U18 National Championships 2022

[one-eyed]

2022 U18 National Championships Squads











https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2022/06/17/d5a0ab95-6e2c-4ef0-a48e-1325e81c9d1d/2022-NAB-AFL-National-Champs-Squads-June17-2.pdf?_ga=2.37733664.1284796830.1654439057-224749430.1603381344

[one-eyed]

Father-son prospect on fire in SA's win over Allies

afl.com.au
20 June 2022


SOUTH AUSTRALIA     4.3    7.5   12.8   14.9 (93)
ALLIES                        1.2    6.3   6.5    8.8 (56)

GOALS
South Australia: Keeler 3, Lovelock 2, Magor 2, Phillipou 2, Delean, Rypstra, Lemmey, Foster, Walker
Allies: Rowston 3, Campbell 2, Walter 2, Fletcher

BEST
South Australia: Michalanney, Dowling, Foster, Magor, Rypstra, Phillipou
Allies: Cowan, Gillbee, Rowston, Fletcher, Anderson, Walter


Max Michalanney in action for SA against the Allies in U18 Championships on June 19, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

ADELAIDE father-son prospect Max Michalanney enhanced his draft standing with a strong performance in South Australia's win over the Allies on Sunday.

Michalanney was among SA's best as they cruised to a 37-point win at Thebarton Oval in the opening NAB AFL Under 18 Championships game.

Michalanney's father Jim played more than 200 SANFL games with Norwood making him eligible to join the Crows in this year's NAB AFL Draft.

The 192cm key defender gathered 15 touches, took two marks and had five rebound 50s in a composed display.

Top-10 hopeful Harry Lemmey kicked one goal from seven touches and fellow NAB AFL Academy member Adam D'Aloia was busy in the midfield with 17 possessions, eight tackles and four clearances.


Adam D'Aloia of SA and Caiden Cleary of the Allies during the U18 Championships on June 19, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Isaac Keeler booted three goals up forward and Mattaes Phillipou was another strong performer with two goals and 24 disposals.

For the Allies, Giants Academy member Harry Rowston was a standout with three goals from 24 touches and eight marks.


Harry Rowston of the Allies marks during the U18 Championships game on June 19, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Sydney Academy captain Angus Anderson was prominent with a game-high 25 possessions, six tackles and seven clearances.

Tasmanian product Lachlan Cowan gathered 20 disposals, while Jason Gillbee was also among the best with 21 touches and six marks.


Lachlan Cowan of the Allies kicks long during the U18 Championships on June 19, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/784107/father-son-prospect-on-fire-in-sa-s-win-over-allies



More pics here:
https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20South%20Australia%20v%20Allies

[one-eyed]

Ashcroft, Sheezel sizzle in Metro's win over Allies

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
25 June 2022


Harry Sheezel (r) celebrates a goal for Vic Metro against the Allies on June 25, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Allies               4.0       7.2       10.3     14.6 (90)
Vic Metro        2.4       7.6       14.9     16.10 (106)

Goals
Allies: Walter 4, Anderson 2, Lawrence 2, Brain, Campbell, Corbett, Grace, Sanders, Stevens
Vic Metro: Sheezel 4, Clarke 2, Davey 2, Hotton 2, Jefferson 2, Drury, Edmends, Petric, Watson

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POTENTIAL No.1 pick Will Ashcroft and likely early selection Harry Sheezel have starred for Vic Metro as a number of prospects enhanced their draft credentials in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Metro was too strong for the Allies on Saturday, overcoming a slow start to win 16.10 (106) to 14.6 (90) at Blacktown.

It was Ashcroft who was the most consistent player on the ground, with the prolific midfielder gathering 36 disposals, 12 clearances and seven tackles in a dominant midfield display. It follows the possible Brisbane father-son prospect's outstanding form at NAB League level, having picked up 51 disposals last week for Sandringham.

It again showed the 18-year-old's brilliance around the ball and why he is considered one of the red-hot favourites for the top pick at this year's draft.

Sheezel was also excellent, booting four goals from 16 disposals in a role in attack. The Sandringham goalkicker was opportunistic with his chances but the most important forward on the ground to show why he is seen as a possible top-five selection.

A number of other Metro prospects were pivotal in the win, with Oakleigh speedster Blake Drury helping set up the game in the first half with an impressive second quarter that included several bursts from the middle. Drury finished with 26 disposals, eight inside-50s and a goal in a terrific game.


Blake Drury in action for Vic Metro against the Allies on June 25, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

The Callum Mills-like Cam Mackenzie, who is tied to St Kilda's Next Generation Academy, had 26 disposals, while Olli Hotton continues to boost his draft standing with 17 disposals and 2.2. Essendon father-son talent Alwyn Davey Jnr kicked two goals from 10 disposals.

The Allies kicked the first four goals of the game in a fast start before Metro pegged back the lead and went into half-time ahead by four points. The high scoring continued in the third term as Metro slammed on seven goals to open up the break, but the Allies rallied late to close the gap before falling to their second successive defeat to start the national carnival.

Bottom-aged key forward Jed Walter, who is a member of Gold Coast's Academy, booted four goals to continue his impressive championships, while Angus Anderson kicked two goals from 18 disposals and Lachie Cowan had 20 disposals and eight rebound-50s from half-back.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/786459/ashcroft-sheezel-sizzle-in-metro-s-win-over-allies


More pics here: 
https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20Allies%20v%20Vic%20Metro

[one-eyed]

Draft gun fires in Vic Country win over SA

Potential first-round selection Jhye Clark in top form to start U18 campaign

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
26 June 2022


Jhye Clark of Vic Country poses before the 2022 U18 Championships. Picture: AFL Photos


SOUTH AUSTRALIA     2.0       6.3       8.5       8.12 (60)
VIC COUNTRY             3.3       4.6       8.8       9.8 (62)

GOALS
South Australia: D'Aloia, Delean, Keeler, Michalanney, K.Ryan, Rypstra, Sadler, Walker
Vic Country: Cadman 2, Duursma 2, McMullin 2, Binns, Clark, Hollands

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POTENTIAL first-round pick Jhye Clark has helped steer Vic Country to a two-point win over South Australia in its opening game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

In a contest that came down to the wire, Vic Country held on to win 9.8 (62) to 8.12 (60) at Thebarton Oval on Sunday, with South Australia having the last six scoring shots of the game – all behinds.

Clark was excellent throughout with 24 disposals, eight marks and a goal as the Geelong Falcons midfielder continued his consistent season that has seen him come into top-15 considerations for clubs.

Mitch Szybkowski was also terrific for Vic Country through the midfield with 25 disposals and four clearances, while Coby Burgiel collected 25 touches.


Mitch Szybkowski in action for Dandenong against Brisbane in the NAB Boys League, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Harley Reid, who is not eligible for the draft until next year, had some starring moments playing in defence, gathering 21 disposals and taking 10 marks, including an important strong grab in the dying moments.

Jonti Schuback (21 disposals, 11 marks), Ollie Hollands (19 disposals, one goal) and Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect Finn Emile-Brennan (19 disposals) were also busy, while key forward Aaron Cadman kicked two goals.

Vic Country got the early ascendancy in the game before South Australia struck back in the second term to take a nine-point lead into half-time. Vic Country kicked four goals to two in the third quarter, however, to set up the win to open their national carnival with a victory.

NAB AFL Academy member Adam D'Aloia had a game-high 28 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances and booted a goal as South Australia's best, while Jakob Ryan provided plenty of run and penetration with 23 touches.

Adelaide Next Generation Academy talent Isaac Keeler showed some exciting moments by kicking 1.2 from 16 disposals, while ruckman Harry Barnett (14 disposals, 15 hit-outs) was also important at stages.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/788201/draft-gun-fires-in-vic-country-win-over-sa


More pics here:
https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:%202022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20South%20Australia%20v%20Vic%20Country

[WilliamPowell]

So the Allies are being coached by Jerome Webberley

The Ex RFC player Jerome Webberley who up in Cairns one Saturday night against the Suns played one of the most selfish games I've ever seen. Wouldn't do anything, no chasing, no tackling, no running to contests, nothing, zero, zilch = totally disinterested? For memory got subbed out (in those days there was sub in the vest) end of the 1st quarter and rightly never played for Richmond again

That Jerome Webberley? 

[one-eyed]

Seven-goal Jefferson, No.1 contender star as Metro downs WA

Vic Metro recorded a 27-point win over Western Australia

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
2 July 2022

Vic Metro                  4.1       5.1       13.4     16.5 (101)
Western Australia      1.4       5.10     6.11     10.14 (74)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Jefferson 7, Davey 2, Sheezel 2, Ashcroft, Clarke, Hotton, Mackenzie, Windsor
Western Australia: Cole 2, Hewett 2, Jones 2, Bourne, Cleaver, Julian, Tholstrup

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TALL forward Matthew Jefferson has boosted his draft stocks with a super day out for Vic Metro, booting seven goals in a standout performance against Western Australia.

The Oakleigh Chargers key forward was dominant in Metro's 27-point win at IKON Park, kicking two goals in the opening quarter before slotting five goals in a brilliant third term.

In an entertaining contest, Metro ran out 16.5 (101) to 10.14 (74) winners to remain unbeaten in its opening two rounds of the national carnival.


Victoria Metro forward Matthew Jefferson takes a big mark during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships match between Vic Metro and Western Australia at Ikon Park on July 2, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Jefferson pushed his top-20 draft claims with a strong display of marks and converted set shots, having also kicked two goals last week.

He was among a fleet of impressive performers for Metro, including Brisbane father-son gun Will Ashcroft, who had another game worthy of his status as the leading candidate for the No.1 pick. The midfielder was excellent with 25 disposals and a goal, and was crucial in Metro's barnstorming eight-goal third term.

St Kilda Next Generation Academy product Cam Mackenzie had 28 disposals and a goal to continue his form, while key back Josh Weddle was excellent with 20 disposals and seven marks in defence.

Harry Sheezel started the game in electrifying touch, taking a high mark and kicking a sharp goal, and finished with two majors from 14 disposals. Essendon father-son Alwyn Davey kicked two goals from 19 touches in an exciting showing to press his claims for a top-20 spot.


Alwyn Davey celebrates a goal for Victoria Metro during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match against Western Australia at Ikon Park on July 2, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Metro took the early advantage, leading WA by 15 points at quarter time before Western Australia struck back with four goals in the second term to take a nine-point lead into half-time. But Metro returned serve in the third quarter with an eight-goal term to give them the break at the final change.

Elijah Hewett starred for Western Australia, gathering 29 disposals, 11 inside-50s, six marks and two goals. The potential top-10 pick was powerful and explosive and stood up for his team in the best game of his season.


Elijah Hewett in action during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Vic Metro and Western Australia at Ikon Park on July 2, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Darcy Jones competed well for WA with 17 disposals and two goals, while big midfielder Reuben Ginbey (18 disposals) and defender Jedd Busslinger (18 disposals, eight marks) were also among Western Australia's best.


Western Australia's Darcy Jones and Victoria Metro's Cameron Mackenzie compete for the ball during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match at Ikon Park on July 2, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/791192/seven-goal-jefferson-no-1-contender-star-as-metro-downs-wa


More pics here: https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20Vic%20Metro%20v%20Western%20Australia

[one-eyed]

Stingray shines as Vic Country overpowers Allies

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
3 July 2022

Allies                         2.3       3.5      4.9        5.12 (42)
Vic Country               1.3       4.7       7.9     10.15 (75)

GOALS
Allies: Leary 3, Fletcher, Stevens
Vic Country: Konstanty 3, Cadman 2, Barnett, Burgiel, Clark, Clohesy, Long


Jaxon Binns in action for Vic Country against the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on July 3, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

JAXON Binns has produced a big midfield performance for Vic Country to help guide his team to a 33-point win over the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Binns, from the Dandenong Stingrays, collected 39 disposals and 14 inside 50s in Country's 10.15 (75) to 5.12 (42) win at the Gabba on Sunday.

In a scrappy contest, Country's wealth of midfield contributors overpowered the Allies, who lost their third straight game of the carnival.

Vic Country star Jhye Clark was again excellent, with his intensity and desperation on show throughout the contest. The Geelong Falcons ball-getter collected 27 disposals, 11 marks and booted a goal, while Henry Hustwaite had 29 disposals and Mitch Szybkowski had 29 disposals as well.


Jhye Clark celebrates a goal for Vic Country against the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on July 3, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Small forward Jacob Konstanty kicked three goals as Vic Country's leading goalkicker, while tall forward Aaron Cadman booted 2.3. Young prospect Harley Reid, who is not eligible for the draft until next year, again impressed in defence with 23 disposals after his starring effort last week.


Jacob Konstanty kicks a goal for Vic Country against the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on July 3, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Country trailed the Allies by six points at the opening change but from then on booted nine goals to three for the rest of the contest as Country's spread of talented prospects came to the fore.

Tasmanian Lachie Cowan was good with 22 disposals, while GWS Academy member Harry Rowston collected a team-high 28 disposals, seven clearances and eight inside-50 entries.

Brandon Leary, a small forward from North Launceston, kicked three goals for the Allies, while Brisbane father-son prospect Jaspa Fletcher, the son of former Lion Adrian, was also strong for his side with 19 touches.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/792702/stingray-shines-as-vic-country-overpowers-allies


More pics here: https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20Allies%20v%20Vic%20Country

[one-eyed]

Father-son prospect dominates in championship victory

Jaspa Fletcher, the son of Adrian, was excellent for the Allies in their 12-point win over Western Australia

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
9 July 2022

ALLIES                           4.0       7.3       8.4       11.7 (73)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA      0.4       2.5       6.6       9.7 (61)

Goals
Allies: Walter 3, Brain 2, Leary 2, Cooper, Hart, Hude, Rogers,
Western Australia: Tregenza-Cashell 4, Hagan 2, Barron, Cleaver, Jones

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


Jaspa Fletcher of the Allies and Kelsey Rypstra of SA during the NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between South Australia and the Allies at Thebarton Oval on June 19, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

BRISBANE father-son talent Jaspa Fletcher has starred to lead the Allies to their first win of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Fletcher, the son of former Brisbane, Geelong, Fremantle and St Kilda player Adrian, was excellent for the Allies with 26 disposals, four tackles and six clearances as they beat Western Australia by 12 points at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.

It was the final game of the Allies' carnival and they saved their best for last, booting four goals in the opening term and holding Western Australia goalless.

WA was able to respond and looked set to snatch the game when they drew level in the final quarter before the Allies kicked three goals late to seal the win, with Shadeau Brain booting two late majors to seal it.


Western Australia players celebrate a goal during the U18 Boys Championship match between the Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on July 9, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Fletcher is rising up draft boards and had another strong game, with the Lions the only club able to take him as a father-son. The midfielder/wingman was among the Allies' best last week in their loss to Vic Country and will be a second father-son this year for Brisbane should potential No.1 pick Will Ashcroft nominate there.

Lachie Cowan was also good for the Allies with 26 disposals, while Jason Gillbee had 18 disposals and five rebound-50s. Harry Rowston (19 disposals) and GWS Academy ruckman Nick Madden (16 disposals, 22 hit-outs) were also influential for the winners, while bottom-ager Jed Walter closed his championships with three more goals for a total of nine over the four games.


Jason Gillbee of the Allies kicks the ball during the U18 Boys Championship match between the Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on July 9, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Key forward Corey Tregenza-Cashell, the son of former WAFL champion goalkicker Rod, kicked four goals for Western Australia, while intercept defender Jedd Busslinger collected 25 disposals and six marks.

Sharp midfielder Darcy Jones was again eye-catching with 23 touches and a goal, while big-bodied midfielder Reuben Ginbey had 23 disposals. Jed Hagan kicked two goals to again have an impact for WA, who return to Victoria to face Vic Country next Sunday as part of the double-header at GMHBA Stadium.


Reuben Ginny of Western Australia marks the ball in front of Will Edwards of the Allies during the U18 Boys Championship match between the Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on July 9, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/795965/father-son-prospect-dominates-in-championship-victory

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More pics here: https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20Allies%20v%20WA

[one-eyed]

Next Nick Daicos? Father-son talent stars at championships

Vic Metro's Will Ashcroft looks a clear top draft pick

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
17 July 2022

WILL Ashcroft didn't have much left to prove as the standout player in this year's draft class. But he did it anyway on Sunday, with the prospective Brisbane father-son talent having another day out in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Ashcroft continued his brilliant carnival with a best-afield display in Metro's 73-point drubbing of South Australia at GMHBA Stadium by dominating in the midfield with 38 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 inside-50s and a classy goal.

It sees him averaging 33 disposals across the first three games of Metro's championships and Ashcroft now looks to have elevated himself to be the clear top prospect in this year's pool.

But he had plenty of other contributors for Metro as they won their third consecutive game, with lively half-forward Ollie Hotton booting three goals from 24 disposals in an impressive showing. The son of former Blues and Magpies player Trent Hotton is not eligible as a father-son to either club but is staking his claim to be a top-20 choice.

Darcy Edmends (21 disposals) and Blake Drury (21 disposals, two goals) were also important for Metro, who kicked 10 goals to three after half-time to run away with the win. Bottom-aged pair Nate Caddy, the nephew of recent Richmond retiree Josh, and electric small forward Nick Watson also kicked three goals, as did Matt Jefferson, who took his tally to 12 goals from three games.


Matthew Jefferson in action for Vic Metro against South Australia at the 2022 Under 18 Championships. Picture: AFL Photos

South Australia was well led by captain Adam D'Aloia, who gathered 27 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal, while midfielder Billy Dowling continued his championships form with 28 touches. Mattaes Phillipou, a potential top-10 choice, started well but played through soreness after quarter-time and finished with 14 disposals and a goal.

Vic Country's win over Western Australia in the second game of the day set up a championship decider in Grand Final week, when Country will meet Metro in the last game of the carnival.

Country was too strong for the visitors, winning by 43 points as midfielder Ollie Hollands, the younger brother of Gold Coast's Elijah, starred with 34 disposals and seven marks. It was Hollands' best game of his season and showed his first-round draft credentials. Mitch Szybkowski was also terrific with 26 disposals as he continued his strong carnival, while key forward Aaron Cadman kicked 3.3 to again be dangerous around goal.


Oscar Murdoch of Vic Country is tackled by Chase Bourne of Western Australia at the 2022 U18 Championships. Picture: AFL Photos

Noah Long and Coby Burgiel kicked three goals each, while Geelong Next Generation Academy prospect Ted Clohesy kicked two goals. Jhye Clark (23 disposals, seven clearances) and Harley Reid (19 disposals, five marks) were influential in Country's win too.

Reuben Ginbey was WA's best, gathering 24 disposals and kicking a goal as he continues to make an impact in the midfield, while West Coast NGA prospect Jordyn Baker had 22 touches through the midfield.

Western Australia and South Australia will face each other next Sunday to close their respective championships.

Vic Metro                 2.3      6.8     10.12     16.15 (111)
South Australia       1.1       2.1      4.3        5.8 (38)

Goals
Vic Metro: Caddy 3, Hotton 3, Jefferson 3, Watson 3, Drury 2, Ashcroft, Clarke
South Australia: Bennier, Blacker, D'Aloia, Lovelock, Phillipou

 

Vic Country                 3.2       7.4     8.10     12.11 (83)
Western Australia       1.2       2.2      5.4       6.4 (40)

Goals
Vic Country: Cadman 3, Long 3, Burgiel 3, Clohesy 2, Northam
Western Australia: Tregenza-Cashell 2, Dewar, Ginbey, Sanchez, Scaife

https://www.afl.com.au/news/801917/next-nick-daicos-father-son-talent-stars-at-championships

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More pics:

Vic Country vs Western Australia:
https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20Vic%20Country%20v%20Western%20Australia

Vic Metro vs South Australia:
https://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:2022%20AFL%20U18%20Championships%20-%20Vic%20Metro%20v%20South%20Australia

[one-eyed]

Bottom-age SA gun shows No.1 potential, WA dasher stars

SA's Ashton Moir looms as a 2023 No.1 pick contender, Reuben Ginbey stars for victorious WA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
25 July 2022

WESTERN AUSTRALIA       4.2       7.6       9.7     15.10 (100)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA            3.1       5.3       8.6      12.8 (80)

GOALS
Western Australia: Cole 2, Dewar 2, Hagan 2, Sanchez 2, Allan, Green, Jones, Livingstone, McDonald, Scaife, Tregenza-Cashell
South Australia: Moir 4, Verrall 2, Bennier, D'Aloia, Keeler, Lovelock, Phillipou, Ryan



Ashton Moir in action during SA's clash with Vic Metro in the 2022 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

EXCITING talent Ashton Moir's standout game for South Australia wasn't enough to stop Western Australia finishing its NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on a high on Sunday.

South Australian prospect Moir, who is not eligible for the draft until next year, kicked a game-high four goals for his side in its 15.10 (100) to 12.8 (80) defeat.

It was Moir's second game of the carnival, having played the previous week against Vic Metro, and strengthened his claims as a No.1 pick contender for 2023 with an eye-catching display.

Moir, who kicks brilliantly off both feet and doesn't have a preferred kicking side, has kicked 30 goals in 10 games at SANFL under-18 level with Glenelg this season and has a huge leap, which helped in his eight-mark performance on Sunday.

He was a standout for his team, who were behind from the get-go against Western Australia at Joondalup. It was an even performance from the home side, with Jed Hagan among the best performed with 22 disposals and two goals and Reuben Ginbey, a Jack Crisp-like player through the middle and half-back, finishing his strong carnival with 20 disposals.


Ginbey was named Western Australia's most valuable player across its championships.

Reuben Ginbey in action during WA's clash with the Allies in the 2022 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Picture: AFL Photos
Darcy Jones was also good with 18 touches and a goal, while bottom-ager Koen Sanchez kicked 2.3 from 14 disposals.

South Australian captain Adam D'Aloia was crowned his state's MVP and was again among the leading possession winners with 23 disposals, while ruckman Harry Barnett was also consistent across the day with 14 disposals and 18 hitouts.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/806919/bottom-age-sa-gun-shows-no-1-potential-wa-dasher-stars

[one-eyed]

Draft guns shine as North prospect seals Vic Metro's U18s title

By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
22 September 2022

A LATE snap from potential top-10 pick Matt Jefferson and a sealing goal from North Melbourne's father-son prospect Cooper Harvey has helped Vic Metro secure a remarkable NAB AFL Under-18 Championships title on Thursday.

Trailing by five points deep into the final quarter of a dramatic title decider against Vic Country at Marvel Stadium, Jefferson continued his fine Championships campaign to put Metro back in front before Harvey iced the contest with just seconds remaining.

It sealed a thrilling 12.8 (80) to 10.13 (73) victory for Vic Metro, with gun midfield pair Will Ashcroft and Elijah Tsatas also providing recruiters with one final look at their immense potential with starring performances.

Cooper Harvey's pack mark and goal delivers Vic Metro a win against Vic Country in an incredible game of footy

Ashcroft, who is tied to Brisbane under father-son rules but is widely considered the likely No.1 pick, finished his stellar season with 29 disposals, five clearances and 10 inside-50s in a best-on-ground display.

He was awarded the Larke Medal for the best player of the 2022 under-18 championships, following in the footsteps of Sam Walsh, Christian Petracca, Lachie Whitfield, Stephen Coniglio, Tom Hawkins and Marc Murphy, among others.

Meanwhile his midfield partner Tsatas, who had recovered from a fractured foot earlier this season to also push into contention as a potential top pick, won 30 disposals and five clearances.

Elijah Tsatas in action for Vic Metro against Vic Country in the 2022 NAB AFL U18 Championships. Picture: AFL Photos
Jefferson, a 195cm key forward who had pushed into top-10 calculations with a seven-goal haul against Western Australia earlier in the campaign, kicked two goals including the pivotal late match-winner.

Vic Country's bottom-age prospect Harley Reid, who is already seen as a pick No.1 contender ahead of the 2023 draft, played across half-back before pushing forward in the final quarter to help put his side into a winning position.

Reid kicked two last-quarter goals to complement his 19 disposals and seven marks, with 196cm key forward and potential top-five selection Aaron Cadman bagging three majors including the decisive goal that had put Country into its late lead.

First-round hopeful Oliver Hollands won 23 disposals and seven marks to emerge as Country's best midfield prospect, while Jaxon Binns (21 disposals, one goal) and Bailey Humphrey (11 disposals, 1.3 goals) were also impressive.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/847961/draft-guns-shine-as-north-prospect-seals-vic-metro-s-u18s-title