspark    Sun, Jun 11, 12.30pm

Rd2    
South Australia v Allies    Adelaide Oval    Sat, Jun 17, 10.10am
Western Australia v Vic Metro    Domain Stadium    Sun, Jun 18, 11am

Rd3    
Vic Metro v Vic Country    Punt Road    Sat, Jun 24, 12.00pm
Western Australia v Allies    Leederville Oval    Sun, Jun 25, 12.30pm

Rd4    
Vic Metro v South Australia    Etihad Stadium    Fri, Jun 30, 4.40pm
Vic Country v Western Australia    Etihad Stadium    Fri, Jun 30, 2.10pm

Rd5    
Vic Metro v Allies    Simonds Stadium    Wed, July 5, 2.10pm
Vic Country v South Australia    Simonds Stadium    Wed, July 5, 4.40pm

http://www.afl.com.au/news/game-development/nab-afl-rising-star-program/u18s

[one-eyed]

U18: Bottom-ager Lukosius stars in SA's big win

afl.com.au
17 June 2017

JACK Lukosius can't be drafted until next year, but that didn't stop the South Australian key forward from starring in his team's 51-point win over the Allies in Saturday's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships clash.

The 194cm prospect was exciting from the start and finished as the most eye-catching player on the ground, kicking three goals from 15 disposals and eight marks.

Lukosius, who doesn't turn 17 until August, has already been tipped as perhaps the standout player of what is already shaping as a brilliant 2018 draft pool and he lived up to that in SA's 17.10 (112) to 9.7 (61) win at Adelaide Oval.

The precocious Lukosius outpointed Allies opponent Jarrod Brander, a key defender tipped to be taken early at this year's draft, before Brander moved forward in the final term.

The win was South Australia's first for the carnival after losing to Western Australia last week in extra time.

Ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones put in a dominant showing with 28 disposals, 15 hit-outs and an impact around the ground, while exciting goalkicker Jordan Houlahan booted four majors. Houlahan is a medium forward but can fly for marks and is sharp when the ball hits the ground.

Small midfielder Stefan Giro collected 30 disposals as the leading possession winner on the ground, while Jackson Edwards, the son of former Crows star Tyson, had 22 touches.

Alongside Lukosius, South Australia's band of bottom-agers were again impressive, including Jackson Hately (27 disposals) and Izak Rankine (15 disposals, two goals). Rankine's brilliant snapped goal in the second term confirmed his talent as a player to watch next year.

No.1 pick contender Darcy Fogarty had patches of influence on the game and kicked two goals from 14 disposals, including a running shot after a clever shimmy late in the final term.

The Allies had periods of better play but were ultimately comprehensively beaten by the well-drilled South Australians.

Midfielder Zac Bailey isn't tall (180cm) but he impacts games and has a bit of dash to his game, and he gathered 22 disposals and five inside-50s to be among the Allies' best, while Nick Shipley had 22 disposals (20 were handballs).

Potential father-son and academy pick Bailey Scott kicked two goals from 14 disposals to show his presence around goal.
Scott is eligible to join the Roos and Geelong as a father-son pick next year where his father Robert Scott played between 1986-2000. But he is also eligible to be a Gold Coast academy selection given he has lived in the club's zone for the required time.

Brisbane Lions academy prospect Connor Ballenden had eight touches but took five marks and had 18 hit-outs, showing he may be more of a ruckman than key forward. Tasmanian Tarryn Thomas, who can join North Melbourne as a Next Generation Academy player next year, was solid without being exceptional for the Allies and had eight tackles to go with his 12 touches.

The Allies have the bye next round of the carnival.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA            4.2   6.5   12.9   17.10 (112)
ALLIES                                1.3   6.4   6.5       9.7 (61)

GOALS
South Australia: Houlahan 4, Lukosius 3, Barry 2, Rankine 2, Fogarty 2, Giro, Rowe, Hewson, Rozee
Allies: Dixon 2, Scott 2, Brander, Powell, Davidson, Richards, Bell

AFL.com.au’s BEST

South Australia: Lukosius, Coleman-Jones, Rankine, Edwards, Petty, Giro
Allies: Bailey, Scott, Shipley, Bell, Highmore

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-17/u18-bottomager-lukosius-stars-in-sas-big-win

[one-eyed]

U18: Top-10 prospect stars in Vic Metro win

afl.com.au
18 June 2017

JACK Higgins came into the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with one goal in mind: to prove to everyone what a good player he is.

One game into the national carnival, the 18-year-old can tick that off as achieved.

On Sunday, Higgins pieced together a complete game that highlighted all of his key attributes. The Vic Metro midfielder gathered 30 disposals, seven clearances, two goals, nine marks and six inside-50s to power his team to a 38-point win over WA at Domain Stadium.

The Oakleigh Chargers product sees himself more as a small forward who can play in the midfield than the other way around, but he did most of his damage in the middle in Metro's 14.12 (96) to 9.4 (58) win to open their championships campaign.

He gathered five clearances and nine disposals in the first term, kicked two goals (and passed off another possible shot to a teammate) in the second quarter to go into half-time with 22 touches, and by the end was the equal leading possession winner on the ground.

Because of Higgins' stature – the tidy right-footer is 178cm – it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where in the early part of this year's NAB AFL Draft he will get taken. But his weight of performances, marking ability and capacity to hit the scoreboard means he will be in contention for the top-10.

Higgins wasn't a lone hand for Metro, though. Hard-running midfield partner Dylan Moore is also on the smaller side but gathered plenty of the ball (30 disposals, one goal) and used it well, while Tigers father-son hopeful Patrick Naish collected 22 touches to show his run.

Cameron Rayner, a strong chance to be the No.1 pick, played through the midfield and across half-forward and influenced the contest whenever he was around it. He finished with 23 disposals and a goal, and showed again his power and strength with six clearances.

Adam Cerra (24 disposals), Nick Coffield (19) and Trent Mynott (21) were others to push their claims for Metro, who will face Vic Country next Saturday at Punt Road Oval. Cerra looks likely to be an early selection, with his poise and composure with the ball a standout trait.

Western Australia's efficiency around goal kept them in touching distance for longer than might have otherwise been the case, and the gap between the sides was obvious in the inside-50 count: Metro won it by 10 entries.

But WA, following its 'golden point' win in extra time last week over South Australia, had some solid performers, with bottom-aged midfielder Tom Joyce leading the way with 23 touches. Callan England gave some good run with 17 disposals, while NAB AFL Academy member Jake Patmore was among WA's best with 19 disposals.

Key defender Aaron Naughton continued his form with 15 touches and six rebound-50s, while marking forward target Oscar Allen booted two first-term goals and finished with three as his side's only multiple goalkicker.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA     2.0   4.0    6.3       9.4 (58)
VIC METRO                    2.4   6.9   11.11   14.12 (96)

GOALS
Western Australia: Allen 3, B. Miller, L.Miller, Frampton, Ameduri, Starcevich, Cameron
Vic Metro: Higgins 2, Landt 2, McLean 2, Moore, Cerra, Rayner, Naish, Coffield, Hayes, Wooller, Taylor

BEST
Western Australia: Joyce, Patmore, Allen, Ainsworth, Naughton, England
Vic Metro: Higgins, Moore, Rayner, Cerra, Naish, Coffield

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-18/u18-vic-metro-too-strong-for-wa

[one-eyed]

U18s: Metro defeats Country in Victoria derby

VIC METRO          4.1   9.2   12.5   15.7 (97)
VIC COUNTRY      4.1   7.3   10.7   11.9 (75)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Rayner 3, Higgins 2, Naish 2, Fogerty 2, Moore 2, Cerra, Sutherland, Stephenson, M.King
Vic Country: Handley 2, Miers 2, Parish, Davies-Uniacke, De Koning, Williams, Johnston, Worpel, Daniels

BEST
Vic Metro: Garner, Naish, Penrith, Coffield, Constable, Moore, Higgins, Rayner
Vic Country: Worpel, Miers, Clavarino, Paton, Handley, Clark, Dow

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

RICHMOND father-son prospect Patrick Naish was one of a stack of draft hopefuls to star in Vic Metro's 22-point win over Vic Country on Saturday.

In a high quality game at Punt Road Oval, Naish gathered 24 disposals, nine marks and kicked two smart goals in Metro's 15.7 (97) to 11.9 (75) win as the reigning title holders remained unbeaten heading into the final two rounds of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Naish, the son of former Tiger Chris, has spent plenty of time at Richmond's headquarters through the club's father-son program and continued his impressive season at the venue with his foot skills and hard running taking the eye. He shapes as a top-20 pick at November's NAB AFL Draft.

But Naish wasn't the only player to boost his stocks, with Metro teammates Charlie Constable (31 disposals, six marks, six inside-50s) and Jack Higgins (30 disposals, two goals) also dominating through the midfield.

Smaller type Lachie Fogarty, in his first game back from groin soreness, was also terrific. The 178cm Western Jets product had 23 disposals and 12 tackles, and showed his neat and efficient ball use with two steady goals, while captain Joel Garner played perhaps his best game of the year with 24 disposals and nine marks across half-back.

Metro's Cameron Rayner did his No.1 pick chances no harm with a blistering display, with the half-forward/midfielder particularly damaging in the first half. Rayner finished with 21 disposals and three important goals, and again highlighted his powerful marking and long kicking.

Plenty of eyes were on Metro's Will Sutherland, the talented dual sportsman who came into the side for his first game at state level. Sutherland is weighing a potential cricketer career, but should be buoyed by his showing against quality Vic Country defenders.

The 17-year-old was probably the best performed key forward in the game, and kicked one goal from 10 disposals and five marks. He is athletic, marks well and is a good kick, and will be an early selection at the draft should he choose the football pathway over cricket, where his father James is the country's highest administrator.

Country also had plenty of good contributors in a tight encounter in front of a grandstand packed full of club recruiters and list managers. Co-captains James Worpel (25 disposals, 10 tackles, one goal) and Oscar Clavarino (six marks in defence) were excellent, while small forward Gryan Miers kicked two goals from 24 disposals.

Ben Paton rebounded well from defence with 19 disposals, while Lochie O'Brien overcame a quiet first half to finish with 18 disposals and showed his lethal left-foot kicking skills. Midfielder Paddy Dow was busy and gave Country some zip, while David Handley kicked two goals from 15 touches.

Likely early selection Luke Davies-Uniacke was instrumental early as Country went into quarter time tied with Metro, but was quiet thereafter and finished with 14 disposals and a brilliant running goal.

Metro will be expecting to maintain its unbeaten run in the championships next Friday when the carnival continues at Etihad Stadium with their meeting against South Australia. Vic Country will also host Western Australia on Friday at the Docklands venue.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-24/u18s-tigers-fatherson-thrills-at-punt-road-oval

[one-eyed]

England masterclass lifts WA U18s to victory over Allies

afl.com.au
25 June 2017

WESTERN AUSTRALIA          2.2      6.5      8.6      12.12  (84)
ALLIES                                  1.1      2.4      5.8      6.8 (44)

GOALS
Western Australia: Hill 2, Starcevich 2, Allen 2, Eastland 2, Mitchell, Cahill, Ameduri, Cramer
Allies: Crossley 2, Dixon, Scott, Sambono, Simington

BEST
Western Australia: England, Cahill, Eastland, Boullineau, Ameduri, Starcevich, Taylor
Allies: Crossley, Ballenden, Powell, Carr, Nutting

---------------------------------------------------------------

A CALLAN England masterclass has lifted Western Australia to a 40-point win over the Allies in round three of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Sunday.

The 182cm midfielder began brightly and collected a game-high 26 disposals, eight marks and four inside 50s in the 12.12 (84) to 6.8 (44) win at Leederville Oval.

Forward Oscar Allen sent a scare through the WA camp in the first quarter with an ankle concern, but returned after having his lower leg strapped.

Allen, who stands at 191cm, provided a strong target up forward and ended with 19 disposals, eight marks and two goals.

Teammate Jaxon Cahill also impressed courtesy of his ability to produce lively counterattack from half-back, gathering 23 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and a goal.

WA medium forward Brandon Starcevich registered two goals from his eight possessions and three marks, demonstrating his skills in the air and at ground level.

Fellow goalkicker Ian Hill also kicked two majors from 13 touches and five marks, but fumbled the ball at times.

For the Allies, ruckman Brayden Crossley returned after being rested last week and continued his eye-catching run of form.

The 198cm prospect exerted his influence around the ground and accumulated a match-high 29 hit-outs, 15 disposals and kicked two goals, including his side's opening major.

After a quiet start to the carnival playing up forward, Connor Ballenden regained his touch at the opposite end of the ground.

The 199cm Ballenden performed at half-back and collected 20 possessions – including 11 in the first quarter – and eight marks in an encouraging display.

Contested ball-winner Jack Powell assumed the captaincy duties for the Allies and again showed why he is highly regarded, finishing with a team-high 21 touches, six clearances and two marks.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-25/england-masterclass-lifts-wa-u18s-to-victory

[one-eyed]

U18s: Stars shine as Metro seals win

afl.com.au
1 July 2017


VIC METRO                 7.3    11.3  15.5  18.7 (115)                   
SOUTH AUSTRALIA    1.1    4.2    4.5    6.12 (48)           

GOALS
VIC METRO: Stephenson 5, Rayner 5, Sutherland 2, Constable, Petruccelle, Fogarty, Podhajski, Hayes, Xerri

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Crowden, Kreuger, Lukosius, Rankine, Denton, Hewson

BEST
VIC METRO: Stephenson, Rayner, Constable, Higgins, Brayshaw, Coffield
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Rankine, Petty, Kreuger, Edwards, Martini

----------------------------------------------------------------

EXCITING Vic Metro midfielder/half-forward Jaidyn Stephenson has given recruiters a timely reminder of his capabilities, kicking five goals in a starring role in his side's 67-point belting of South Australia at Etihad Stadium on Friday.

Even with one round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships to play, the dominant win will ensure Metro – which remains unbeaten – will win back-to-back Division One titles for the first time since 2012, coasting to a dominant 18.7 (115) to 6.12 (48) victory.

Stephenson, a candidate for the No.1 selection in the Draft at the start of the season based on the form he displayed last year as a bottom-aged player, gathered 28 disposals to complement the five goals he booted before three-quarter time, putting together his most promising display of the season.

The pacy and rangy wingman, who has been relatively subdued while playing for Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup, is a unique player and will appeal to plenty of AFL clubs looking for a prospect considered to have plenty of upside.

Possible No.1 draft pick Cameron Rayner also shone for Metro, nailing five goals and proving a constant threat playing predominantly as a permanent forward.

Rayner, who has drawn comparisons to Richmond's Dustin Martin, can also go through the midfield when tasked with that role.

Metro outclassed South Australia from the outset, skipping out to a 38-point quarter-time lead

Metro midfielders Charlie Constable (23) and Jack Higgins (29 and five clearances) were constant presences in the middle, while Andrew Brayshaw (20), the younger brother of Melbourne's Angus, also performed strongly.

South Australia was thoroughly beaten in all facets of the game, but would have taken great heart from the performance of bottom-ager Izak Rankine.

Rankine, a likely early pick in next year's Draft, was exceptional for the Croweaters, gathering a classy 22 disposals.

Rankine's ability to step around opponents with a swift sideways movement and his instinctive banana goal off a step in the second quarter underlined the exciting prospect's talent.

Jackson Edwards, the son of former Crow Tyson, who can taken as a father-son selection, tried hard for South Australia and gathered 21 disposals.

Harrison Petty (18 disposals and seven marks) stood strong in defence for South Australia, while Nathan Kreuger (16 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s and one goal) delivered a promising game after an injury-interrupted start to the season.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-30/u18s-stars-shine-as-metro-seals-win

[one-eyed]

U18: Top prospect leads Allies to thrilling upset

afl.com.au
6 July 2017


VIC METRO     2.3     3.9     6.11     10.13     (73)       
ALLIES            1.2     3.5      6.6      11.10     (76)       

GOALS

Vic Metro: Rayner 3, Sutherland 2, Hayes 2, Higgins 2, Brayshaw
Allies: Dixon 3, Brander 3, Bailey, Crossley, Sambono, Lane, Hardman

BEST
Vic Metro: Naish, Brayshaw, Coffield, Higgins, Hayes, Cerra
Allies: Bailey, Brander, Crossley, Dawson, Dixon, Ballenden

---------------------------------------------------------------

ALLIES forward Jarrod Brander produced his best performance of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, playing a commanding role up forward in his side's upset three-point win over Vic Metro at Simonds Stadium on Wednesday.

The thrilling 11.10 (76) to 10.13 (73) victory, which was confirmed when Swans academy-listed player Jack Hardman kicked a clever goal around the corner with just over a minute to play, was the Allies' first win and Vic Metro's first loss of the Championships.

Regardless, Metro's 3-1 record across the Carnival was enough for them to claim back-to-back Division One titles for the first time since 2002.

At 194cm and 89kg, Brander, a possible top-10 draft pick from the Bendigo Pioneers, has a real presence about him and it showed out in the way he attacked the footy in the air against Metro.

Brander constantly hit up at the football, displaying his power and athleticism by taking nine marks and finishing with three goals from 16 touches, including an important one that put his side back in front in the final term.

Brander spent the first two games of the Championships playing as a key defender but can legitimately play at both ends of the ground.

Allies midfielder Zac Bailey, who hails from the Northern Territory but plays with Norwood in the SANFL, was prominent through the middle, with his work rate and burst away from stoppages evident in his team-high 23 disposals.

Connor Ballenden, a member of the Brisbane Lions' academy, reinforced the Allies' defence when he went down there in the second half, playing an important intercept role and distributing the footy with a powerful leg.

Potential Richmond father-son selection Patrick Naish and Andrew Brayshaw, the younger brother of Melbourne's Angus, were the pick of the Metro players.

Naish, the son of former Tiger Chris, who played 143 games in the yellow and black, gathered 26 disposals in a classy display through the midfield, while Nick Coffield ended the match with a game-high 29 touches.

As a small midfielder, Brayshaw (22 disposals and five inside 50s) is an no-fuss type of player but his cleanness at ground level and ability to not waste his possessions was noticeable, particularly in the first half.

Will Sutherland, who continues to stamp himself as the leading tall forward in this year's draft class, booted two goals in the third quarter as Metro took a five-point lead into the final change.

It was a see-sawing final term as the lead changed hands five times and when possible No.1 draft choice Cameron Rayner booted his third goal with less than three minutes remaining in the contest, Metro looked to have sewn the game up.

But the Allies fought hard to work the footy down to their end of the ground and Hardman bobbed up in the right place at the right time to sink the match-winning goal after an excellent front and square crumb.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-05/u18-top-prospect-brander-leads-allies-to-thrilling-upset

[one-eyed]

WA's Oscar Allen won the Larke medal for best player in the U18 Champs.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-07/larke-medallist-shoots-into-firstround-contention