U18 National Championships 2023

[one-eyed]

Just catching up with the results so far:

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Jed Walter was everywhere as the Allies defeated South Australia in the first match of the 2023 Under-18s Champs

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Jun 4, 2023

SOUTH AUSTRALIA      2.0          3.0          7.1         11.2 (68)
ALLIES                        6.2          9.7          10.9       12.12 (84)

GOALS
South Australia: Delean 4, Fawcett 2, Gladigau, Herbert, Holt, McShane, Moir
Allies: McCormack 3, Walter 3, Rider 2, Sanders 2, Gothard, Kirk

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THERE was the power, the jump, the physicality and the athleticism. And that was just in the first quarter.

Jed Walter took only 25 minutes to stamp himself as a potential top-three pick at this year's national draft with a brilliant performance for the Allies in their 16-point win over South Australia on Sunday.

In the first game of this year's Under-18 Championships, it was Gold Coast's Academy forward who stole the show with a commanding effort in the Allies' strong 12.12 (84) to 11.2 (68) win at Thebarton Oval.

Walter, who is tied to the Suns at this year's draft, finished with 3.5 in attack as well as 17 disposals and nine marks. But that only told some of the story of the impressive 197cm talent's game, with his big mark in the opening quarter, brutish strength, run and bounce goal in the last term and several goal assists showing his all-round impact after being an All-Australian last season as a bottom-aged prospect.


Jed Walter celebrates a goal during the AFL National Championships match between South Australia and the Allies on June 4, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

The 17-year-old's first term set up the win for the Allies, with a group of talented likely first-round picks powering the victory.

Midfielder and potential top-10 selection Ryley Sanders was equally impactful, picking up 36 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles and two goals (both in the opening quarter) and showing his consistency translates to a higher level.

Sanders has enjoyed a prolific season but saved his best game so far for the start of the carnival, while Tasmanian talent Colby McKercher (27 disposals, six clearances) was terrific throughout with his ball use and poise and is another player who is set to feature in the first handful of picks this year.


Ryley Sanders takes a mark during the National Championships match between South Australia and the Allies. Picture: AFL Photos

Suns Academy pair Ethan Read (18) showed some of his exciting movement for a ruckman and Jake Rogers was his usual busy self, while Caiden Cleary had 10 tackles with his 24 disposals. Versatile tall Connor O'Sullivan was effective in defence, while Greater Western Sydney Academy tall forward Charlie McCormack kicked three goals.

His third goal, at the start of the third term, put the Allies up by 49 points but South Australia responded with the next five goals to start their improved second half. Livewire forward Jack Delean was central to it, booting three goals in the third term and a fourth in the last quarter to show his craft around goal for his state. Key forward Liam Fawcett also hit the scoreboard with two late goals.

Kane McAuliffe had 17 disposals and Logan Evans had 16 in defence, while bottom-ager Sid Draper collected 23 disposals, six tackles and eight inside-50 entries from South Australia's midfield. Draper is the younger brother of Collingwood's Arlo, with the pair not related to Essendon ruckman Sam Draper.


William Graham and Jack Delean compete for the ball during the National Championships match between South Australia and the Allies on June 4, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos
https://www.afl.com.au/news/943457/key-forward-steals-the-show-in-u18s-season-opener

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Young guns and father-sons fire at U18 Championships

Some of the most exciting talent strutted their stuff as Vic Metro and Allies had big wins

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
12 June 2023

South Australia      2.1       3.3       3.4       5.8 (38)
Vic Metro              3.3       8.7      13.12    15.16 (106)

Goals
South Australia: Rawlinson 2, Dignan, Slade, Weckert
Vic Metro: Watson 4, Croft 3, Johnston 2, LaPlanche 2, Ashcroft, Dattoli, Lorenz, Taha

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MIDFIELD stars Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders, small forward gun Nick Watson, father-son prospect Jordan Croft and a trio of 2024 prospects were standouts in a big day of under-18s action on Sunday.

In a double-header of the under-18 championships at Thebarton Oval, Vic Metro powered to a 68-point win over South Australia before the Allies were far too strong for Western Australia, winning by 88 points.

In the first game, Metro jumped to an early lead, with 'The Wizard' Watson kicking three first-half goals in attack. The lively goalkicker finished with four majors as the most impactful forward on the ground, with Western Bulldogs father-son Croft also excellent with three goals from 10 disposals.

Croft, the son of ex-Dogs defender Matthew, is shaping as a potential first-round pick with a run of strong performances in attack as an athletic 199cm forward, while half-back Nathan Philactides (21 disposals) added drive from defence.


Nathan Philactides during the 2023 U18 Championships match between South Australia and Victoria Metro at Thebarton Oval on June 11, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Metro was led through its midfield by bottom-age trio Levi Ashcroft (31 disposals, four inside-50s, one goal), Josh Smillie (26 disposals, seven inside-50s) and Jagga Smith (25 disposals, four clearances), who all dominated a year before they hit draft age.

Ashcroft, the younger brother of Brisbane's Will, was close to best afield with his clean hands and smarts to continue his excellent season, while Sid Draper, the younger brother of Collingwood's Arlo, had a team-high 27 disposals for South Australia.


Levi Ashcroft of Victoria during the 2023 U18 Championships match between South Australia and Victoria Metro at Thebarton Oval on June 11, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

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Allies                        1.5       6.6       11.10   16.12 (108)
Western Australia      1.3       1.5       2.8       2.8 (20)

Goals
Allies: McCormack 4, Callinan 3, Walter 3, Rider 2, Gander, Gothard, Read, Sanders
Western Australia: Kentfield, Walsh

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Western Australia had a strong start to the contest against the Allies before the star-studded unit ran away with the strong win in the second game, seeing the Allies jump to a 2-0 start to the carnival.

McKercher was sensational, gathering 40 disposals, four clearances and seven inside-50s in a complete performance in the 25-minute quarters. The left-footer was exceptional and showed why many clubs have him locked as a top-five pick.

His midfield partner from Tasmania and the Allies, Sanders, also displayed his power with 39 disposals and nine inside-50s as well as a brilliant running goal out of the centre, while Jed Walter kicked 3.2 in a strong battle with Western Australian defender Daniel Curtin.


Ryley Sanders in action during the U18 Championship match between the Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on June 11, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

The pair of early picks enjoyed an engrossing match-up, with Curtin having 18 disposals, as Walter collected eight marks and competed well. Fellow tall forward Charlie McCormack, from the Giants' Academy, kicked four goals and flew for marks, while small forward Jack Callinan, the son of former Crows forward Ian, kicked three opportunistic goals.

Ethan Read (21 disposals, one goal, 14 hit-outs) and Mitch Edwards (11 disposals, 30 hit-outs) had a competitive clash in the ruck, while Clay Hall (24 disposals) and Riley Hardeman (21 disposals) tried hard for Western Australia in the loss to kickstart their carnival.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/948083/young-guns-and-father-sons-fire-at-u18-championships

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Father-son gun dominates in U18 championship victory

Tyler Welsh booted five goals in South Australia's come from behind win over Vic Country at the under-18 championships

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
18 June 2023

VIC COUNTRY             4.2     6.8     9.9      11.9 (75)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA     3.1     8.1     12.3    15.4 (94)

GOALS
Vic Country: H.Reid 3, Rudd 2, Wilson 2, Charleson, De La Rue, Freijah, Stevens
South Australia: Welsh 5, Delean 4, Moir 2, Goad, Luck, Montgomery, Hargrave

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ADELAIDE father-son prospect Tyler Welsh has stolen the show in the under-18 championships, steering South Australia to a comeback win over Vic Country.

The Crows will have to wait to get access to the son of former forward Scott, who is eligible for the draft in 2024, but can already be excited after his five-goal haul in South Australia's 19-point win on Sunday.

The 191cm forward, who turns 17 later this season, came into the SA for his first game in their third appearance of the carnival, after two successive defeats to kick off the championships.

He was crucial in the 15.4 (94) to 11.9 (75) win at IKON Park, with his goals coming in an array of forms including an on-the-run belter in the fourth quarter to lock in his team's victory.

Scott Welsh played 205 games and kicked 363 goals across his career with North Melbourne, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs, but only reached the 100-game qualification with the Crows, meaning only Adelaide will have access to Tyler as a father-son pick next season.

He partnered with livewire forward Jack Delean (four goals) to create havoc in attack, with Delean backing up his four-goal effort in the first game of the carnival against the Allies with another electric display.

Midfielder Sid Draper (29 disposals) again performed strongly as a bottom-ager for South Australia, while midfielder Kane McAuliffe (21) and defenders Will Patton (20) and Will McCabe (19) were also steady in the back half.

Ashton Moir also played the best game of his carnival with two goals, including an exciting wheel-around kick from outside 50 in the second term.

Vic Country started in terrific touch, with expected No.1 pick Harley Reid kicking the first three goals of the game, including the opener within the first minute. Reid played the majority of the game in attack as he settled back into the action after five weeks out following his concussion last month but was exciting and created opportunities.

George Stevens (25 disposals, nine tackles), Harry De Mattia (21 and seven clearances) and Zane Duursma (20, six clearances) were also busy through the midfield, while tall forward Michael Rudd kicked two goals from 16 disposals in a promising display in Vic Country's first game of the championships.


Tyler Welsh celebrates kicking a goal during the 2023 AFL National Championships match between Vic Country and South Australia at Ikon Park on June 18, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos


Sid Draper handballs as he is tackled during the 2023 AFL National Championships match between Vic Country and South Australia at Ikon Park on June 18, 2023. Picture: in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: AFL Photos


Zane Duursma in action during the 2023 AFL National Championships match between Vic Country and South Australia at Ikon Park on June 18, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/952608/father-son-gun-dominates-in-u18-championship-victory

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Elite ball-winner, talented wingman lead WA to championship win over SA

Clay Hall and Aiden O'Driscoll were two of Western Australia's best in its 28-point win over South Australia

By Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
25 June 2023

WESTERN AUSTRALIA      4.2   4.5   7.7   10.10 (70)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA           2.1   4.2   4.4   6.6 (42)

GOALS
Western Australia: Sanchez 2, Edwards, Lindberg, Livingstone, Matthews, O'Driscoll, Tholstrup, Van Rooyen, Wills
South Australia: Welsh 2, Delean, Hargrave, McAuliffe, Rawlinson


Aiden O'Drscoll celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Western Australia and South Australia at Optus Stadium on June 24, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

PROLIFIC ball-winner Clay Hall led the Western Australian response on Saturday as the Black Ducks overpowered South Australia at Optus Stadium to get their first win of the under-18 championships.

Hall was outstanding at the coalface with 33 disposals, nine clearances and seven inside 50s in a best afield display that will further enhance the Peel Thunder draft prospect's reputation.

While the 18-year-old did the dirty work for Western Australia in the 28-point win, highly touted wingman Aiden O'Driscoll provided the class and outside speed to break open the Croweaters with 20 disposals and 12 marks.

The Northam product, who is the younger brother of Fremantle players Nathan and Emma O'Driscoll, helped turn the game in the third quarter and showed his electric pace with an opportunistic goal.

The teenager could have finished with a second goal but unselfishly handballed to teammate Tyler Lindberg in a performance that was laced with excitement and creativity.

Both teams had their periods on top in a tight first half, with WA hanging onto a three-point lead at the main break thanks to Hall's tireless work in the midfield and an impressive half from defender Daniel Curtin.


Sid Draper is tackled by Daniel Curtin during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Western Australia and South Australia at Optus Stadium on June 24, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

The home team emerged to pile on three unanswered goals after half time, however, with utility Koltyn Tholstrup providing a highlight with his gather and snap late in the quarter.

The Subiaco product was impressive in his first game of the championships, taking some impressive contested marks and showing evasiveness at ground level and a hunger for the defensive acts.

The big-bodied youngster, who missed WA's 88-point loss to the Allies, finished with 20 disposals, eight marks and four inside 50s.


Koltyn Tholstrup celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Western Australia and South Australia at Optus Stadium on June 24, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

The Croweaters, who finished the Championships with a 2-2 record, had some impressive periods where they moved the ball with pace through the middle, but they were unable to capitalise in attack.

Their forwards lacked the same opportunities as WA, losing the inside 50s convincingly (52-34), with young star Tyler Welsh held to two goals, including an impressive long-range snap late in the game.


Tyler Welsh celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Western Australia and South Australia at Optus Stadium on June 24, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Their major ball-winners were Sid Draper (20 and eight inside 50s) and defender Will Patton (19 and 11 rebound 50s), with Tom Wheaton (18 and six clearances) and Kane McAuliffe (16 and 13 tackles) fighting hard in the midfield.           


Kane McAuliffe in action during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Western Australia and South Australia at Optus Stadium on June 24, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/956096/elite-ball-winner-talented-wingman-lead-wa-to-championship-win-over-sa

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Harley hype intensifies after match-winning showing in U18 champs

By Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
1 July 2023

WESTERN AUSTRALIA     2.1   4.5   5.8    8.11 (59)
VIC COUNTRY                  3.6   5.8   6.11   8.13 (61) 

GOALS
Western Australia: Collard 2, Curtin, Dehavilland, Livingstone, Sanchez, Smith, van Rooyen
Vic Country: Rudd 3, H. Reid 2, Day-Wicks, Duursma, A. Reid

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Harley Reid in action during the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Vic Country at the WACA on June 30, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

VIC COUNTRY star Harley Reid produced a match-winning performance under the nose of West Coast's recruiters on Friday night, putting pressure on the Eagles to hold their first pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft.   

Reid was outstanding against Western Australia at the WACA Ground, both in the midfield and as a deep forward, finishing with an equal game-high 26 disposals, 10 marks and two goals as Vic Country prevailed by two points.

He stood up under heavy attention from WA and relished the physical contests, shaking off midfield opponents to win five clearances and then drawing the ball as a forward, where his power on the lead was hard to stop.

The Eagles' off-field team was at the WACA Ground on Friday night and will need to decide whether they draft Reid in the likely scenario they have the No.1 pick in the Draft or trade the prized selection for multiple early picks.

He had the presence, skill and game sense of a special player on Friday night and already had a contingent of WA fans keen to show their support after the match.

After being instrumental in building Vic Country's early 23-point lead, the teenage star spent most of the fourth quarter as the deepest forward while WA rallied to nearly steal the game.

It was teammate Zane Duursma who stayed cool under pressure to kick the crucial goal that gave the visitors some late breathing room before winning 8.13 (61) to 8.11 (59).


Zane Duursma celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Vic Country at the WACA on June 30, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Big-bodied WA midfielder Clay Hall continued where he left off against South Australia in last Sunday's 28-point win, leading the Black Ducks with 26 disposals, six clearances and nine tackles.

He ran with Reid for long periods while the looming No.1 pick was in the midfield, showing off his pace and taking on opponents as his reputation grows through the under-18 championships.

Versatile WA prospect Daniel Curtin had brief forays in the midfield but was mostly used in defence, where his composure with 23 disposals and 11 marks was valuable.

The talented teenager also pushed forward to kick the final goal of the game, snapping his set shot from the boundary to give WA one last opportunity.

Geelong Falcons youngster Michael Rudd produced some excellent contested marking and led the visitors with three goals, while Harry Demattia (17 and seven inside 50s) and Kade De La Rue (22 and four) were influential.


Michael Rudd marks the ball during the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Vic Country at the WACA on June 30, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

West Coast Next Generation Academy prospect Lance Collard ignited late to kick two final quarters, including a classy running effort after he streamed inside 50.

Koen Sanchez was clean all night for the Blacks and finished with 20 disposals, five clearances and a goal in an eye-catching performance, with Riley Hardeman (23 and eight rebounds) and Luke Kelly (22 and six clearances) other major ball-winners.


Koen Sanchez is tackled by Billy Wilson during the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Vic Country at the WACA on June 30, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

https://www.afl.com.au/news/958988/harley-hype-intensifies-after-match-winning-showing-in-u18-champs

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THE ALLIES have claimed their first-ever AFL Under 18 National Championships title. Having previously only managed a maximum of one win in each carnival since 2016, the amalgamated side went undefeated in 2023.

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Tassie gun fires as the Wizard bags five in a half

Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders were among the Allies' best in their win over Vic Country

By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
9 July 2023


Colby McKercher during the U18 National Championships double header on July 9, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

TASMANIAN midfield gun Colby McKercher stamped his name as one of this year's best draft prospects, producing an awesome display to drag the Allies to their first ever National Championships title with a thrilling win on Sunday.

With the Allies' contest against Vic Country well and truly in the balance at RSEA Park, McKercher kicked two classy goals – one from deep inside the pocket and another after an electric sidestep into space – to kickstart his side's third-quarter charge.

McKercher also had 32 disposals, eight clearances and six inside-50s in a barnstorming performance as the Allies claimed an essentially winner-takes-all battle against Vic Country 12.9 (81) to 10.10 (70).

A growing number of clubs have McKercher just behind Harley Reid as the best available player in this year's draft class, with Sunday's performance only set to bolster the 181cm midfielder's standing even further.

McKercher's fellow Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders (35 disposals, five clearances) was also among the game's best, while Sydney's Academy prospect Caiden Cleary (36 disposals, nine inside-50s, seven tackles) was prolific through the engine room.


Ryley Sanders during the U18 National Championships double header on July 9, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Gold Coast's Academy gun Jed Walter kicked two goals from 11 disposals and six marks in another indication of his outstanding talent, doing no harm to his well-earned standing as a likely top-three pick.

He was one of a host of Suns Academy players to impress, with ruckman Ethan Read (24 disposals, 13 hitouts, seven clearances) and zippy midfielder Jake Rogers (22 disposals, five clearances, eight inside-50s) also producing noteworthy displays.

Key defender Connor O'Sullivan (17 disposals, six marks) was another to catch the eye, as the 198cm backman spent portions of the match marking the draft's likely No.1 selection in Vic Country's Reid.

Reid had 14 disposals, six clearances and seven inside-50s having split his time evenly between the midfield and the forward line, but couldn't carry Vic Country over the line in what was a must-win contest.


Harley Reid during the U18 National Championships double header on July 9, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

George Stevens (22 disposals, one goal) and Darcy Wilson (15 disposals, two goals) were among Vic Country's best players, while forward Michael Rudd (13 disposals, six marks, two goals) provided a handy target in attack.

VIC COUNTRY  3.2    6.4     7.5    10.10 (70)
ALLIES            2.3    5.4   10.8     12.9 (81)

GOALS:

Vic Country: Z. Duursma 2, M. Rudd 2, D. Wilson 2, G. Stevens, S. Lalor, A. Read, F. O’Sullivan
Allies: J. Walter 2, P. Gothard 2, C. McKercher 2, O. Turner 2, J. Glanvill, J. Callinan, T. Gander, C. McCormack

RMC BEST:

Vic Country: F. O’Sullivan, A. Hastie, A. Reid, W. Dawson, G. Stevens, D. Wilson
Allies: C. Cleary, C. McKercher, R. Sanders, E. Read, J. Rogers, C. O’Sullivan

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Nick Watson kicked five goals in a half for Vic Metro

By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
9 July 2023

Earlier, gun small forward Nick Watson had produced a sizzling performance that featured five goals in the first half alone to inspire Vic Metro to a huge victory over Western Australia.

Watson, crowned 'The Wizard' for his mercurial work inside-50, finished with 5.3 to go with 13 disposals and three marks as he continued a stellar campaign that has him heading towards being a top-five pick at season's end.

The 170cm forward kicked his goals in a variety of ways, demonstrating his aerial prowess while also bending home a series of snaps on either foot as Vic Metro eased to a comfortable 19.13 (127) to 6.10 (46) win.

Watson thrived at the feet of strong-marking Vic Metro forward Logan Morris, with the 191cm target switching ends to emerge as a potential first-round pick after kicking 4.1 from 16 disposals and 11 grabs.


Logan Morris celebrates a goal during the U18 National Championships double header on July 9, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Fellow first-round prospect Nate Caddy was also promising in the Vic Metro forward line, battling away and showing his competitiveness on a morning that finished with three goals from 11 disposals and seven tackles.

Melbourne father-son prospect Kynan Brown, the son of former Demon Nathan, was impressive with 26 disposals, six clearances and one goal in the midfield for Vic Metro, while Harvey Johnston (29 disposals, six clearances, one goal) and Caleb Windsor (22 disposals, nine inside-50s, one goal) were also solid.


Kynan Brown during the U18 National Championships double header on July 9, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Vic Metro's imposing 200cm key defender Ollie Murphy (14 disposals, six marks, six rebound-50s) was another to emerge among the game's best players, as he continued what has been an impressive junior season.

Likely top-10 pick Daniel Curtin was among the few standouts for Western Australia, playing through the midfield once again and winning 27 disposals, eight clearances and seven tackles.

Clay Hall (25 disposals) continued his nice Championships campaign, while Koltyn Tholstrup (20 disposals, eight inside-50s) and Koen Sanchez (13 disposals, three goals) were both influential in attack.

VICTORIA METRO         5.1   10.5   14.10   19.13 (127)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA   1.3    2.5     5.6       6.10 (46)

GOALS:

Victoria Metro: N. Watson 5, L. Morris 4, N. Caddy 3, C. Harrop 2, K. Brown, T. Hotton, R. Weatherill, C. Windsor, H. Johnston
Western Australia: K. Sanchez 3, K. Dehavilland, E. Logan, R. Torrent

RMC BEST:

Victoria Metro: L. Morris, N. Watson, W. Brown, K. Brown, H. Johnston, C. Windsor
Western Australia: D. Curtin, K. Sanchez, C. Hall, K. Tholstrup, A. O’Driscoll, R. Torrent

https://www.afl.com.au/news/968010/tassie-gun-fires-as-the-wizard-bags-five-in-a-half
https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2023/07/09/cream-rises-to-the-top-as-allies-claim-maiden-title/

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Duursma dominant, likely top 10 picks fire in U18s finale

Zane Duursma was electric as Vic Country defeated Vic Metro by 31 points

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
16 July 2023


Zane Duursma celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Vic Country at the WACA on June 30, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

VIC COUNTRY    1.3       5.8       12.9     15.16 (106)
VIC METRO         3.2       6.4       7.5       11.9 (75)

Goals
Vic Country: Duursma 4, Anastasopoulos 2, Freijah 2, Grant 2, A.Reid 2, Lual, O'Sullivan, Smartt
Vic Metro: Watson 4, Harrop 3, Caddy 2, Smith, Taha

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ZANE Duursma stamped himself on the final Under-18 Championships game for 2023, with the talented Vic Country prospect kicking four goals in a dominant display to steer his side to a 31-point win over Vic Metro.

In the closing match of the national carnival, Duursma was spectacular in attack, gathering 22 disposals and 10 marks to go with his haul of 4.2. Three of those goals came in a powerful third term for Vic Country, which booted seven goals to one to run away from their Metro opponents.

The Gippsland Power product and younger brother of Port Adelaide's Xavier showed his class inside-50 and marking capacity in the air to underline his status as a potential top-five pick in his team's 15.16 (106) to 11.9 (75) win at IKON Park.

It was Country's second win of their four-game championships, with likely No.1 pick Harley Reid producing a brilliant game through the midfield with 24 disposals, 11 clearances and four inside-50s, including several brilliant centre clearances in the third quarter.

It closed Reid's carnival on a strong note and showed his match-turning traits through the middle.

Darcy Wilson (23 disposals), Joel Freijah (16, 2.1), Tom Anastasopoulos (two goals) and George Stevens (17 disposals, seven tackles) were also busy for Country, while tall forward Archer Reid kicked 2.2 in his best game of the carnival.

Metro held the early ledger in the game until Country's third-term blitz, with forward Nick Watson kicking four goals in loss to be the leading goalkicker of the championships. Charlie Harrop also booted three goals and Nate Caddy two for Vic Metro, while Archie Roberts showed plenty of dash with 24 touches.

Bottom-aged pair Levi Ashcroft (26 disposals) and Jagga Smith (22) were among Metro's best again through the midfield, while ruckman Will Green had 12 disposals and 22 hitouts.

After winning the carnival for the first time this year, the Allies had further success on Sunday when their gun midfielder Ryley Sanders was named the Larke Medallist for 2023 as the best player in the carnival.

The Tasmanian ball-getter averaged 35 disposals throughout the Allies' four wins and has solidified himself as a top-10 talent at this year's draft.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/980997/duursma-dominant-likely-top-10-picks-fire-in-u18s-finale

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Young Tasmanian claims Larke Medal for 2023

afl.com.au
16 July 2023



Allies midfielder Ryley Sanders has been awarded the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player of the 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Boys.

The 18-year-old Tasmanian collected 142 disposals at an average of 35.5 per match to guide the Allies to an historic first title at the Championships. He also kicked four goals across four matches.

Hailing from North Launceston Football Club, Sanders plays with the Sandringham Dragons in the Coates Talent League and was a member of the Dragons' premiership side last year.

He previously played with the Tasmania Devils prior to relocating to Victoria in 2022.

Sanders claimed the Larke Medal with 25 votes, finishing ahead of Allies teammate and fellow Tasmanian Colby McKercher, who polled 20 votes.

TEAM MVP AWARDS

The team MVP winners were selected by the coaching staff of each program:

Allies: Connor O’Sullivan (Murray Bushrangers/Albury)
South Australia: Sid Draper (South Australia/Willunga)
Victoria Country: Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers/Tongala)
Victoria Metro: Oliver Murphy (Sandringham Dragons/East Brighton Vampires)
Western Australia: Daniel Curtin (Claremont/West Coast)

STANDINGS

TEAM              PLAYED   W   L   D    %      PTS
Allies                       4   4   0   0   174.64   16
Victoria Metro          4   2   2   0   125.61   8
Victoria Country       4   2   2   0   100.97   8
South Australia        4   1   3   0   72.24   4
Western Australia     4   1   3   0   57.69   4

https://www.afl.com.au/news/981376/young-tasmanian-claims-larke-medal-for-2023

[Diocletian]

Tasmanian, Larke Medalist, lack of pace will probably see him slide - has "Richmond pick" written all over him.

[one-eyed]

https://www.afl.com.au/news/982892/2023-afl-national-championships-u18-boys-all-australian-team-announced