U18 National Championships 2012

[one-eyed]

The Division One U18 Championship matches are LIVE on Fox Footy this Friday from 12:30pm.

Round 4
     
VIC Metro v VIC Country @ 12:35pm

WA v SA  @ 2:35pm     

Simonds Stadium 
Friday 29 June     

Bump.

[WilliamPowell]

Metro won by a couple of goals

Only saw about 15 minutes so can't give arun down

SA -v- WA just started

[one-eyed]

Stars shine in Vic battle
By Ben Guthrie
29/06/2012

VIC COUNTRY   2.5     3.8    6.14   6.15 (51)
VIC METRO        1.7    4.11   6.14   8.18 (66)           
 
GOALS
Vic Country: Calvert 2, Crouch, Membrey, Wines, Wood
Vic Metro: Boyd 3, Hrovat, Hunter, Jaksch, Kelly, O'Rourke
 
BEST
Vic Country: Wood, Smith, Sherman, Garner, Wines, Hams
Vic Metro: Temay, O'Rourke, Boyd, Kelly, Vlastuin, Viney, Gilmore


Full stats here: http://www.afl.com.au/match%20centre/tabid/17944/default.aspx#fixtureid=7927&tab=Stats

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VIC METRO has held off rival Vic Country by 15-points in a spirited round three encounter in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Simonds Stadium on Friday.
 
The teams were all square on 6.14 (50) at three-quarter time before Metro's Jonathan O'Rourke snapped truly to break the deadlock early in the final term.
 
Country battled manfully to work the ball forward for the rest of the quarter, but a 50m penalty and resultant goal from Metro's Lachlan Hunter with just minutes remaining snuffed out that challenge.
 
Metro ball-magnet Nathan Hrovat displayed vision and poise in congested situations, as he collected 21 disposals to be amongst the best.
 
Tom Temay's positioning at half-back for Metro was also noteworthy, finishing with a game-high 24 touches and acting as a conduit between attack and defence.
 
Both teams struggled to adjust to the windy conditions in Geelong, which led to inaccuracy in front of goal and some wasteful use of the ball.
 
Metro key forward Thomas Boyd provided a strong presence up forward with three goals.
 
Possible GWS mini draft prospect and Metro forward Josh Kelly gathered 19 disposals, as his decision-making under pressure set him apart.
 
Country's Matt Crouch, brother of Adelaide's Brad, laid seven tackles for the game to go along with 18 touches to be one of his side's best.
 
That mantle, though, belonged to teammate Oliver Wines, who continued an impressive carnival with an unrelenting attack on the ball to finish with 18 touches, six tackles and a goal.
 
Country defender Mason Wood (13 disposals) also showed an ability to chop off attacking moves from Metro.
 
Although it was not enough, as O'Rourke, whose spread from the contest was important, stepped up at the right time to help deliver his side a hard fought victory.


Nathan Hrovat found plenty of the ball

http://www.afl.com.au/match%20centre/tabid/17944/default.aspx#fixtureid=7927&tab=Recap

[one-eyed]

SA thrashed WA ...

South Australia    3.2   4.5   7.9   12.12 (84)
Western Australia    0.2   1.5   2.7   4.10 (34)

GOALS
SA: Mcdonough 6, Mayes 2, Kennedy, Dunstan, Stark, Spina
WA: Garlett, Paparone, Simpson, Shaw

BEST
SA:
Colqhoun     (32 disp, 9m)
Aish              (25 disp, 11m, 7 in50, 5 re50)
Scharenberg (24 disp, 6m)
Kennedy       (22 disp, 4m, 4 clearances, 1 goal)
Dumont         (21 disp, 6m)
Toumpas       (20 disp)
McDonough   (19 disp, 8m, 6 goals 3 behinds)
Dunstan          (19 disp, 5 in50, 4 tackles)
Mayes           (17 disp, 4m, 5 clearances, 4 in50, 3 tackles, 2 goals)
Grundy         (13 disp, 5m, 25 hitouts)

WA:
Garlett         (27 disp, 6m, 4 clearances, 6 in50, 3 re50, 1 goal)
Lynch          (22 disp, 9m)
Rodda         (17 disp, 6m, 8 re50, 4 tackles, 10 1%ers)
Martin         (15 disp, 4m, 5 clearances, 4 tackles)

Full stats here: http://www.afl.com.au/match%20centre/tabid/17944/default.aspx#fixtureid=7928&tab=Stats

[WilliamPowell]

Was impressed with Lynch from WA. Read the play well and pretty good skilss

[10 FLAGS]

I thought Colquhoun, Mayes, Scharenberg and Montgomery looked like players for SA. I was a bit disappointed in Kennedy. Grundy should go to GWS or GCS in the first two picks of the draft, Toumpas was very good also and will also go very high in the draft.  I think Aish is next year - he looks to have great ability. SA have produced a really good crop of youngsters IMHO. WA also had a couple of boys that seemed to have good ability like Hogan, Garlett and Simpson.

[one-eyed]

Here's the official match report from the AFL website...

Croweaters savage WA
By Jason Phelan
Fri 29 Jun, 2012


Matt Scharenberg was among the best for SA in the big win over WA on Friday


UNFLAPPABLE South Australian defender Sam Colquhoun carved Western Australia to shreds with a game-high 32 disposals, to lead his state to a decisive 50-point victory at Simonds Stadium on Friday.

South Australia's precise ball movement and overlap run proved too difficult to handle in round four of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, as it won 12.12 (84) to 4.10 (34).

Colquhoun has been one of the most outstanding performers of the carnival and he dazzled recruiters with a best on ground display on Friday.

The 17-year-old has a unique ability to think through all sorts of scenarios and consider 'what-if' situations by continually moving to contests.

Colquhoun owned the defensive half of the ground, with his 31 touches including 24 uncontested possessions and a staggering 17 handball receives.

South Australia managed to set up a steady flow of players to stream through the corridor, as they ran with purpose to create and support for teammates.

Using such an aggressive style of play allowed the Croweaters to dictate terms from the outset, with forward Matthew McDonough capitalising on some crisp inside 50 entries to boot six goals.

The team had a strong support cast with James Aish (25 disposals, seven inside 50s), Matthew Scharenberg (24) and Trent Dumont (21) all impressing.

For Western Australia, Dayle Garlett (six inside 50s) was exciting for periods of the game - highlighted by a goal tucked from deep in the left forward pocket - and Sean Lynch (22) toiled away, while Nicholas Rodda (17) was valiant in defence.

But Western Australia had few players who won their positions, as South Australians made a strong statement with a convincing win.


WESTERN AUSTRALIA     0.2    1.5    2.7    4.10     (34)   
SOUTH AUSTRALIA           3.2    4.5    7.9    12.12   (84)         

GOALS
Western Australia: Garlett, Paparone, Shaw, Simpson
South Australia: McDonough 6, Mayes 2, Kennedy Spina, Stark,

BEST
Western Australia: Garlett, Paparone, Hogan, Jones, Rodda
South Australia: Aish, Colquhoun, Scharenberg, Mayes, McDonough, Grundy, Toumpas

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/139930/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Tassie's title tilt
By Ben Guthrie
Sat 30 Jun, 2012

TASMANIA      4.0    8.3    10.6    14.7 (91)   
NSW/ACT       1.6    2.8    5.10    6.14 (50)   
 
GOALS
Tasmania: Kendall 5, Lonergan 2, O'Byrne 2, B Walsh 2, K Kolodjashnij, Nankervis, Van den Berg
NSW/ACT: Clothier, Dwyer, Gibbons, Keogh, Redfern, Robinson
 
BEST
Tasmania: B Walsh, Kendall, Siggins, Lonergan, Hibberd, O'Byrne
NSW/ACT: Clyne, Redfern, Keogh, Gibbons, Clothier

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

TASMANIA has put itself in the box seat to close out the division two NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with a comfortable 41-point victory against NSW/ACT at Visy Park on Saturday.

The Tasmanians were too slick and too polished for the NSW/ACT side who, to their credit, battled hard to the end.

But inaccuracy in front of goal cost the Rams, and the start they gave to the Tasmanians proved too much to overhaul as they won 14.7 (91) to 6.14 (50).

Tasmania kicked eight goals in the first half to all but ensure victory, as the Rams managed a measly 2.8.

Forward Brennon Kendall booted five goals for Tasmania, while Jarrod Hibberd (18 touches) and Calen Jeffery (17) were tough in and under.

Bryce Walsh had a game-high 22 disposals and two goals to continue his impressive carnival, Jackson Thurlow (17) acted as the distributor from half back and Sam O'Byrne bobbed up with two goals as well.

Jesse Lonergan, nephew of Essendon's Sam, was handy with two goals and 15 possessions in his second game back from a knee injury and Toby Nankervis dominated in the ruck with 34 hit-outs.

Despite Tasmania's early dominance, the Rams managed to peg the margin back to within 14 points midway through the third term with a stretch that saw them slam on three unanswered goals.

Rams forward Caleb Vearing was pivotal in the mini comeback and Samuel Clyne (19 disposals) was consistent throughout the game.

Sydney Swans scholarship holder Daniel Robinson gathered 15 disposals to be amongst the best for the Rams.

The result sets up a fascinating finish to division two with the title race still up in the air.

If Tasmania wins against Northern Territory next Thursday they clinch the title, but if the Thunder wins it comes down to percentage.

Likewise, if Queensland defeats the Rams (and the Thunder beats Tasmania) next Thursday, the winner of the title is determined by percentage again.


NWS/ACT player Joseph Redfern flies high at Visy Park

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140016/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Queensland's title hopes alive
By Ben Guthrie
Sat 30 Jun, 2012

QUEENSLAND                  1.0    4.3    7.6    11.8 (74)       
NORTHERN TERRITORY    2.3    6.4    7.6    10.7 (67)           
 
GOALS
Queensland:  Bourke 3, Coleman-Broom 3, Ives, Johnson, Power, Tickner, Wardle
Northern Territory: Stokes 3, Autio 2, J Williams 2, Assan, Neade, Wasley-Black
 
BEST
Queensland: Allir, Wallin, Smith, Tickner, Ives, Boston
Northern Territory: Wasley-Black, D Williams, Anderson, Alice, Neade

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

QUEENSLAND has kept its division two title hopes in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships alive, after holding off the Northern Territory by seven points at Visy Park on Saturday.

The scores were tied at 48 apiece at three quarter-time before Queensland found the upper hand in the final term to kick four goals to three to sew up the victory.

The Scorpions won 11.8 (74) to the Thunder's 10.7 (67).

Queensland's key forwards Jordon Bourke and Cain Tickner outsized the Thunder defence to provide definitive targets and were the impetus for the win.

Tickner's workrate to continually present to the ball carrier was impressive, as he finished with 14 touches and a goal.

While Bourke, who can be taken by Geelong as a father/son pick (as son of Damian) this year, showed an ability to extend his arms and take a couple of clean grabs, finishing with five marks and three goals.

With Bourke and Tickner laying the foundations up forward, Brian Coleman-Broom booted three goals and showed clean hands when gathering the ball at pace.

At the other end of the ground, the Thunder could not quite compete in the size department but they managed to find other avenues to goal.

Thunder forward Jarrod Stokes was a bundle of energy up forward with three goals, Sam Autio did some creative things (two goals) and Jack Williams also ended up with two.

The Thunder's Jed Anderson delivered a couple of bone-rattling tackles to go along with his 15 touches.

While for Queensland James Smith gathered 22 disposals and midfielder Andrew Boston's spread from the contest and expert ball use stood out amongst his 17 disposals.

It was goal for goal for much of the final term with momentum swaying backwards and forwards.

Until Coleman-Broom stamped himself on the game with a blazing goal hurtling through the forward 50 and then Jermaine Wardle closed proceedings as the Scorpions held on in a tense final few minutes.


Troy Lawton dashes away for Northern Territory

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140013/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

VIDEO: Eye catchers

Shifter and the boys review the latest U18 champs matches

http://bigpondvideo.com/AFL/465378/Eye%20catchers/



Also a reminder that the final round of Division 1 matches is on today at Etihad. They'll be shown LIVE on Fox Footy.

Round 5
     
VIC Country v SA       
VIC Metro v WA   

Etihad Stadium   
4 July    Wednesday   
3.35pm and 5.35pm  [-LIVE on FOX-]

[one-eyed]

Vics victorious
By Ben Guthrie
7:34 PM Wed 04 Jul, 2012

VIC METRO                    6.2    9.6    11.11   14.12  (96) 
WESTERN AUSTRALIA    2.4   2.7      8.8    10.12  (72)
 
GOALS
Vic Metro: Daniher 4, Billings 3, Salem 2, Boyd, Jaksch, McDonald, O’Rourke, Wood
Western Australia: Wilkins 4, Martin 3, Carter, McKenzie, Paparone
 
BEST
Vic Metro: Daniher, Billings, Vlastuin, O’Rourke, Macrae, Boyd
Western Australia: Martin, Paparone, Hogan,Wilkins, Carter
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------

VIC METRO has claimed back-to-back division one titles after holding off a fast finishing Western Australia by 24 points in the final round of the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
 
After South Australia defeated Vic Country by 13 points in the earlier game, Metro needed to defeat WA to ensure it clinched the title.
 
The task looked like it would be a relatively simple one after Metro slammed home nine first half goals, but it had to scrap and fight as the Sandgropers came roaring back in to the contest in the second half.

Metro, though, steadied to eventually win 14.12 (96) to 10.12 (72).

Essendon father/son prospect Joe Daniher, son of Anthony, booted four goals and hauled in 11 marks in an unstoppable aerial display for Metro, showing a strong ability to take the ball at its highest point.

The Bombers have already committed to drafting Daniher this year and he gave an exciting glimpse of his talent, despite being inaccurate in front of the big sticks to finish with 4.6.

The father/son talent was not just limited to the Bombers, as potential Melbourne father/son pick Jack Viney (18 disposals) worked hard in the engine room for Metro.

Metro’s Jackson Macrae (21), Jonathan O’Rourke (18) and Nick Vlastuin (16) all boosted their credentials.

For Western Australia, exciting GWS mini draft prospect Jack Martin (19 touches, three goals and six inside 50s) was pivotal in his state’s stunning comeback, as they cut the half-time margin of 41 points to just 16 points early in the fourth quarter.

Laine Wilkins (four goals) and burly forward Jesse Hogan (seven marks), who is also eligible for the GWS mini draft, helped complement Martin’s key overlap run.

But Metro’s fast start was the difference, as they had enough in the tank to fend off WA’s demanding challenge.


Joe Daniher took a number of strong marks as Vic Metro beat WA

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140479/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Hopes dashed
By Ben Guthrie
5:34 PM Wed 04 Jul, 2012

VIC COUNTRY          4.2   6.4   8.8   10.9  (69)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA   2.2  7.2  10.4  13.4  (82)
 
GOALS
Vic Country: Membrey 4, Taylor 2, Whitfield 2, Hams, Wines
South Australia: Grundy 3, McDonough 3, Kennedy 2, O’Brien 2, Johnson, Mayes, Stark
 
BEST
Vic Country: Taylor, Wright, Membrey, Wines, Whitfield, Stringer
South Australia: Montgomery, Grundy, Kennedy, Colquhoun, Scharenberg, Mayes

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

SOUTH Australia fell agonisingly short of clinching the division one title in the final round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, despite hanging on to a 13-point victory over Vic Country at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

The South Australians did everything in their power to heap pressure on Vic Metro, who needed to beat Western Australia in the final game to lock up the title.

But Metro took care of business to triumph as overall winners in division one.

South Australia held a slim four-point half-time lead in an enthralling battle against Vic Country, before its classy players did just enough to carry their side to a 13.4 (82) to 10.9 (69) victory.

South Australian midfielder Ben Kennedy was a bundle of energy through the midfield and up forward, collecting an impressive 26 disposals, eight inside 50s and two goals.

Possible top five draft pick Jimmy Toumpas won the ball inside and outside the contest to finish with 26 touches and 15 handball receives.

Ruckman Brodie Grundy was a dominant force in the middle, chalking up 20 hit-outs and then showed an ability to push forward to kick three goals.

Matthew McDonough was also dangerous with his three goals for the Croweaters.

Vic Country kept pace with South Australia in the first half as it tried to limit the prolific outside run of its opponents.

Likely No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield gathered 26 disposals, two goals and 10 inside 50s.

Key forward Tim Membrey booted four goals for Country and showed he could hold his strength in marking contests, as Lewis Taylor (21 touches) became the benefactor on loose scraps in the forward line.

The Croweaters’ running players negated Country’s close down tactics in the second half, as defender Sam Colquhoun (24 touches and 13 handball receives) ran riot.

This enabled them to set up their favoured open style, as they set up their chain of runners through the middle which became a strong element in their eventual win.


South Australia's Ben Kennedy charges upfield during the win against Vic Country
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140464/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Lachie Whitfield wins Larke Medal, firms as No.1
By Jason Phelan
7:32 PM Wed 04 Jul, 2012



VIC COUNTRY star Lachie Whitfield has taken out the 2012 Larke Medal on the same night rivals Vic Metro made it back-to-back division one titles at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Metro started its campaign with a shock loss to the Northern Territory in Darwin back in May and needed to defeat Western Australia to claim its sixth division one title since 2004 after nearest rivals South Australia edged out Vic Country in the first game at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The Sandgropers made the Victorians work hard, but Metro rallied to a 24-point win that secured national honours.

After defeating NSW/ACT and Queensland in the inter-divisional rounds that kicked off the championships, Country failed to notch a win in three matches against division one opponents.

While he was proud to receive the Larke Medal, awarded to the best player in division one, Whitfield had hoped for greater team success.

"With Stephen Coniglio winning it last year and seeing him get his career off to a great start, it is nice to win it, but I'm still disappointed we didn't win a division one game with the boys," Whitfield said.

"But as we saw, Vic Metro played really well and deserved the win in the end.

"There are a lot of great names [who have won the Larke Medal] who have forged really good careers, so it's good to be amongst them."

Whitfield was also named Country's most valuable player of the championships, the same award he picked up last year as a bottom-age player.

Prolific ball winner Sam Colquhoun took out the award for SA and inside midfielder Nathan Hrovat did the same for Vic Metro.

Bottom-aged prospect Jack Martin was WA's MVP, which will only serve to enhance his credentials as a target for AFL clubs in the GWS mini-draft.

Whitfield's performances across the national carnival helped cement his position as the likely No.1 draft pick this year, but he was just delighted to have gained valuable experience from his second and final championships.

"It's just awesome," he said.

"It's really good to make new friendships and learn from the coaches. Mark Ellis, our senior coach, is a very knowledgeable man, so it's a really good experience.

"It's a solid few weeks, but it does give you an insight into how the AFL might be. We get treated as professionals by all the staff and everyone involved."

The division two title will be decided on Thursday when NT takes on Tasmania and Queensland goes up against NSW/ACT at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140484/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

A heap of pics from the U18s:

http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/afl/under-18--afl-championships-20120704-21h8h.html

Vic Metro vs WA:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2012%20NAB%20AFL%20U18%20Championship%20-%20VIC%20Metro%20v%20Western%20Australia&image_id=262632

SA vs Vic Country:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2012%20NAB%20AFL%20U18%20Championship%20-%20VIC%20Country%20v%20South%20Australia&image_id=262570

U18 Portrait Session:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20U18%20Portrait%20Session%20030712&image_id=262614

Western Australia U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20Western%20Australia%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262510

VIC Metro U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20VIC%20Metro%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262535

VIC Country U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20VIC%20Country%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262484

South Australia U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20South%20Australia%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262434

Queensland U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20Queensland%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262459

Tasmania U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20Tasmania%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262409

NSW/ACT U18 Headshots:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20NSW/ACT%20U18%20Headshots&image_id=262384

NAB AFL Under-18 Championships Media Call:
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202012%20Media%20-%20NAB%20AFL%20Under-18%20Championships%20Media%20Call&image_id=262335

[one-eyed]

Riolis star, NT takes title
By Jason Phelan
Thu 05 Jul, 2012

NORTHERN TERRITORY              2.0   4.3    7.6   9.9  (63) 
TASMANIA                                4.3   5.8    5.9   5.9  (39)
 
GOALS
Northern Territory: Stokes 2, Anderson, Assan, Barry, Neade, W. Rioli, Roberts, Wasley-Black
Tasmania: Hanson 2, Lonergan 2, Kendall
 
BEST
Northern Territory: Neade, B Rioli, Anderson, Alice, McEwin, Stokes, Williams
Tasmania: M Walsh, Nankervis, Thurlow, Jeffery, Siggins, Lonergan
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------

NORTHERN Territory has taken out the division two title at the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships after a come-from-behind 24-point win against Tasmania at Simonds Stadium on Thursday.
 
Queensland could have spoiled the Thunder's party with a triple-digit win against NSW/ACT in the final game of the carnival, but the Scorpions could only manage a 28-point victory, which saw NT claim its first national crown since 2004.
 
The Tasmanians got off to a flyer and led at the first two breaks, but NT edged in front late in the third quarter then powered away to a 9.9 (63) to 5.9 (39) win in slippery conditions in Geelong.

Click here for more Under 18 Championships news
 
Ben Rioli led the way for NT with 19 disposals across half-back with Jake Neade (18) and Dom Barry (17) also important.
 
Jesse Lonergan was impressive for Tasmania with 15 possessions and two goals, while Jarrod Hibberd gathered 18 possessions.
 
Tasmania kicked four goals in the first quarter to open up an early lead, but managed just one more for the entire match.
 
Willy Rioli kicked a superb goal from theboundary line after the quarter-time siren to keep the Thunder within striking distance, but Tasmania still held an 11-point lead at half-time.
 
Jed Anderson put NT in front with his goal two minutes before three-quarter time and teammate Dom Barry stretched the advantage to nine points with a long goal after the siren.
 
The title was still in reach for Tasmania in the final term, but Roy Assan and Jarrod Stokes scored the only majors for the quarter, which ended in jubilation for the Thunder boys. 


Willy Rioli celebrates a brilliant goal from the boundary
 
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/140544/default.aspx