U18 National Championships 2013

[one-eyed]

Dunstan, Scharenberg dominant in SA's win over Vic Country
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
4:26pm AEST Sunday, June 16, 2013


SOUTH AUSTRALIA     4.3   6.8   9.10  11.13 (79)
VIC COUNTRY            1.1    3.4    6.4     6.9 (45)

GOALS
South Australia: Harvey 4, Fantasia 2, Dumont, Hourigan, Knight, Reynolds, Spina
Vic Country: McCartney 2, Willsmore 2, Saunders, McCartin

BEST
South Australia: Dunstan, Scharenberg, Knight, Pitt, Coombe, Battersby, Durdin, Spina
Vic Country: Hartung, Fort, Gardiner, Holman, Jones, Herbert

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SOUTH Australian pair Luke Dunstan and Matthew Scharenberg were the standouts in their side's 34-point win over Vic Country on Sunday.

In the division one clash at City Mazda Stadium in Adelaide, South Australia proved too strong for an injury-hit Vic Country line-up, winning 11.13 (79) to 6.9 (45).

Dunstan and Scharenberg were central to SA's dominance; the former dominating through the midfield while the latter cleaned up in defence and launched several attacks.

Dunstan finished with 30 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances, while Scharenberg enhanced his standing as a likely top-five NAB AFL Draft selection with 27 disposals and plenty of composure in the back half.

South Australia was also well served by midfielder Trent Dumont, who had strength and poise around the stoppages, and James Battersby, a smart rebounding defender who made good things happen.

Mitchell Harvey kicked four goals, and Orazio Fantasia booted two in a handy performance, which included some exciting moments.

Vic Country tried hard but were ultimately undermanned, missing the run and class of suspended midfielder Lewis Taylor.

After limiting the influence of South Australia's James Aish in the first half, Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Billy Hartung had some dynamic bursts in the second half using his speed and skill.

Nick Holman was busy at the stoppages with 18 disposals, while Zak Jones' kicking and Zac Merrett's smarts caught the eye.

Darcy Gardiner, one of the best tall defenders of this year's draft pool, won his battle with South Australia's Darcy Hourigan before injuring his ankle in the third quarter and leaving the field.

Nathan Drummond (ankle) and Hugh Goddard (shoulder) were other Vic Country players to finish the defeat injured.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-16/sa-topliners-shine-again

[one-eyed]

VIDEO: U18 eye-catchers

Our panel gives you a new batch of names to look out for in the 2013 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships:

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-06-20/eyecatchers-u18-champs-round-three

[one-eyed]

Ruckman stars as Tassie secures U18 win

By Staff writers
afl.com.au
2:59pm AEST Saturday, June 22, 2013



TASMANIA     4.3     8.6   15.8   15.13 (103)
QUEENSLAND   0.2    1.3      2.4       5.4 (34)

GOALS
TASMANIA: Wiggins 3, Bellchambers 2, Grey 2, Webster, Hanson, Boscott, Mullins, Willis, Templeton, K. Kolodjashnij, Nankervis
QUEENSLAND: Rutledge, Freeman, Brennan, Weller, Cameron-Reeves

BEST
TAS: Nankervis, K. Kolodjashnij, Templeton, J. Kolodjashnij, Pearce, Grey
QLD: Bertoli-Simmons, Cornish, Rogerson, Haberfield, Dawson

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RUCKMAN Toby Nankervis has helped inspire Tasmania to its first win of the NAB Under 18 Championships, against Queensland in Hobart on Saturday.

Nankervis was best afield for the victors, finishing with 27 touches, 11 marks and 19 hit-outs, helping Tassie easily win the stoppage count on the way to a 69-point victory.

The 199cm, 100kg big man has impressed in recent performances and is drawing the attention of recruiters after being overlooked in last year's NAB AFL Draft.

Teammate Kade Kolodjashnij, another Tasmanian enjoying a strong tournament, found plenty of the footy, also finishing with 27 touches.

Forward Ryan Wiggins kicked three goals.

After a tight, contested start, Tasmania dominated through the midfield and doubled the inside-50 entries at quarter-time.

From there, the home side was never headed, leading at every change and restricting Queensland to just two goals at three-quarter time.

Kolodjashnij was superb, with his piercing left foot again a highlight.

It adds to an already strong championships for the Tasmanian co-captain after he gathered 37 possessions against Western Australia in early June.

He was supported across half-back by twin brother Jake, who was also among Tasmania's best players.

For Queensland, Tyler Cornish had 31 possessions, while top prospect Isaac Conway had 22.

After being blown away by a seven-goal third quarter from the Tasmanians, Queensland responded with a positive final term, kicking back-to-back goals for the only time in the match to draw closer.

Tasmania and Queensland travel to Visy Park next week, facing the Northern Territory and NSW/ACT respectively in a double-header on Saturday.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-22/big-ruckman-stars-as-tassie-secures-u18-win

[one-eyed]

U18 gun: young Neagle kicks six for NSW/ACT

By Staff writers
afl.com.au
3:42pm AEST Saturday, June 22, 2013

NSW/ACT                 7.4   11.9       16.15       19.19 (133)
Northern Territory   0.2    2.2            4.2         5.2   (32)

GOALS
NSW/ACT: Neagle 6, Eastman 2, Gibbons 2, Mahady 2, Barrett, Clothier, Etto, Head, King, Thompson, Watson
NT: Ankers 2, McGill, McLean, Rioli, Cox

BEST:
NSW/ACT: Davis, Gibbons, Barrett, Perris, Neagle, Halse, Munro, Eastman
NT: Ankers, McLean, Stokes, Cox, Rioli

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THE SON of late Essendon player Merv Neagle has starred for NSW/ACT in the NAB Under 18 Championships, kicking six goals to propel his team to a huge win over the Northern Territory on Saturday.

Jydon Neagle, who plays for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup, had 21 possessions, took 12 marks and had 10 scoring shots in his team's 101-point demolition.

NSW/ACT finished 19.19 (133) to Northern Territory's 5.2 (32) at Blacktown.

Neagle, a mid-sized forward, started the game on fire, kicking three first-quarter goals in a seven-goal opening onslaught by the home team.

Coached by former Sydney Swans player Jason Saddington, NSW/ACT dominated every facet of the game.

Midfield trio Jake Barrett, Michael Gibbons and Lloyd Perris each collected more than 30 possessions, helping Neagle enjoy a rich bounty in the forward line.

Matthew Eastman, Mitchell Mahady and Gibbons were also among the goals, all finishing with two apiece.

It was a tough day at the office for the visitors, who had trouble finding the ball and lost the possession count 431 to 249.

Midfielders Abraham Ankers and Braedon McLean battled hard all day, but they were simply overwhelmed by the midfield dominance of NSW/ACT.

Ankers worked his way into the game, pushing forward at times and finishing with two goals.

Willy Rioli also showed flashes of class for NT.

Neagle, who is eligible to become a father-son selection for the Bombers, is one of a trio of Neagle brothers on Essendon's radar.

All three – Jydon, Nathan and Matthew – are part of the James Hird Academy, which boasts a number of sons of former Bomber champs.

Merv Neagle lost his life in a truck accident in southern NSW in August last year, just before Jydon's 18th birthday.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-22/u18-gun-young-neagle-kicks-six-for-nswact-

[one-eyed]

VIDEO: Eyecatchers U18 Champs - Round 3

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2013-06-27/eyecatchers-under-18-champs-round-3

[one-eyed]

You can watch the U18 Champs on right now:

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AFL Live subscribers have the chance to watch the fourth round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, with games scheduled between Vic Country and Western Australia and the battle of the unbeaten sides Vic Metro and South Australia on Friday, June 28.

You can watch both games via the AFL.TV link in the app menu.
 
The AFL Live application is available on any Australian or New Zealand iPhone, iPod and iPad or Android smartphone and tablet.

Overseas subscribers to the AFL Live TV service can also watch both games.

Action kicks off with Vic Country and Western Australia from 12:35pm (AEST), followed by Vic Metro and South Australia at 2:35pm.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-28/watch-the-u18-champs-live-

[one-eyed]

WA pinches nail-biting win in Under-18s

By Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
3:02pm AEST Friday, June 28, 2013


VIC COUNTRY                         4.0       5.2       7.7       10.10 (70)         
WESTERN AUSTRALIA            3.2       4.5       7.7       11.7 (73)       

GOALS
Vic Country: McCartin 5, Scott 3, Willsmore, Crouch
Western Australia: Sheed 4, McCarthy 3, Acres, Main, Cameron, Johnson

BEST
Vic Country: McCartin, Impey, Goddard, Fort, Leslie, Herbert
Western Australia: C Smith, Sheed, Hodgeson, McCarthy, Winton, Acres

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WEST AUSTRALIAN skipper Dom Sheed finished the day with a broken collarbone, but Cameron McCarthy stepped up to deliver the game-winning goal against Vic Country in round four of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

McCarthy's goal came from a soaring pack mark, in between a nest of Country defenders, with just 30 seconds left on the clock, as he steered his side to a thrilling three-point victory at Simonds Stadium on Friday.

Sheed almost played the full game for Western Australia, but a heavy collision with Country's Pat McCartin in the final term saw him finish in a make-shift jumper sling and in a considerable amount of pain.

Before the collision, Sheed thrived in the contested packs to gather 29 disposals, six clearances and four goals in a phenomenal display.

The 195cm McCarthy's contested marking was a feature all game and it came to the fore at the critical moment, while his right boot was equally sound under pressure, slotting the winning goal from about 35 metres out. 

At the other end of the ground, forward McCartin was unstoppable for Country, pulling down 11 marks and booting five goals – showing a strong ability to attack the ball fiercely in the air.

He was ably supported by Zak Jones (18 disposals) and James Tsitas (18).

The hard-working Josh Scott added three goals and earned plaudits for his ability to win a key contests, while Billy Hartung exhibited  break-away speed in patches.

But it was the profound influence of Sheed that carried his side to a memorable victory. The only shame was that the game's standout player was not on the field when the siren sounded.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-28/wa-pinches-a-nailbiter

[one-eyed]

Kelly, Billings shine but SA claims win

By Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
4:48pm AEST Friday, June 28, 2013

VIC METRO                2.1    3.2     5.7    8.7    (55)                                     
SOUTH AUSTRALIA    3.1    4.4     7.4    8.10   (58)       
 
GOALS
Vic Metro: Billings, Lennon, Bontempelli, Kelly McLaren, Honeychurch, Apeness, Hayes
South Australia: Hourigan 3, Reynolds 2, Fantasia, Hewett, Johansen

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SMOOTH moving Vic Metro duo Josh Kelly and Jack Billings shone in round four of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, but it was South Australia who collected the spoils in fine conditions at Simonds Stadium on Friday.
 
The South Australians held off a late charge from their Victorian counterparts, holding on to a three-point win, 8.10 (58) to 8.7 (55).
 
Kelly followed up his 30-possession effort from last round, with another 28 touches and a goal, while Billings (20 touches and a goal) turned in his best game of the Championships.
 
Kelly's work-rate and efficiency were features of his game. Billings' clever repeat leads saw him involved in an array of Metro's scoring chains as a half-forward.

Broken collarbone for WA skipper Sheed
 
Kelly and Billings are considered potential top-15 draft choices.
 
South Australian defender Matthew Scharenberg – a likely top 10 draft prospect – showed his worth with 21 disposals, aided by Luke Dunstan's 22 and George Hewett's 20.
 
Darcy Hourigan booted three majors and the highly-rated James Aish was solid with 16 disposals for the Croweaters.
 
Metro forward Max Hayes' goal late in the game brought the deficit down to three points, but his side left its run too late as South Australia ensured remained the only unbeaten side heading into the pivotal final round of the Championships.
 
Earlier, a game-winning goal from West Australian forward Cameron McCarthy carried his side to a thrilling three-point win over Vic Country.
 
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-28/metro-duo-shine-but-sa-wins

[one-eyed]

U18s: Draft prospects star as Tassie inches closer to division two title
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Saturday, June 29, 2013


NORTHERN TERRITORY        2.0        2.0        2.3               3.3 (21)
TASMANIA                           4.2        9.7      13.10        21.13 (139)

BEST
Tasmania: Nankervis, Webster, K.Kolodjashnij, Templeton, Fox, Smith
Northern Territory: Hagan, Coombes, Cockatoo, Gordon, Musgrove

GOALS
Northern Territory: Rioli 2, Hamilton
Tasmania: Fox 5, Nankervis 5, Boscott 2, K.Kolodjashnij 2, Templeton, Hanson, Grey, Smith, Hibberd, Withers, Foon

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TASMANIA is a step closer to claiming the division two Under-18 Championships title after a commanding 118-point win over Northern Territory.

Tasmania's dominance from start to finish was evident in the numbers, collecting 156 more (337-181) disposals than their counterparts to win 21.13 (139) to 3.3 (21) at Visy Park on Saturday.

Midfielder Eli Templeton, who was a level one AIS-AFL Academy scholarship holder last year, was everywhere in the win, finding 27 disposals for Tasmania through the midfield and kicking goal.

He ran with the ball, took it from half-back to half-forward, and set up many of his side's scoring opportunities with precise foot skills and some daring moves.

Templeton's mop of blond hair stands out but so does his attitude: he takes a few risks with the ball, and tries things others perhaps wouldn't.

Tasmania's top draft prospect, Kade Kolodjashnij, continued his strong championships, racking up 34 disposals, 10 marks and two goals. Kolodjashnij sweeps across half-back to help control the game but can also move forward and be damaging.

Toby Nankervis strengthened his draft hopes with five goals from 22 disposals, floating between the ruck and deep forward. Matt Hanson won the ball, and Zac Webster showed some dash from defence.

Northern Territory forward Willy Rioli slotted two goals in the first quarter but the Territorians had to wait almost three quarters before they kicked their next, which came via Marcus Hamilton midway through the final term.

Brayden McClean had 18 disposals, the most for NT.

Tasmania will meet NSW-ACT next Thursday at Victoria Park in a clash likely to decide the division two title.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-29/draft-prospects-star-in-tasmanian-win

[one-eyed]

U18s: Queensland still alive after last-gasp win
By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Saturday, June 29, 2013

NSW/ACT     1.4   4.5   7.5   7.5  (47)
Queensland   0.1   2.3   3.5   8.8  (56)

GOALS
NSW/ACT: King 4, Barrett, Edwards, Heeney
Queensland: Ives 3, Haberfield, Hammelmann, Hay, Rutledge, Stiller

BEST
NSW/ACT: Jansen, Clothier, King, Perris, Heeney, Green
Queensland: Dawson, Rutledge, Ives, Conway, Tickner, Smith

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QUEENSLAND kicked five unanswered goals in the final quarter to claim an upset nine-point win over NSW/ACT at Visy Park on Saturday.

Queensland trailed by four goals at the last change – having kicked only three goals to three-quarter time – before dominating the fourth term to win 8.8 (56) to 7.5 (47), keeping the Rams scoreless.

It kept alive Queensland's slim hopes of winning the division two title, meaning it, Tasmania (the only unbeaten team) and NSW/ACT will fight for the title on Thursday in round five of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Victoria Park.

In an exciting finish, key forward Matthew Hammelmann kicked a goal with two minutes to play to put Queensland ahead, before James Ives booted his third on the siren to seal the win.

A few key contributors were behind Queensland's surprising resurgence.

Luke Rogerson and Isaac Conway each found 20 disposals for the winners and did a lot of the grunt work through the midfield.

Tyler Cornish was also hard at it, with 19 disposals (13 contested), while Lachie Weller, younger brother of Gold Coast's Mav, showed some style on the wing.

Weller's AIS-AFL Academy teammate Liam Dawson was perhaps Queensland's best, using his smarts to repel across half-back, while Liam Rutledge had 18 disposals and eight marks.

For the Rams, Max King had his best game of the championships, kicking four goals.

The 200cm forward, who can pinch-hit in the ruck, is from the Wagga Tigers and TAC Cup side Murray Bushrangers, and was effective with his 13 disposals and four marks.

Before the championships began, NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman described King as "light in frame but high in potential."

Chris Jansen had 22 disposals, while Jedd Clothier had 20 and gave provided some drive.

Prospects Abe Davis and Isaac Heeney, both eligible for the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, also showed glimpses for NSW/ACT. Davis read the ball well in the air while Heeney, a midfielder, competed around the contests.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-06-29/queensland-still-alive-after-lastgasp-win

[one-eyed]

The final round of the U18 Champs is live on Fox Footy this arvo for those interested ...



ROUND 5 - NATIONAL UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

TODAY

South Australia v Western Australia, 3.35pm at Etihad Stadium (Live on Fox Footy)

Vic Metro v Vic Country, 5.35pm at Etihad Stadium (Live on Fox Footy)

[tigs2011]

SA and VM will win these games in a canter.

[one-eyed]

Key forward stars as Croweaters claim U18 title

By Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
5:30pm AEST Wednesday, July 3, 2013


South Australia          3.2     8.4    10.6   11.9 (75)
Western Australia      3.1    5.2      8.4   10.5 (65)

GOALS
South Australia: Hourigan 3, Battersby 2, Dumont, Harvey, Karpany, Knight, McKay, Reynolds
Western Australia: McCarthy 2, Sokol 2, Cameron, Johnson, Keitel, Lim, Marsh, Pickett

BEST
South Australia: Dunstan, Scharenberg, Pitt, Hourigan, Battersby, Combe, Durdin, McKay, Spina
Western Australia: C Smith, Lim, Cripps, Jansen, Edwards

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SOUTH Australia has won its inaugural under-18 title, working overtime to overcome a gallant Western Australia by 10 points in the final round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
 
Despite a slow start, in which they conceded the first three goals of the match, the Croweaters finished stronger than their less-fancied division one opponents, winning 11.9 (75) to 10.5 (65) at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
 
Click here for all the news from the under-18 championships

South Australian key forward Darcy Hourigan was the beneficiary of some improved second-half play, kicking three goals – to go along with nine marks and 15 disposals – to take his tournament tally to 16.
 
Opposing forward Cameron McCarthy booted two majors and threw himself at the ball at every chance but his day ended abruptly when he landed awkwardly in a fourth-quarter marking contest.
 
WA is bracing for bad news on McCarthy, believing the young forward broke his leg in the incident.

McCarthy's pack marking and attack on the ball were a feature of his play throughout the carnival.
 
South Australia's Luke Dunstan (22 disposals) worked diligently throughout the game for his state, receiving great assistance from onballer Campbell Combe (21) and rebounding defender James Battersby (17).
 
James Aish, a likely top-10 draft choice from South Australia, dealt with some heavy treatment but still finished with 14 touches in a gutsy effort.
 
Western Australia refused to go away and made its opponents earn their victory.
 
Patrick Cripps, the brother of West Coast's Jamie, was far and away WA's most influential player with 21 possessions and nine clearances.
 
Cripps' ability to work his way through traffic caught the eye, while bottom-age speedster Clem Smith (14 touches) added a touch of class for WA.
 
Ryan Lim's overlap run from defence, in gathering 16 touches, was also constructive for the Sandgropers.
 
The Croweaters had previously tasted success at under-age level, when they won the 1995 Under-17 Teal Cup.
 
But South Australia had never before taken out an under-18 championship.
 
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-03/under18-championships-sa-v-wa-match-report


Western Australia's leaping forward Cameron McCarthy has suffered a suspected broken leg, souring his impressive form at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

State talent manager Raff Guadagnino said he hoped McCarthy's long-term injury would not hinder his draft prospects.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-03/broken-leg-for-young-wa-gun

[one-eyed]

Billings the star as Metro win battle of the Vics

By Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
7:39pm AEST Wednesday, July 3, 2013


Vic Country    1.1     3.3      5.4     6.6 (42)
Vic Metro        2.1     5.4      7.5      9.7 (61)
 
GOALS
Vic Country: Willsmore 2, McCartney, Herbert, Nelson, Taylor
Vic Metro: Billings 3, Apeness, Lennon, Honeychurch, Sicily, Walker, Bontempelli

Best:
Vic Country: Taylor, Crouch, Holman, Jones, Leslie, Impey
Vic Metro: Honeychurch, Kennedy-Harris, McDonald, Billings, Kelly, Bontempelli, Byrne-Jones, Ritchie

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POTENTIAL top-five draft pick Jack Billings has further strengthened his credentials with another standout display for Vic Metro against state rivals Vic Country at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Billings was a key factor in Metro's 19-point victory over Country, gathering 15 disposals and kicking three goals in his side's 9.7 (61) to 6.6 (42) win.

The clever half-forward typically found space with great ease and finished his work with aplomb.

With South Australia winning the division-one title earlier, neither side was a chance to take home the 2013 Championship. But that did not take away from what was a willing and competitive contest.

There was little real momentum early in the match, with the game stalled in the opening term after Vic Country's Darcy Lang went down with a serious left ankle injury.

Lang was carted off on a stretcher, with Country management confirming a fractured ankle for the likely draftee who was taken to hospital for scans.

After the delay, Metro's midfield, comprising likely high draft pick Josh Kelly (24 disposals and six tackles) and prolific on-baller Mitch Honeychurch (23 possessions, seven tackles and six clearances) managed to get on top.

Burly half-forward Ben Lennon presented well and skipper Luke McDonald, North Melbourne's father-son in waiting, controlled the back half for Metro.

Country battled manfully, but could not match the intensity of their Victorian rivals.

Midfielder Lewis Taylor did his best to kick-start Country with some damaging runs on his way to a game-high 32 touches, while Matt Crouch (27) and Nick Holman (19) were also among their side's best players.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-03/metro-take-top-billings

[one-eyed]

DOM SHEED was rewarded for his excellent NAB AFL Under-18 Championships by winning the Larke Medal for the best player in division one.
 
Sheed, Western Australia's captain, had a consistent four games and dominated his side's midfield, averaging 28 disposals.

Meanwhile, Matthew Scharenberg and Luke Dunstan (South Australia), Mitch Honeychurch (Vic Metro), Zak Jones (Vic Country) and Clem Smith (Western Australia) were judged the most valuable player of their sides for the competition.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-03/wa-jet-wins-larke-medal


PICS:

SA vs WA
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2013%20NAB%20AFL%20U18%20Championship%20-%20SA%20v%20WA&image_id=293294

Vic Metro vs Vic Country
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2013%20NAB%20AFL%20U18%20Championship%20-%20Vic%20Country%20v%20Vic%20Metro&image_id=293300