U18 National Championships 2013

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The fixture for this year's U18 Championships has been released:


http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-07/under-18-champs-fixture

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U18s: Cavarra runs riot for under-strength Metro
By Ben Collins
afl.com.au
Sunday, May 26, 2013


QUEENSLAND     1.3    4.6     6.6      9.6 (60)
VIC METRO        3.6    5.12   7.21   12.28 (100)

GOALS
Queensland: Freeman 3, Hammelmann 2, Tickner 2, Ives, Trask.
Vic Metro: Cavarra 2, Cook 2, Kennedy-Harris, Miller, Honeychurch, Tardio, Greiser, Petracca, Sicily, Apeness

BEST
Queensland: Rogerson, Freeman, Rutledge, Cameron-Reeves, Weller, Dawson
Vic Metro: Cavarra, Honeychurch, Sicily, Miller, Petracca, Milham, Spencer

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EASTERN Ranges midfielder Ben Cavarra filled the void for an under-strength Vic Metro side in a comfortable win against Queensland in Sunday's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships clash.

Metro entered the game minus guns Tom Boyd, Marcus Bontempelli, Ben Lennon, Christian Salem and Josh Kelly, but left-footer Cavarra stepped up with a best-afield performance that featured a game-high 35 disposals, seven inside 50s and 2.2.

Metro fired 25 more scoring shots but won by just 40 points – 12.28 (100) to 9.6 (60).

Metro's horrendous inaccuracy, In perfect conditions at Yeronga in Brisbane, was attributed as much to Queensland's pressure as it was to their own wastefulness.

Another Eastern Ranges on-baller/forward to thrive for Vic Metro was Mitchell Honeychurch, who had 23 touches and kicked 1.2.

James Sicily from the Western Jets dominated a wing with 20 disposals, nine marks and a goal, while Calder Cannon runner Touk Miller had 26 touches and game-high tallies of seven clearances and nine tackles.

Metro also won a key contest with Western Jet midfielder Jake Greiser (19 possessions) blanketing Aspley playmaker Isaac Conway (14 and seven tackles).

Queensland defender Luke Rogerson, from Redland, amassed 30 possessions, being one of only two players from the home side to have at least 20 touches. The designated kicker also had eight rebounds.

Queensland's three tall forwards Jonothan Freeman (three goals), Matthew Hammelmann (two) and Cain Tickner (two) performed especially well given limited opportunities. (Their team lost the inside 50 count 67-39.)

Speedy midfielder Lachlan Weller, the younger brother of Gold Coast player Maverick Weller, was among his state's best with 16 quality disposals.

Defender Aden Rutledge was one of the reasons Queensland remained in the game until the final change, while midfielder Darcy Cameron-Reeves had 19 disposals and five clearances.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-26/u18s-cavarra-runs-riot-for-understrength-metro

[Smokey]

U18s: Cavarra runs riot for under-strength Metro
By Ben Collins
afl.com.au
Sunday, May 26, 2013


QUEENSLAND     1.3    4.6     6.6      9.6 (60)
VIC METRO        3.6    5.12   7.21   12.28 (100)

GOALS
Queensland: Freeman 3, Hammelmann 2, Tickner 2, Ives, Trask.
Vic Metro: Cavarra 2, Cook 2, Kennedy-Harris, Miller, Honeychurch, Tardio, Greiser, Petracca, Sicily, Apeness

BEST
Queensland: Rogerson, Freeman, Rutledge, Cameron-Reeves, Weller, Dawson
Vic Metro: Cavarra, Honeychurch, Sicily, Miller, Petracca, Milham, Spencer

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My cousin's young bloke.  Made the AIS Level 1 squad this year and has just turned 17 so is still eligible for next year's Under 18 championships.  Was told this week that he will most likely be playing the full season with the Lion's reserves side in the NEAFL next year after playing the last few games with them recently.  Played full back today but has been spending most of this season on the wing in rep football or key forward at club level.  He's a good kid so hope he can keep improving and make next year's draft.

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Vic Country forward Clayton McCartney boots six as U18 carnival fires up

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Sunday, May 26, 2013


NORTHERN TERRITORY       2.2      2.3        5.3         5.4 (34)
VIC COUNTRY                    5.1     11.7      17.7       22.13 (145)

GOALS
Northern Territory: Fuller 2, Renehan, Scanlon, Vea Vea
Vic Country: McCartney 6, Impey 3, Merrett 3, Leslie 2, Saunders 2, Herbert, Harmes, Holman, Lang, Maher, Webb

BEST
Northern Territory: Long, Cox, Renehan, Wasley-Black, McAuliffe, Pilbrow
Vic Country: Holman, McCartney, Nelson, Cunico, Pickless, Lang

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SKILLFUL Vic Country forward Clayton McCartney has starred in the opening game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, booting six goals in his side's 111-point win over Northern Territory.

In the same fixture last year Northern Territory stunned division-one side Vic Metro to record a shock victory but there were no surprises on Saturday night at TIO Stadium, with Vic Country winning 22.13 (145) to 5.4 (34).

McCartney was integral to that, with the Dandenong Stingrays forward putting in a strong performance around goal. It wasn't a solo effort, however, with the 17-year-old one of five multiple goalkickers for Country.

Jarman Impey and Zac Merrett each kicked three goals, while Alex Saunders and Jack Leslie kicked two.

Merrett is the younger brother of Essendon's Jackson, and carries a couple of the same tendencies as the exciting Bombers half-forward, with his pace and touch of class adding a layer of finesse to Country's hard work in the midfield.

Murray Bushrangers' Nick Holman was Vic Country's standout midfielder in the game, while North Ballarat Rebels' utility Louis Herbert also played well in a number of roles.

Having missed out on being drafted last year, Herbert was one of two 19-year-olds eligible to represent Vic Country and looks set for more exposure through the national championships after improving his game.

Northern Territory was well served by St Marys star Jack Long, while midfielders Daniel Cox and Kevin Renehan also contributed for the home side.

Captain Errin Wasley-Black was named among the NT's best players.

A number of the more highly ranked draft hopefuls usually sit out the first round of the championships, where division one sides crossover to face division two sides.

Vic Country took this approach, with the likes of AIS-AFL Academy players Lewis Taylor, Billy Hartung, Darcy Gardinery, Nick Bourke and James Tsitas all not playing. Matt Crouch also missed with a broken finger.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-05-26/sixshooter-vic-forward-kicks-off-u18-champs

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VIDEO: Full match vision of NT vs Vic Country

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gmi7jR4jjE0

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U18s: Scharenberg stars for SA
By Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
3:45pm AEST Saturday, June 1, 2013


NSW/ACT                3.1   5.2    7.4   10.7 (67)
South Australia        3.3   9.6  14.9  17.13 (115)
 
GOALS
NSW/ACT: Neagle 3, Edwards 2, King 2, Gibbons, Eastman, Austin
South Australia: Harvey 4, Hourigan 4, Karpany 3, Scharenberg, Spina, Dunstan, Johansen, Wilson, Reynolds
 
BEST
NSW/ACT: Neagle, Gibbons, Perris, Green, Barrett, Watson
South Australia: Scharenberg, Reynolds, Coombe, Johansen, Aish


HIGHLY touted South Australian youngster Matt Scharenberg has been the standout player in his team's 48-point win over NSW/ACT in the opening round of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.
 
South Australia, courtesy of five unanswered goals in seven minutes in the third quarter, cruised to victory in the clash played in fine conditions at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday.
 
Scharenberg, who recently visited Europe as part of the AIS-AFL Academy's tour, took 10 marks and had 26 disposals, including seven inside 50s and seven rebounds.
 
The 2012 All-Australian and former baseball player stood out with his game across half back after being played up forward in practice matches.
 
Also among the best for South Australia was Norwood teenager James Aish, who had 13 disposals and three clearances.
 
Aish played 50 per cent of the game in what was his first hit-out for the year after shoulder surgery.
 
Darcy Hourigan booted four goals – three of which came in the seven-minute burst in the third term that broke the game open – while his fellow forward Mitch Harvey also contributed four.
 
Indigenous pair Malcolm Karpany and Dwayne Wilson were also prolific with their clean handling and ability to set up opportunities for their team.
 
For NSW/ACT, Jydon Neagle – the son of late Essendon premiership player Merv and brother of former Bomber Jay – led his side with three goals and six inside 50s.
 
The Murray Bushranger was lively in the forward line and ended as his team's best player, along with Michael Gibbons.
 
Gibbons had a game-high 29 disposals and 12 tackles, and showed great intensity around the ball to accumulate nine clearances.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-01/scharenberg-stars-for-sa

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Sheed boosts standing in big WA win

By Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
3:21pm AEST Sunday, June 2, 2013


WESTERN AUSTRALIA   4.10    8.12   11.14    14.17  (101)
TASMANIA                    0.3      2.3      4.6        5.9    (39)

GOALS
WA: Bevan 3, Johnson 2, McCarthy 2, Abbott, Edwards, Waterman, Marsh, Sokol, Jansen, Cameron
Tasmania: Boscott, Smith, Lee, Bones, Fox

BEST
WA: Sheed, Johnson, Cripps, Hodgson, Bevan, Jansen
Tasmania: J Kolodjashnij, Lockhart, Nankervis, K Kolodjashnij, Boscott, Hanson

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WEST Australian captain Dominic Sheed has played a starring role through the midfield in his state's 62-point demolition of Tasmania in their round one clash of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Aurora Stadium on Sunday.

Sheed, who has been compared with Brisbane Lions champion Simon Black, collected 32 disposals and a game-high eight clearances.

Originally from Kalgoorlie, the 18-year-old has been plying his trade at WAFL club Subiaco and it was his ability to win the ball in tight and then spread in to open space which would have impressed recruiters on Sunday.

With likely high draft pick Blake Acres sidelined by a shoulder injury, Sheed set the tone for his teammates.

The collective spread of the West Australian team was a clear feature, as they worked their Tasmanian opponents over with some strong link up run.

Sheed was central to this style of play, but he was also supported by East Fremantle's Jarrad Jansen (28 disposals) and Patrick Cripps (26) – the third cousin of West Coast Eagles recruit Jamie.

As such, the Sandgropers managed to split Tasmania open on a number of occasions on the fat side of the ground with their ball use a genuine highlight.

Western Australia clocked up 61 inside 50s to Tasmania's 30, allowing promising forward Cameron McCarthy (two goals) to feature among the goalkickers.

McCarthy, a 195cm forward, is capable above his head and has shown excellent mobility for a big man. Sam Bevan also finished with three goals for WA.

Despite the discrepancy in inside 50 entries, Tasmania held up quite well under the circumstances.

Jake Kolodjashnij played a pivotal role on WA dangerman Jonathon Marsh, while twin brother Kade racked up 37 possessions and 20 handball receives through the midfield.

Toby Nankervis, standing at 199cm and 100kg, had 23 touches and 10 marks – continuing to show improvement and maturity after testing well at the Draft Combine last season.

Eventually though, Western Australia's firepower proved to be too difficult to handle, as they shared the football and ran Tasmania ragged in the second half.

WA defeated 14.17 (101) to Tasmania's 5.9 (39) in perfect conditions in Launceston.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-02/sheeds-prospects-boosted-in-big-wa-win

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VIDEO: Kevin Sheehan and the boys wrap up round 1 of the 2013 under 18 championships:

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-06-06/eyecatchers-u18-champs-round-one-wrap.workstation

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Elite young Victorian talent takes to the field
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Friday, June 7, 2013

A NUMBER of Victoria's top draft hopefuls will play their first game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Sunday as the national carnival starts to take shape.

Vic Metro and Vic Country left their level two AIS-AFL Academy members out of their round-one games, but have recalled most of the players for this weekend's matches.

Click here for full NAB AFL Under-18 Championships coverage

Tom Boyd, Jack Billings, Josh Kelly and Ben Lennon, all projected as early picks at November's NAB AFL Draft, will line-up for Metro against NSW/ACT at Visy Park.

Captain Luke McDonald, who has already committed to joining North Melbourne under the father-son rule, will lead the side, while Sandringham Dragons midfielders Nathan Freeman and Christian Salem have also been picked.

Country has also strengthened its squad after its comfortable win over the Northern Territory in round one, with midfielders Lewis Taylor, James Tsitas and Billy Hartung picked to play Tasmania.

Key defender Darcy Gardiner and forward Dallas Willsmore have also returned to the Vic Country side. Midfielder Matt Crouch is still missing as he recovers from a broken hand suffered before the start of the championships.

South Australia took a near full-strength side into its win over Tasmania last week and will again against Queensland on Saturday.

Impressive midfielder Trent Dumont, however, will miss the game with an ankle injury.

Exciting youngster Jarrod Pickett is one of a number of inclusions for Western Australia in its clash with the Northern Territory.

Pickett starred on the level one AIS-AFL Academy trip to New Zealand in January, and although he is not eligible to be drafted until next year, his pace and skill has already caught the eye of recruiters.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-07/draft-guns-set-to-fire

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Aish, Hourigan star for SA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
4:04pm AEST Saturday, June 8, 2013

QUEENSLAND            2.0    5.2       5.3      6.6 (42)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA    7.3    11.6    15.8    22.10 (142)

GOALS
Queensland: Tickner 2, Conway, Freeman, Hammelmann, Trask
South Australia: Hourigan 5, Fantasia 4, Spina 2, Hewett 2, Reynolds 2, Aish, Bates, Coombe, Dunstan, Giles, Pitt, Wilson

BEST
Queensland: Freeman, Dawson, Hay, Weller, Brennan
South Australia: Aish, Dunstan, Hourigan, Wilson, Battersby, Knight

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JAMES Aish's build-up to an impressive NAB AFL Under-18 Championships has been carefully mapped out and meticulously planned. It also seems to have been perfectly measured.

Aish returned from shoulder surgery last week in South Australia's opening game of the championships and showed good signs, but had a bigger say in proceedings on Saturday, during his state's 100-point win over Queensland at Southport.

South Australia had control over Queensland throughout its 22.10 (142) to 6.6 (42) win, and Aish was instrumental.

The wingman ran the lines, carried the ball and used it well, and finished with 23 disposals – the most of any South Australian. The 17-year-old also sent the ball inside-50 four times in a polished display before moving into the division one games next week.

South Australia did most of their damage in the first quarter, opening up a 33-point lead by the first change.

Queensland was competitive through the second quarter but was again blown away in the last term, when South Australia booted seven goals to one.

Darcy Hourigan continued his strong form, with the South Australian forward kicking five goals after kicking four last week. The 190cm forward, from South Adelaide, possesses a straight kick and works hard leading up and back at the ball.

James Battersby started in defence but moved into the midfield and finished with 21 disposals, while midfielder Dwayne Wilson (19 disposals) and smart small forward Orazio Fantasia (four goals) were other strong contributors.

Jonothan Freeman was Queensland's best, putting in another strong showing against a division one side.

In round one, the 198cm and 95kg forward kicked three goals against Vic Metro, and he again had a presence against South Australia with 17 disposals, eight marks and a goal.

Each state is allowed a certain number of 19-year-olds in their team and Freeman is one of Queensland's, but has developed this season in a draft that does not possess many top-end tall players.

Lachie Weller, the younger brother of Gold Coast's Maverick, is not eligible for the draft until next year but impressed with 26 touches for Queensland.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-08/aish-hourigan-star-for-sa-

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Smith sets gold standard for WA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
6:32pm AEST Saturday, June 8, 2013

WESTERN AUSTRALIA      3.1    7.7    9.10    18.13 (121)
NORTHERN TERRITORY     1.4    1.8    4.9       5.9 (39)

GOALS
Western Australia: Marsh 4, Johnson 3, McCarthy 2, Sokol 2, Anderson, Bourne, Cameron, Edwards, Lim, Pickett, Sheed
Northern Territory: Ankers, Cox, Musgrove, W.Rioli, Roberts

BEST
Western Australia: Smith, Chatley, Walsh, Sheed, Main
Northern Territory: Chisholm-Espie, Gordon, Ankers, Farrell, Long, Roberts

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CLEM Smith is too young to be drafted this year but that hasn't stopped the 17-year-old Perth prospect from producing a classy showing in Western Australia's big win over the Northern Territory on Saturday.

On his home turf at Perth's ground, Smith starred in Western Australia's 18.13 (121) to 5.9 (39) win, collecting 25 touches as one of the most influential players.

The 177cm Smith – identified as a talent to watch for next year's NAB AFL Draft – patrolled the backline but didn't stop there and often ran the ball out of defence to set up teammates with composed disposal.

After a competitive first term, Western Australia was able to break away by half-time and booted 11 goals to four after the main break.

AIS-AFL Academy member Dom Sheed followed his best-on-ground effort in round one with another irrepressible performance.

Sheed is strong, hunts the ball, doesn't fumble and has a booming left-foot kick, all ingredients of a top-end draft pick come November.

He picked up a game-high 34 disposals and dominated the stoppages, the WA captain continuing his strong lead-in to next week's division one meeting with the highly-fancied Vic Metro side.

Jonathon Marsh was another highlight for the winners. The 190cm dangerous forward kicked four goals from 22 disposals, and proved he has some exciting traits.

Northern Territory had few winners, forcing coach Brenton Toy to try some players in different roles throughout the second half,

Midfielder Brayden McLean tried hard with 17 disposals – equal with teammate Jake Ferrell as the highest possession-winner for the Territorians.

Peter Chisolm-Espie, of Southern Districts, had 15 disposals and seven marks.

Vic Metro will play Western Australia at Patersons Stadium on Saturday to start the third round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, while Northern Territory will head to Blacktown International Sports Park to take on NSW/ACT.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-08/smith-sets-gold-standard-for-wa

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Falcons star as Vic Country downs Tasmania

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
4:28pm AEST Sunday, June 9, 2013


VIC COUNTRY   5.1   7.9   10.10     15.15 (105)
TASMANIA           1.1   4.1    6.2         7.2   (44)

GOALKICKERS
Vic Country: McCartney 3, Willsmore 3, McCartin 2, Saunders 2, Drummond, Heppell, Lang, Merrett, Tsitas
Tasmania: Dickenson 2, Joseph, Fox, Nankervis, Pearce, Willis

BEST
Vic Country: Taylor, Holman, Tsitas, Willsmore, Jones, Leslie
Tasmania: Templeton, Grey, Jones, K.Kolodjashnij, Nankervis, McGuiness

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GEELONG Falcons pair James Tsitas and Lewis Taylor have steered Vic Country to a 61-point win over Tasmania on Sunday.

The midfielders were central to Country's 15.15 (105) to 7.2 (44) win, dominating at the stoppages, creating play and proving too much to handle for the Tasmanians.

Tsitas had 32 disposals and laid 12 tackles, while Taylor had 27 touches with six clearances. Both influenced the game in different ways: Tsitas set it up with clean hands and short kicks, while Taylor's pace and zig-zagging run cut through Tasmania.

Zak Jones, the younger brother of Melbourne midfielder Nathan, impressed for Vic Country. Jones mopped up across half-back and was hard to beat in the air, too.

He finished with 21 disposals, which included five rebound-50s, each with a good level of composure.

Nick Bourke has had an interrupted season since injuring his shoulder in March but, like his AIS-AFL Academy teammates Tsitas and Taylor, Bourke had too much poise for Tasmania.

The left-footer had 21 touches, and weighted many of his passes perfectly through the midfield and while transitioning play from half-back to the wing.

Forwards Dallas Willsmore and Clay McCartney each benefited, both booting three goals. Willsmore led at his marks strongly and could have had more goals if not for inaccuracy.

Tasmania avoided a large defeat by having an extra player in defence for the majority of the game, but was well outplayed.

Midfielder Eli Templeton had 30 disposals, and Kade Kolodjadhnij continued his strong form with 24 touches.

Toby Nankervis was again a standout as a versatile ruckman, gathering 18 disposals from nine marks.

More importantly, Nankervis again showed he had a strong presence against a division one side, marking well around the ground. In a NAB AFL Draft which does not possess many key prospects at the top end, Nankervis has done a good job of catching recruiters' eyes in the first two rounds of the championships.

Tasmania will have a better chance of securing its first win of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in two weeks when it hosts Queensland at Hobart, while Vic Country will be aiming to remain unbeaten when it faces South Australia next Sunday at Adelaide.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-09/falcons-star-as-vic-country-downs-tasmania

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Draft expectations rise as Tom Boyd kicks six

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
6:04pm AEST Sunday, June 9, 2013

VIC METRO  5.3    8.7   14.8    20.12 (132)
NSW/ACT    2.1    5.2     6.6       9.8 (62)

GOALKICKERS
Vic Metro: Boyd 6, Amon 3, Salem 3, Apeness, Billings, Cutler, Franetic, Hayes, Lennon, Maginness, Ritchie
NSW/ACT: Barrett 3, Clothier, Edwards, Hiscox, King, Neagle, Perris

BEST

Vic Metro: Apeness, Boyd, Hayes, Salem, Kelly, Freeman
NSW/ACT: Barrett, Perris, Gibbons, Janson, Clothier, Green

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POTENTIAL number one draft pick Tom Boyd further enhanced his credentials with a six-goal haul for Vic Metro on Sunday.

Metro was too good for NSW/ACT Rams at Visy Park in the second round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, winning 20.12 (132) to 9.8 (62) and Boyd was important in setting up the victory.

The strong-marking forward booted his six goals in the first three quarters before sitting out the final term ahead of Metro's vital game against Western Australia next Saturday in Perth.

At 199cm and 102kg Boyd is the best available key forward of this year's NAB AFL Draft and underlined his talent by playing imposing football against NSW/ACT. The 17-year-old ran hard and marked cleanly above his head and in packs, and fought for the ball at ground level.

The Eastern Ranges big man might even have been pushing double figures if not for a couple of wayward shots at goal.

Click here to read full coverage of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships

It wasn't a lone-hand effort, though. Josh Kelly showed his poise through the midfield for Vic Metro with 26 disposals, while Luke McDonald gathered 24 in a solid outing.

Vic Metros' fleet of midfielders were well served by ruckman Michael Apeness, who had 15 disposals and 33 hit-outs.

Christian Salem finished with 21 disposals and three goals, and midfielder Nathan Freeman showed a burst of speed to go with his smarts around the contest. Another Sandringham Dragon, Karl Amon, was active closer to goal, kicking three majors and looking dangerous throughout the contest.

Talented forward Jack Billings hurt his knee in the first quarter and sat out the remainder of the game for Vic Metro, having started it in sharp touch.

Vic Metro won every quarter but NSW/ACT were not blown away as may have threatened to be the case early on, mainly due to the fine work of midfielders Michael Gibbons, Lloyd Perris and Jake Barrett.

Gibbons had 29 disposals and five tackles, while Perris (26 disposals and a goal) and Barrett (22 disposals, three goals) contributed nearly half of their side's goal power.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-09/boyd-delivers-for-vic-metro

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Pics from today's U18s games:

Vic Metro vs NSW/ACT

Vic Country vs Tasmania

[one-eyed]

Top draft prospect Boyd injured in Vic Metro win
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Saturday, June 15, 2013


WESTERN AUSTRALIA        1.2      3.6       8.7          12.9 (81)
VIC METRO                        6.2      8.6      12.9      15.10 (100)
 
GOALKICKERS
Western Australia: Johnson 4, Marsh 3, McCarthy 3, Barrass, Cameron
Vic Metro: Lennon 4, Boyd 3, Honeychurch 2, Maginness 2, Apeness, Curnow, Kennedy-Harris, Salem
 
BEST
Western Australia: Smith, C.Cameron, D.Cameron, Waterman, Johnson, Marsh
Vic Metro: Honeychurch, McDonald, Kelly, Cavarra, McStay, Lennon, Apeness

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TOM BOYD injured his ankle but it wasn't enough to stop Vic Metro from claiming a hard-fought 19-point win over Western Australia on Saturday.

Boyd was in ominous touch for Metro, booting three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game before marking another inside-50 entry midway through the opening term.

But this time instead of lining up for his fourth goal, Boyd landed awkwardly on his left ankle and was helped from the ground.

The key forward, projected to be this year's No.1 draft pick, didn't return to the field and will have scans on his ankle this week after ending the game on crutches with his leg in a moonboot.

Early diagnosis suggested it is unlikely Boyd will play in Metro's final two division one games against South Australia and Vic Country.

"He was pretty good in that first quarter," said Vic Metro coach Martin Allison.

"The ball was coming in really quick, he was getting perfect supply from the midfielders and he was finishing the work off.

"He's got to have scans and we'll know [more then]."

Metro overcame the loss of its main target to record the 15.10 (100) to 12.9 (81) win in the first clash of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships between division one sides.

After breaking to a 30-point lead at the first change, which Metro held onto by half-time, Western Australia came back in the second half and even closed to within six points in the final term.

But Metro had too many contributors. Ben Lennon kicked four goals and added some class close to goal, while small forward/midfielder Mitch Honeychurch put in a best-on-ground showing.

Injury issues with his wrists restricted Honeychurch's influence early in the season but he was prolific against WA, gathering 33 disposals, (17 contested), seven clearances and two goals.

"I was rapt for him, I thought he was fantastic," Allison said.

"He's had a really interrupted summer and pre-season but players like Mitch really impressed today."

Josh Kelly had 29 disposals and chased hard through the middle, while Ben Cavarra (26 disposals) and Luke McDonald (25) played disciplined games.

Forwards Jonathon Marsh and Cameron McCarthy impressed most for Western Australia.

Marsh is tall and strong but has some extreme speed, which saw him turn a Metro opponent inside out in the last term to boot one of his three goals. Another was a booming 55-metre set shot.

McCarthy had only 10 disposals but had a presence with clean hands and three goals, while Blaine Johnson kicked four goals.

Alec Waterman, son of former West Coast Eagle Chris, had 23 disposals and five tackles.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-15/top-prospect-boyd-injured