Tall timber dominates as SA edges past Allies in U18 Champs openerBy Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
1 June 2025ALLIES 2.4 5.6 9.8 11.10 (76)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4.3 8.3 10.8 12.11 (83)
GOALS
Allies: Murray 4, Miller 3, Hamilton 3, Corrigan
South Australia: Schubert 4, Marsh 4, Barker 2, Peucker, Nairn
Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7866------------------------------------------------------------
TALL forward pair Mitch Marsh and Aidan Schubert were dominant in attack to help steer South Australia to a seven-point win over the Allies in the opening game of the Marsh U18 Boys National Championships.
The entertaining clash was punctuated by a host of strong performances, including SA's pair of targets Schubert and Marsh booting four goals each.
The 195cm Schubert was a standout with his marking and capability at ground level, while Marsh showed his polish around goal and capacity to find space on the lead and convert his shots with his penetrating left-foot. Recruiters have seen the 191cm Marsh building in the lead-up to the national carnival and a big championships could solidify his first-round position.
The pair were crucial in their team's 12.11 (83) to 11.10 (76) win at Blacktown on Sunday, with Harley Barker also impressing with two goals from 15 disposals.
Noah Roberts-Thomson, the cousin of 2005 Swans premiership player Lewis, was busy with 17 disposals, Jim Kelly had 20 touches off half-back, Luke Candy had 21 disposals and four clearances and Dyson Sharp had 17 disposals in the middle.
The Allies also had a tall forward take the eye, with Taj Murray kicking four goals in a strong display from nine disposals, while also going through the ruck, where he had 15 hitouts. Murray, who is from the Northern Territory but is playing at North Adelaide this season, was consistently a threat in the air.
The Allies trailed by 15 points at half-time of the clash but made a late run for the win, with small forward Jack Miller (three goals), a Tasmanian, and midfielder Ryder Corrigan (17 disposals, one goal) providing energy throughout.
Brisbane Academy talent Daniel Annable, a potential top-three pick at the draft, did what he always does and had 26 disposals, while Gold Coast's Dylan Patterson showed he will be right in the top-10 frame as well with 23 disposals, six marks, three clearances and his trademark speed.
Fellow Suns Academy products Koby Coulson (25 disposals) and Beau Addinsall (seven clearances) were busy in the midfield for the Allies as well.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1331313/tall-timber-dominants-as-sa-edges-past-allies-in-u18-champs-opener
