Author Topic: U18 Championships 2018  (Read 2863 times)

Offline one-eyed

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U18 Championships 2018
« on: June 24, 2018, 11:48:02 PM »
U18: No.1 hopeful Lukosius dominates for SA

Trent Masenhelder
afl.com.au
Jun 3, 2018


South Australia                5.3       9.4      14.8    19.10 (124)
Western Australia              1.1       3.3       5.4       5.5 (35)

GOALS
South Australia: Lukosius 4, Munn 4, Jarvis 3, Chapman 2, Tarca, Hately, Valente, Nietschke, Rankine, Sampson
Western Australia: Moore 2, English, Clark, Hill

BEST
South Australia: Lukosius, Valente, Jarvis, Lewis, Hately, Gould
Western Australia: Jackson, English, Greaves, Sturrock, Spooner

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

SOUTH Australian Jack Lukosius starred for South Australian in the opening game of the NAB AFL Under Championships in Adelaide on Sunday, showing why he could be taken at No.1 in this year's NAB AFL Draft.

The precocious talent booted four goals, took 14 marks and gathered 17 disposals in his side's 89-point thrashing of Western Australia.

South Australian captain Luke Valente was instrumental for his side, particularly in the first half. He finished with 26 disposals, seven clearances, five inside 50s and a goal.

Jackson Hately was the other dominant midfielder for the Croweaters.

The 190cm Hately racked up 28 touches, laid six tackles, and had 10 clearances, five inside 50s and a goal.

Ben Jarvis (17 disposals and three goals) proved a handful, while Izak Rankine (14 possessions and a goal) showed glimpses of brilliance.

Ruckman Luke Jackson was clearly the best for Western Australia, and his second efforts and follow-up work were a real highlight.

Jackson finished with 29 hit-outs, 15 touches and five clearances.

Luke English (25 disposals, six tackles, five clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal) and Damon Greaves (23 possessions and three rebound 50s) were also good for the Black Swans.

The U18 Championships continue next week, with the Allies hosting Vic Country and Spotless Stadium on Saturday, before Western Australia welcomes Vic Metro to Optus Stadium on Sunday.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-03/u18-no1-hopeful-lukosius-dominates-for-sa

Offline one-eyed

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2018, 11:48:28 PM »
U18: Allies draw first blood at Championships

Ben Collins
afl.com.au
Jun 9, 2018


Allies                  1.1       4.4       6.5      10.11 (71)
Victoria Country        3.4       4.6       6.7       6.12 (48)

GOALS
Allies:  Briggs 3, Jones 2, Scott 2, Green, Peatling, Turner
Vic Country: Flanders 2, Garoni 2, Caldwell, Williams

BEST
Allies: Jones, Briggs, McGuinness, Green, Tomkinson, Baker
Vic Country: Walsh, Reid, Brownless, Serong, Idun, Fletcher

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

A MATCH-WINNING last quarter from ruck/forward Kieren Briggs has lifted the Allies to a 23-point win over Vic Country in their opening NAB AFL Under-18 Championships clash at Blacktown on Saturday.

In a low-scoring, heavily-contested clash in slippery conditions, the Allies trailed by two points at the last change before Briggs exploded with 3.2 of his team’s 4.6 in the final term, while Vic Country was held goalless.

The highly-rated tall prospect – Greater Western Sydney’s MVP in the recent Academy series – put the Allies in front after hauling in a big mark in the opening minute of the final term and added two more goals to put the result beyond doubt.

Briggs finished with 16 possessions, six marks, five tackles and 19 hit-outs.

Another key to the Allies’ victory was Tasmanian midfielder Chayce Jones, who relished the heavy going in a best-afield performance that featured 28 possessions (including 22 kicks), five clearances, six tackles and two terrific goals.

Fellow Tasmanian Matt McGuinness had just 10 touches but the swingman was valuable in various roles.

The Allies were also well served by bottom-age stars Tom Green and Mitch O’Neill.

Green, a hard-working inside midfielder from Canberra and a grandson of Richmond premiership player Michael Green, gathered 24 possessions, a team-high six clearances and a goal, while dashing wingman O’Neill, from Tasmania, had 26 touches.

Other Allies players to shine included Briggs’ ruck partner, Brisbane Lions Academy player Jack Tomkinson (32 hit-outs), and Tasmanian Nic Baker.

Tassie’s top draft hope Tarryn Thomas was quiet in the first half but finished strongly with 17 quality touches and six tackles.

No.1 draft candidate Sam Walsh was easily Vic Country’s best player, accumulating a game-high 31 possessions, six clearances and five tackles.

Defenders Kyle Reid and Connor Idun stood firm under pressure for the losers, while powerful small forward Serong (21 touches) was solid.

Geelong’s father-son prospect Oscar Brownless – the son of Geelong great Bill Brownless – was good on-ball with 18 touches and seven tackles, while fellow midfielder Sam Fletcher battled hard to claim 19 possessions and game-high tallies of tackles (14) and clearances (seven).

Vic Country’s hopes were severely hampered by the loss of two players to early injuries, with co-captain Jye Caldwell starting well with six touches and a goal before hurting a hamstring, and Mitch Riordan also injured early.

Sydney Swans prospect Nick Blakey missed the clash because of a viral infection.

For the first time in the Allies’ three years in the competition, they have started their campaign with a win.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-09/allies-draw-first-blood-at-u18-championship

Offline one-eyed

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2018, 11:48:53 PM »
U18: No.1 hopeful, son of Dog stars for Metro

Travis King
afl.com.au
Jun 10, 2018


Western Australia    2.1   5.2   7.3    12.4 (76)
Vic Metro            3.2   7.5  10.7   14.10 (94)

GOALS
Western Australia: O'Reilly 3, Hill 2, Oldfield 2, Foley, English, Cameron, Sharp, Hansen
Vic Metro: King 5, Anderson 4, Mahony 2, West, O'Halloran, McKenzie

BEST
Western Australia: Sharp, Foley, Oldfield, Stack, Hill, O'Reilly
Vic Metro: King, Anderson, West, Smith, Rowbottom, Quaynor

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

POTENTIAL No.1 draft pick Ben King and some sons of guns ran riot as Vic Metro kicked off their NAB AFL Under-18s Championships campaign with a hard-earned 18-point victory over a gallant Western Australia on Sunday.

In a head-turning display, athletic tall King slotted five goals from 15 disposals in the 14.10 (94) to 12.4 (76) triumph at Optus Stadium.

While it was tough conditions for big men, with a howling breeze all match and slippery conditions in the first half, King showcased his competitiveness in the air and ground-level smarts to lead Metro to victory.

King could have had an even bigger bag, but put one shot out on the full and booted two behinds – including one set shot from the pocket which hit the post.

The 202cm tall, thrown forward from defence after his brother Max went down with a ruptured ACL in April, was the focal point for Metro but the visitors had numerous threats.

Noah Anderson, the son of Hawthorn dual premiership player Dean, was electric across half-forward, slotting four majors, with 20 disposals and five inside 50s.

Anderson is not eligible as a father-son for the Hawks, however the Bulldogs have first dibs on Rhylee West, the son of club great Scott.

West racked up 25 touches, extracted nine clearances and slotted an audacious checkside running goal in a standout midfield display.

Lively small Jack Mahony booted two goals for Metro and exciting onballer Bailey Smith (28 disposals, 10 tackles) worked hard.

The only downside for the visitors was an apparent leg injury suffered by likely first-round pick Curtis Taylor in the opening half.

While WA suffered its second loss in a row, it was a vastly-improved effort from the Black Swans after their 89-point thumping from South Australia last weekend.

Metro burst to a 27-point lead during the second term after piling on five unanswered majors and looked like running away with the contest, but the Peter Sumich-led home side never gave up.

Hard-running midfielder Luke Foley was in everything early, kicking the opening goal out of nothing from the pocket and finished with 17 touches in a strong performance.

Dillon O'Reilly, whose dad Stephen played 98 games for Fremantle – just shy of the eligibility as a father-son – also showed some signs with three goals and five marks.

Jeremy Sharp produced an excellent four-quarter display, gathering a team-high 26 touches and kicking a goal, while Sydney Stack (23 disposals, four clearances) worked his way into the game.

Possible top-10 draft pick Ian Hill had some nice moments as he slotted two clever goals.

The second-cousin of Fremantle stars Stephen and Bradley was clean in the conditions and did his draft chances no harm, while Brad Oldfield put his name forward after kicking a couple of majors from 17 possessions.

WA has the bye next round, while Metro travels to Southport to face the Allies, who defeated Vic Country by 23 points on Saturday.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-10/u18-no1-hopeful-son-of-dog-stars-for-metro

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2018, 11:49:20 PM »
U18: Potential No.1 pick wins it for Vic Metro

Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
Jun 16, 2018


VIC METRO          3.4       5.5       6.5     7.10 (52)
ALLIES             3.1       3.10     6.11     6.14 (50)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Williams 4, Butters, Taylor, King
Allies: T.Green 2, McFadyen, Blakey, Walker, O'Neill

BEST
Vic Metro: Smith, West, Butters, Answerth, Khamis, Williams
Allies: Turner, Koschitzke, Scott, Coleman, Walker, Baker

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

A THRILLING goal to potential No.1 draft pick Ben King in the last 90 seconds has secured Vic Metro a two-point win over the Allies in round two of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships on Saturday.

King, who was well held by Jacob Koschitzke with the Allies key position player keeping him goalless until that point, marked 30m out from goal with just over a minute to go in the match at Southport.

He went back and kicked the major to secure Metro's second win on the Championships after they beat Western Australia last Sunday.

However, King wasn't Metro's goal-kicking star this week after booting five against WA; this time, it was Dylan Williams who bobbed up as their major focal point.

Williams kicked four goals from six marks, two on the lead, to be the difference between the sides in the low-scoring game affected by the challenging Southport breeze.

But it was the midfield combination of Bailey Smith (26 disposals) and Rhylee West (28 – 14 contested) that stood out most, with the pair combining for seven clearances.

Their half-backs – Buku Khamis and Isaac Quaynor – intercepted and ran well, while Zak Butters and Noah Answerth were also prolific. 

For the Allies, Koschitzke – cousin of 200-game Saint Justin – was one of their best, while Tasmanian wingman Fraser Turner used the ball well on his way to 25 disposals and nine marks.

Queenslander Bailey Scott overcame a slow start to work his way into the game, where he won 19 disposals and four clearances, while Keidean Coleman – a small half-back flanker – impressed with his intercepting and run.

Mathew Walker presented well as the Allies' link-up centre half-forward and took six marks (and also laid six tackles), while Tasmanian Nick Baker also impressed in defence.

Tom Green, grandson of Richmond premiership player Mike Green, kicked two goals while Chayce Jones put in another solid game through the midfield where he laid a game-high eight tackles as Mitch O'Neill won four clearances along with 19 touches. 

Metro held a three-point lead at quarter-time but should have held a bigger advantage before the Allies were affected by an increased breeze in the second that led to them kicking 0.9 for the term.

An even third quarter followed where the Allies were able to claim a six-point lead, which they took into the final stanza.

Then, King saved the best for last, scoring the final term's only goal to steal the match in the dying stages.


Ben King jumps for a mark against the Allies

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-16/potential-no1-pick-wins-match-for-vic-metro

Offline one-eyed

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2018, 11:49:45 PM »
U18: Lukosius lifts SA past Vic Country

Trent Masenhelder
afl.com.au
Jun 17, 2018


SOUTH AUSTRALIA                   2.1      5.2      9.4      11.7 (73)
VIC COUNTRY                       1.3      4.5      4.9      6.10 (46)

GOALS
South Australia: Lukosius, Rankine, Munn 3, Kennerley, Colwell
Vic Country: Serong, Garoni 2, Barzen, Flanders

BEST
South Australia: Gould, McLennan, Valente, Lukosius, Jarvis, Kennerley
Vic Country: Duursma, Walsh, Stephens, Reid, Serong, Berry

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

Jack Lukosius impressed again for SA in its win over Vic Country - AFL,Under-18s,Jack Lukosius,Izak Rankine,Sam Walsh

SOME Jack Lukosius magic has inspired South Australia to a hard-fought win over Vic Country in round two of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Sunday.

The highly touted forward, who is being spoken of as a potential No.1 draft pick, kicked three goals and showed flashes of brilliance in the Croweaters' 27-point win at Adelaide Oval.

It was a tough, entertaining affair, and the difference was South Australia’s potent forward line, with Izak Rankine and Hugo Munn also booting three goals.

Vic Country trailed by 25 points at three-quarter time, and narrowed that margin to 14 in the final term, but South Australia steadied to record an impressive victory.

Playing across half-back, seventeen-year-old Will Gould (16 possessions, six rebound 50s) was outstanding for the winners, as was Jez McLennan (17 touches, five marks).

SA captain Luke Valente led from the front with 16 disposals, 14 tackles and six clearances.

Opposing skipper Sam Walsh was similarly brilliant for his side. Walsh ended up with 25 possessions, 10 tackles and three clearances.

Xavier Duursma, the son of former Sydney and Melbourne-listed player Dean Duursma and the nephew of Jamie Duursma (59 games between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne), showed plenty of dash from defence for Vic Country.

Duursma had 16 touches, five marks and four rebound 50s.

Other players to impress for Vic Country were Caleb Serong (15 possessions, two goals), who handled the conditions well, and Cooper Stephens (12 touches, four tackles, three clearances).


Jack Lukosius impressed again for SA in its win over Vic Country

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-17/u18-lukosius-lifts-sa-past-vic-country

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2018, 11:50:10 PM »
Metro too strong for Country in battle of Vics

Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
Jun 24, 2018


VIC METRO        4.1    9.1    9.5    13.6 (84)
VIC COUNTRY      3.1    4.4    7.6    8.10 (58)   

GOALS
Vic Metro: Smith 3, Taylor 3, Answerth 2, King 2, O'Halloran 2, Collier-Dawkins
Vic Country: McHenry 2, Flanders 2, Walsh, Bowman, Brownless, Keighran

BEST
Vic Metro: Smith, West, Taylor, McKenzie, Answerth, Rowbottom
Vic Country: Walsh, Duursma, McHenry, Flanders, Bowman

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

LIKELY top-five prospect Sam Walsh has given recruiters another indication of why he's classed as the best midfielder in this year's NAB AFL Draft, but his performance was not enough to drag Vic Country over the line against Vic Metro at the MCG.

Despite a late fightback from Vic Country, who closed the gap to just five points at the start of the final term, Metro's class across the board was telling as the game was up for grabs and they claimed a 26-point victory.

Top-10 prospect Ben King's second goal from outside 50 with just minutes remaining topped off Metro's third-straight win of the Under-18 Championships, 13.6 (84) to 8.10 (58), as they chase their third title in a row.

Walsh, from the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup, was the most consistent performer on the ground, winning a match-high 29 disposals, five clearances and kicking one goal.

Versatile Xavier Duursma was also influential for Country with 19 disposals, five clearances and seven inside 50s, with his breakaway speed a highlight.

However, led by Rhylee West, the son of Western Bulldogs champion Scott, Metro's class across the board and depth through the midfield was the difference in the end.

With similar traits to his famous father, West will be right on the radar of the Bulldogs as a father-son prospect after gathering 20 disposals and winning five clearances.

Bailey Smith, in contention to be a top-20 pick, booted three goals and gave Metro plenty of run and carry with his 14 disposals, while Noah Answerth (19 touches and two goals) and Curtis Taylor (three goals) were also influential.

It wasn't all good news for Metro, with highly-touted midfielder Jack Bytel leaving the field in the final quarter with his arm draped in his jumper as a makeshift sling.

Rhylee West gets a handpass away despite a Vic Country tackle. Picture: AFL Photos

Metro took control of the contest in the second term by kicking five goals to Country's one and took a 27-point lead into half-time, and it appeared as if they might run away with the contest.

But a re-energised Country team emerged from the rooms after the main break and with the focus of playing on at every opportunity and moving the ball with speed they hauled themselves back into the contest with an inspired third term.

Oscar Brownless, the son of Geelong champion Billy, slotted a beautiful banana goal off a step from the boundary in the third quarter, while Ned McHenry (two goals) and Sam Flanders (two goals) led the way on the scoreboard for Country.

Brownless is eligible to be drafted as a father-son recruit to Geelong at the end of the season and gave Cats recruiters a glimpse of how versatile he could be as a lead-up forward.

Vic Country's Mitchell Riordan limped off with a hamstring injury in the third quarter and was visibly upset on the bench as he realised the extent of his injury.

The championships continue on Friday, with round four action at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.

The Allies will meet South Australia, with Vic Country to do battle with Western Australia and Vic Metro having its bye.


Sam Walsh was outstanding for Vic Country at the MCG

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-24/metro-too-strong-for-country-in-battle-of-vics

Offline one-eyed

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2018, 04:46:55 AM »
U18: Rankine lights it up for Croweaters

Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
Jun 29, 2018 4:41PM


SOUTH AUSTRALIA          1.1    4.6     10.10    13.12 (90)
ALLIES                              3.6    6.7      7.8         9.12 (66)

Goals
South Australia: Rankine 3, Jarvis 2, Rozee, Chapman, Munn, Woodcock, Betterman, Frederick, Sampson, Lukosius
Allies: Blakey 2, Scott 2, Quint, McFayden, O'Neill, Budarick, Mansell 

Best
South Australia: Valente, Hately, Betterman, Rankine, Lukosius, Frederick
Allies: Scott, McFayden, Blakey, Jones, O'Neill, Briggs

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

EXCITING top-five draft prospect Izak Rankine has booted three goals to power South Australia over the top of the Allies at GMHBA Stadium on Friday, ensuring the Croweaters remain undefeated going into the final round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

South Australia will face off against fellow unbeaten side Vic Metro for the Under-18 title at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday, after the Croweaters charged home to a 24-point victory against the Allies.

Rankine, an All Australian in his bottom-age year in 2017, booted two classy goals in the third term as South Australia kicked six goals to the Allies' one in the quarter, eventually claiming an 13.12 (90) to 9.12 (66) victory.

The West Adelaide product finished with 20 disposals and six inside 50s in his best game of the Championships, with possible No.1 draft pick Jack Lukosius also impressing in a role further up the ground.

Lukosius, who at 195cm has the ability to play as a key forward or key defender, spent the majority of his time on the wing, where he racked up 18 disposals and showed off his precision field kicking.

Luke Valente (28 disposals and six clearances) and Jackson Hately (21 disposals and eight tackles) were also among the best for South Australia.

South Australia had to dig deep for victory after it trailed by 13 points at half-time, with Sydney father-son prospect Nick Blakey difficult to contain in attack.

As the Allies' focal point up forward, Blakey pushed his name further up draft boards with back-to-back goals in the second term, with his courage in aerial contests coming to the fore on several occasions.

Blakey, the son of North Melbourne champion and current Swans assistant John, has nominated Sydney as his preferred club (as a member of the Swans academy) and the youngster is likely to command a bid inside the top-10 of this year's NAB AFL Draft.

Bailey Scott, the son of former Cats and Roos player Robert is eligible as a father-son prospect to both clubs, as well as to Gold Coast as a member of its academy, gathered a team-high 22 disposals through the midfield.

Chayce Jones (21 touches) and Connor McFayden (21) were also high possession winners for the Allies, while Jacob Koschitzche – the cousin of former St Kilda ruckman Justin – held up strongly in the back half.


Izak Rankine put in an eye-catching performance for SA

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-29/u18-rankine-lights-it-up-for-croweaters

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #7 on: July 05, 2018, 04:50:04 AM »
U18: Lion's little brother lights up WA win

Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
Jun 29, 2018 6:59PM


VIC COUNTRY                  1.2    5.4    5.6    6.8 (44)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA     5.2    7.4    9.7    11.10 (76)   

Goals
Vic Country: Williams 2, Flanders, Walsh, Barzen, Brownless
Western Australia: Cameron 5, Foley, Georgiades, Smallwood, O'Reilly, English, Medhat

Best
Vic Country: Bedford, Smith, Walsh, Williams, Brownless
Western Australia: Cameron, English, Stack, Clark, Morgan

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

JARROD Cameron – the brother of Brisbane's Charlie – has played an instrumental role in Western Australia's 32-point victory over Vic Country at GMHBA Stadium.

Cameron, 18, was electric in the first half, booting three first-half goals – a set shot and two on the run at full tilt – before adding a fourth major in the third term and getting a cheeky 'Joe the Goose' in the goalsquare with just minutes remaining.

West Coast has first access to the brash youngster as a next generation academy prospect and the Eagles' recruiters would have liked what they saw in Geelong on Friday evening.

U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS Rankine lights it up for Croweaters

Vic Country controlled the clearances (49-30), but not the scoreboard as the Sandgropers ran away with their first victory of the carnival, in an 11.10 (76) to 6.8 (44) victory.

Sydney Stack was prolific for Western Australia in the second half, winning 22 touches for the game, while Jordan Clark (23 disposals) and Luke English (25) were also key ball-winners.

Western Australia took hold of the contest in the first quarter with five goals to one to help set up a 24-point lead at the first change.

Vic Country cut the margin to just 12 points at half-time as key forward Bailey Williams (two goals) got himself into the game.

Williams is considered a possible top-20 pick and displayed his clean pair of hands in contested situations.

Likely top-five draft pick Sam Walsh copped plenty of opposition attention but did not let that stop him (29 touches and eight tackles); Ely Smith (32 disposals) won plenty of the footy and Toby Bedford (18 and seven tackles) was probably Country's best player.

Oscar Brownless – the son of Geelong great Billy – did some nice things across half-forward with 17 disposals, while Thomas Berry, the brother of Brisbane's Jarrod, was another Country player to impress.

Both teams sustained significant injury worries, with 19-year-old Laitham Vandermeer breaking his collarbone and suffering a concussion in a slinging tackle from WA captain Ian Hill in the first term.

West Australian Damon Greaves hyperextended his elbow in a contest in the second quarter and was spotted in a sling after the game.


Sam Walsh in action at the championships

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-29/u18-lions-brother-lights-up-wa-win

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #8 on: July 05, 2018, 04:52:44 AM »
U18: Future Swan unable to lift Allies over the line

Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
Jul 4, 2018 4:55PM


ALLIES                                         1.1          4.1           7.5       10.11 (71)               
WESTERN AUSTRALIA                    3.3         8.4          10.4       12.6 (78)

Goals
Allies: Turner 2, Blakey, Reinhard, McFayden, Quint, Turner, Scott, O'Neill, Thomas
Western Australia: Medhat 3, Georgiades 2, Moore 2, O'Reilly 2, Oldfield 2, Stack

Best
Allies: Scott, Blakey, Turner, Jones, Briggs, O'Neill
Western Australia: Clark, English, Oldfield, Stack, Foley, Spooner, Medhat

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

SYDNEY-BOUND academy prospect Nick Blakey has underlined his class with an instrumental showing in the midfield for Allies, although his efforts were not quite enough to drag his team over the line against Western Australia at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Blakey, the son of former Kangaroo and current Swans assistant John, has nominated Sydney over North Melbourne as his preferred destination, with the 18-year-old able to join either club.

After trailing by 27 points to the Sandgropers at half-time, Allies coach Adrian Fletcher shifted Blakey into the midfield early in the third term where he sparked a comeback that ultimately fell just short.

Western Australia – led by Jordan Clark and Luke English – held on for a 12.6 (78) to 10.11 (71) victory, claiming its second successive win of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Blakey, who missed his team's first game of the carnival with a viral infection, finished with 17 disposals, five inside 50s, four clearances and goal, demonstrating his strength in the contest and leadership capabilities.

Fellow father-son and academy prospect Bailey Scott – who is eligible to be drafted by Geelong, North Melbourne and Gold Coast – was the Allies' most consistent player across four quarters, amassing a game-high 30 disposals.

With top WA draft prospect Ian Hill receiving a two-game ban for a sling tackle on Vic Country's Laitham Vandermeer in last Friday's match, half-back flanker Clark and midfielder English were critical in stepping up in their team's win.

Clark was sensational off half-back with 29 disposals and 11 rebound 50s, while English's elite endurance came into play the longer the game went as he racked up 25 touches.

Medium-sized forward Tom Medhat (three goals) and 16-year-old Mitchell Georgiades (two goals) did the damage on the scoreboard for WA as it powered out to a match-high 27-point half-time lead.

Led by Blakey and Scott, with important cameos from Fraser Turner (24 disposals) and Chayce Jones (20 and seven tackles), the Allies closed the gap to just seven points with less than five minutes remaining.

Ruckman Kieran Briggs (29 hit-outs) was also central in his team's fightback, while Mitchell O'Neill's finishing ability was also important.

But WA's defence held firm in the dying stages of the game and when it took the football forward it was able to control possession and prevent the Allies from finding that all-important goal.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-04/u18-future-swan-unable-to-lift-allies-over-the-line

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #9 on: July 05, 2018, 04:55:14 AM »
U18: Rankine blitz lifts Croweaters to national title

Ben Guthrie
afl.com.au
Jul 4, 2018 7:08PM


VIC METRO                         0.1          2.3          8.5          9.7 (61)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA          4.3          9.4          12.7        17.14 (116)

Goals
Vic Metro: King 4, Taylor 2, Mahony, Rendell, O'Halloran
South Australia: Rankine 5, Jarvis 2, Munn, Rozee, Lukosius, Chandler, Luchowiak, Siviour, Chapman, Valente, Lewis,

Best
Vic Metro: Ayton-Delaney, King, Smith, Rowell, O'Halloran
South Australia: Rankine, Kennerley, Hately, Rozee, Lewis, Frederick, Chapman

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AN INSPIRED first term from likely top-five draft prospect Izak Rankine kickstarted South Australia's charge to the Under-18 title, although it had to hold off a fast-finishing Vic Metro which threatened to stage a monumental fightback at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Trailing by a game-high 45 points at the 20-minute mark of the second term, Metro – led by the highly-rated Ben King, who bagged four majors – booted the next five goals of the contest and closed the margin to just 11 points midway through the third term.

But South Australia steadied and then turned on the afterburners in the 17.14 (116) to 9.7 (61) win, with two special final-quarter goals from Rankine helping seal the state's first national title since 2014.

It was Rankine who took the game away from Metro early, lighting up Etihad Stadium with a stunning first quarter that yielded 3.2 from seven disposals.

The exciting forward/midfielder opened his account with a volley goal in traffic from the pocket, his third goal was a left snap from a tight angle and he even took a 'speccy' in the same quarter for good measure. 

Rankine, who can impact a game like very few with his pace and evasiveness, was quiet during the second and third terms, but came alive when the game was up for grabs and ended his day with five goals from 17 disposals.

Jacob Kennerley (22 disposals) and Jackson Hately (24) were other key contributors in South Australia's win, while recruiters got the chance to see possible No.1 pick Jack Lukosius, who was relatively quiet, play on King at full-back late in the contest.

King's ability to launch himself for marks in the air was impressive and along with twin brother Max, will certainly be among the first few players considered in this year's Draft.

Jack Mahony (17 touches) and Matthew Rowell (20) were central to Metro's fightback, while Joseph Ayton-Delaney (25 touches) was a steady influence throughout.

Possible top-20 pick Bailey Smith also got better the longer the game went, with the midfielder finishing with 22 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles.

Xavier O'Halloran (10 touches and five inside 50s) was also impressive for Metro.

Metro's fightback was hindered when highly-rated midfielder Zak Butters was forced from the field with a left shoulder injury in the second term, although it became apparent they left themselves with too much to do.


Izak Rankine proved the gamebreaker for South Australia against Vic Metro

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-04/u18-rankine-blitz-lifts-croweaters-to-national-title

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Re: U18 Championships 2018
« Reply #10 on: July 05, 2018, 05:01:23 AM »
Five key questions from the U18 championships

Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Jul 4, 2018 9:30PM


THE NAB AFL Under-18 Championships are complete, which means we edge closer to this year's national draft.

The division one under-18 carnival, consisting of five rounds over six weeks, is often the most important reference point in a draft hopeful's season.

Here are the big questions to come out of the championships, and some answers about the 2018 crop. 

How did it go?

It came down to the final game of the championships to decide the title, but it was all but over by quarter-time. South Australia blew Vic Metro away in the opening term, keeping it goalless and leading by 26 points at the first break.

The Croweaters went on to win the division one 'Grand Final' by 55 points at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday after staying unbeaten across the carnival. It was the only game Metro lost and it again looks the side most likely to produce the highest number of draftees alongside SA.

The same can't be said of Vic Country which, after winning just one game last season, went winless this series. The Allies were more organised this year and should really have had more to show than their single win, while Western Australia won its final two games in Victoria.

Who lifted their stocks?

It was a carnival where the best performers tended to be the players everyone would have expected to do well. But other prospects were able to show their wares across the championships to boost their stocks.

Fraser Turner, a wingman from Tasmania, showed his running power, South Australian defenders Jez McLennan and Jacob Kennerley were influential off half-back, while Jordan Clark, a half-back for Western Australia, demonstrated why he might be the second-best prospect from his state behind Ian Hill.

Smaller midfielder Zak Butters didn't get huge numbers but has an impact with his disposals and could force himself into the top 20. It didn't end well for him; he suffered another injury to his shoulder, which he was already booked in to get operated on next week. 

There were others. Metro captain Xavier O'Halloran doesn't often let you down in the midfield and his South Australian counterpart Luke Valente is in the same boat, having averaged 23 disposals across the four games.

James Rowbottom might not to be right at the pointy end of the draft but has an explosive streak, while Noah Answerth, who missed most of last year with a broken back and has returned as an over-ager, was a valuable contributor to Metro's win over Vic Country to give himself a chance.

Of the taller types, Vic Country backman Kyle Reid caught the eye, particularly in his side's round three loss to Vic Metro. It is not a draft full of tall defenders so Reid's impressive efforts stood out, as did his teammate Connor Idun at times. The same applied for Jacob Koschitzke, a key back for the Allies who put himself in the draft mix with some solid performances.


Allies defender Jacob Koschitzke, cousin of former Saint Justin, is in the mix. Picture: AFL Photos


How's the race for No.1 looking?


It's far from settled, but the leading candidates are South Australian forward Jack Lukosius and Vic Country midfielder Sam Walsh.

Both have strong claims. Lukosius had a strong carnival, kicking nine goals across the four games and being a dominant tall forward. Walsh was its best midfielder, averaging 29.5 disposals and showing he can win the ball and feed it out as well as provide run on the outside.

It may depend on which club holds the No.1 pick and what they are after, but Lukosius' natural talent and performances against senior opposition make him an attractive option, while Walsh is one of the most bankable players to come through the draft in recent years. It is hard to find a concern with the Country skipper, who won the Larke Medal as the best player in division one.

Beyond those two, the King twins – Ben and Max – will be considered early, with Ben booting 12 goals in the championships while Max sits out the year through injury, while South Australian Izak Rankine lit up the carnival at stages with his daring run and brilliance around goal.

He's arguably the most talented player in the pool, as evidenced on Wednesday with his five-goal haul, but it is rare clubs choose small forwards with the top pick. He's ready to play AFL now.

Bailey Smith is a top-five chance thanks to a great season in the midfield at every level he's played. He battled soreness across the championships to be Metro's most consistent player, and deserves to be talked about in this company at the nose of the draft.


Bailey Smith is expected to be a high draft pick. Picture: AFL Photos

Will we be seeing many father-son and Academy bids on draft night?

Absolutely. We'll start with the Academy players. Illness interrupted Nick Blakey's championships but he was impressive as a midfielder for the Allies in the final game. He looks set to attract a top-10 bid on draft night which the Swans will match.

Tarryn Thomas was less influential, with North Melbourne's Next Generation Academy player having an underwhelming division one carnival. Some scouts before the championships talked about the Tasmanian as a top-five player but he didn't have that kind of impact.

Isaac Quaynor lifted to the level. Collingwood has first call on the NGA player and could need to match a bid inside the first dozen for the powerful, versatile defender who is as reliable as any backman in the pool.

Big-bodied midfielder Connor McFadyen looks a nice option for the Lions, key back Dirk Koenen came on and will have taken the Suns' eye, while ruckman Kieren Briggs has put himself in top-30 contention after a dominant series. Briggs is tough and aggressive and is tied to Greater Western Sydney's Academy.

Small WA forward Jarrod Cameron (the brother of Brisbane's Charlie) kicked five goals against Vic Country and may appeal to the Eagles as a member of their NGA, while the Bulldogs will have been impressed by the form of half-back Buku Khamis.

The Dogs look set to take the first father-son, with a bid potentially coming for consistent midfielder Rhylee West in the latter parts of the first round. Potential Magpie Will Kelly was stationed in defence and could find a top-25 bid after a strong championships and Geelong father-son possibility Oscar Brownless offered run and carry to Country.

Bailey Scott can join North Melbourne or Geelong as a father-son pick, or the Suns through their Academy, and did his hopes no harm across the carnival. He finished it with a brilliant 30-disposal and one-goal effort against WA on Wednesday which illustrated his hard-running style. 


Jarrod Cameron was impressive for Western Australia. Picture: AFL Photos

Was there anyone missing?

Clearly the big one here is Max King, who is 10 weeks into his recovery from a knee reconstruction. It is a shame the key forward couldn't show his wares on the big stage, but he remains in the mix as a top-five pick and is doing his rehabilitation twice a week at St Kilda.

A hamstring injury early in Vic Country's opening game against the Allies saw midfield prospect Jye Caldwell miss the rest of the championships but he remains a first-round chance.

Midfielder Liam Stocker suffered a broken jaw before the carnival and returned last week for the Sandringham Dragons, while a hamstring injury set back Irving Mosquito early in the championships and he didn't feature for Vic Country.

Another midfielder, Mitch Riordan, injured his hamstring in Vic Country's loss to Vic Metro, while Jack Bytel has also had his injury battles across the year, struggling with a back concern before the carnival and then hurting his elbow in round three.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-04/five-key-questions-from-the-u18-championships-