U18 Championships 2009

[one-eyed]

U-18s: Country too strong for NT
By Murray Belkin Sat 27 June, 2009

Vic Country          2.0  4.5  8.7  13.10 (88)
Northern Territory 2.2  4.4  5.5    5.6 (36)

GOALS
Vic Country: Astbury, Hooper, Butcher, Christensen 2, McMillan-Pittard, Rohan, Martin, Cunningham, Grabowski.
Northern Territory: May, Staunton, Taylor, Reid, Ah Chee.

BEST
Vic Country: Christensen, Hooper, Butcher, Cunningham, Astbury, Bastinac.
Northern Territory: Gordon, S. Taylor, Heenan, McAdam, Ah Chee, Baxter.

At Casey Fields

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

AFTER a tight first half, Vic Country has prevailed against the Northern Territory, running out 52-point winners at Casey Fields.

Despite a good start, Northern Territory could not keep up the momentum after half time, as Vic Country kicked nine goals to the NT's one in the second half to record their third win of the championship, 13.10 (88) to 5.6 (36).

After Vic Country kicked the first two goals of the match, the NT hit back, with Roland Ah Chee prominent through the midfield and Dean Staunton lively up forward.

Despite NT opening up a two-goal lead early in the second term, Vic Country took a one-point lead to the main break. Key forward John Butcher provided the spark for Vic Country, taking two strong marks and kicking one goal, while Gary Rohan had an excellent term across half-forward.

The third term belonged to Vic Country, with Butcher again providing a target as teammates Jack Weston and Andrew Hooper controlled play off the half-back flank.

Dean Gordon was the standout for the Territory side, amassing plenty of the ball across half-back.

The Northern Territory only managed a single behind in the last term, as Allen Christensen and Hooper exerted their dominance around the stoppages.

Vic Country had an injury scare in the last quarter, with Shane Page stretched off with a shoulder injury. Despite not being as serious as first thought, he remains in doubt for Wednesday’s encounter against Western Australia at Docklands.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79505/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

U18s: Late goal pushes Metro past Queensland
By Murray Belkin Sat 27 June, 2009

Vic Metro     2.4   4.5   6.6   8.7 (55)
Queensland  1.1   3.3   4.4   7.7 (49)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Moore, Hicks, Toy, Kennedy, Jones, Hoegel, Purcell, Ezard
Queensland: Flower 2, Thompson 2, McIvor, Thomas, Daye

BEST
Vic Metro: Scully, Toy, Hoegel, Melksham, Talia, Jacobs
Queensland: Lock, Daye, Harley, Grayson, Flower, Smith

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

VIC METRO has scored a gritty six-point win over Queensland in the NAB Under-18 Championships at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.

With Queensland yet to record a victory in the competition, a goal from Vic Metro forward Sam Ezard with one minute remaining handed the side their second win of the carnival – 8.7 (55) to 7.7 (49).

Metro was wasteful in the first quarter – having six scoring shots to two – and led by nine points at the first change.

After a team-lifting chase and tackle on the wing by Joseph Daye and with Todd Grayson finding plenty of the ball, Queensland was able to cut the margin to just two-points.

But a sloppy free-kick on the half-time siren to Ayden Kennedy gave Metro momentum at the main break.

Michael Thompson provided some excellent dash from defence for Metro in the third quarter to keep his side in control. Josh Toy also provided some spark with an excellent running goal just before three-quarter time to increase the lead to 14-points.

With both Josh Thomas and Alik Magin working tirelessly in their forward 50, Queensland could sense an upset brewing.

After early goals to Daye, Matt Flower and Rory Thompson, Queensland reduced the deficit to just two points.

But with scores level, it was Ezard who took a strong mark over his opponent from 40m out to seal the win for Metro, which faces South Australia at Docklands on Wednesday.

Queensland will look to get its first win against Northern Territory.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79508/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Western Australia posts crushing win over Tasmania
By Murray Belkin Sat 27 June, 2009

Tasmania                 1.2    1.2     2.2     3.2 (20)
Western Australia     5.3   11.6   16.8   23.10 (148)

GOALS
Tasmania: Howe, Archer, Green
Western Australia: Darling 5, Matera 5, Hayward 2, Lucas 2, Cripps, Duncan, Swallow, Elari, Mason, Fyfe, Neates, Houghton, Winmar

BEST
Tasmania: Crichton, Green, Harwood, Milne, Gelston, Barrett
Western Australia: Matera, Lucas, Darling, Duncan, Swallow, Sheppard

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

WESTERN Australia has continued its dominance in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, smashing Tasmania by 128 points at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.

Unbeaten in this carnival, WA's 23.10 (148) to 3.2 (20) victory showcased some of the many players who will find themselves on AFL lists next year.

Tasmania went scoreless in the second quarter, mainly due to the sheer class of its West Australian opponents.

WA's midfield was on fire, with Kane Lucas, Mitchell Duncan and Bradley Sheppard finding plenty of the ball. Jack Darling and Brandon Matera were dangerous up forward, kicking 10 goals between them.

Matera was involved in a sensational piece of play in the second term, winning a hard-fought free kick at half-back before running the length of the field to meet the end of a chain of possessions and kick a brilliant goal.

Holding a massive 64-point lead at half time, the Sandgropers pushed on after the break with their bigger bodies, intense pressure and blistering pace too much for Tasmania to handle.

The lead has blown out to 90 points at three-quarter time, as both Matera and Darling dominated in attack, kicking goals and, more impressively, chalking up four and six tackles respectively.

For Tasmania, Jesse Crichton worked hard, finishing with 25 possessions including six clearances.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79513/default.aspx

[mightytiges]

Like 2007 when we picked up Rance it looks like a number of the better kids drafted will come out of WA. They're just dominating the U18 Champs this year. If they beat Vic Country on Wednesday it'll be a clean sweep. It must also be one of the worst Vic Metro sides running around apart from Scully.

[one-eyed]

Pics of U18's representatives Ben Cunnington of Vic Country, Marc Lock of Queensland, Troy Taylor of Northern Territory, Anthony Morabito of Western Australia, Jack Trengove of South Australia, Tom Scully of Vic Metro, Luke Russell of Tasmania and Dylan McNeil of NSW/ACT

http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202009%20Media%20-%20%20NAB%20AFL%20Under%2018%20Championships%20Press%20Conference%20290609

[one-eyed]

Just a reminder the U18 Championship games today will be shown on Foxsports (and SEN will be at Docklands as well)

U18 matches today at Etihad Stadium (entry free, gate two):

9.35am Tasmania v NSW/ACT;

11.40am Queensland v Northern Territory;

1.45pm Vic Country v Western Australia;

3.50pm Vic Metro v South Australia.

[one-eyed]

Teams for the NAB AFL U18 Championships

Catch the conclusion of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Wednesday July 1 at Docklands Stadium (free entry) or on Fox Sports 1 from 9.30am (AEST)

TASMANIA v NSW/ACT, 9.35am

Tasmania
B: Jacob Gillbee (13), Jamie Clippingdale (35), Jacob Gelston (26)
HB: Rudy Barrett (17), Vincent Ponsonby (36), Marcus Davies (9)
C: Clay Hardy (23), Ryan Harwood (2), Tom Balcombe (21)
HF: Braden Webb (12), Joseph Groenewegen (20), Sam Rundle (5)
F:  Isaac Manuela (27), Daniel Archer (32), Jack Boon (4)
Foll: Cameron Milne (38), Rhys Mott (3), Jesse Crichton (14)
I/C (from): Luke Russell (6), Sean Mackay (16), Jeremy Howe (18), Joshua Green (7), Jamie Clark (15)

NSW/ACT
B: Will Langford (45), James Lawton (25), Jason Tutt (5)
HB: Ted Strudwick (43), Liam Johnson (19), Aidan Riley (36)
C: Thomas Young (40), Dylan McNeil (7), Jeremy Kirkwood (17)
HF: Trent Stubbs (21), Jordan Johns (18), James Brain (
F: Chaz Sargeant (12), Keiran Emery (24), Anthony Miles (11)
Foll: Joshua Hamilton (27), Jordan Williams (16), Josh Duncan (38)
I/C: Tim Segrave (22), Braedon Jones (15), Michael Johnston (44), Wade Hancock (39)

QUEENSLAND v NORTHERN TERRITORY, 11.40am

Queensland
B: Nathan Spring (22), Josh Milani (40), Thomas Holland (29)
HB: Mitch Harley (11), Jake Crawford (21), Daniel Ramage (12)
C: Ryan Thomson (30), Marc Lock (1), Lewis Moss (25)
HF: Alik Magin (6), Matt Fowler (15), Trent Manzone (10)
F: Nicky Price (14), Cheyne Hutchinson (38), Amua Pirika (28)
Foll: Gerard Moore (34), Tayler Rolfe (13), Grayson McIvor (26)
I/C: Mathew Storey (35), Declan Bevan (37), Tyler Green (7), Anzac Newman (42)

Northern Territory
B: Patrick Heenan (1), Mitchell Taylor (24), Corey Baxter (21)
HB: Kieran Smith (11), Michael Gugliotta (14), Deon Gordon (23)
C: Charlie McAdam (12), Scott Taylor (3), Nathan Ah Mat-Watkins
HF: Robert Hale (17), Troy Taylor (15), Lindsay Lawler (27)
F: Curtly Reid (32), Steven May (18), Dean Staunton (28)
R: Cameron Jones (25), Roland Ah Chee (20), James Wray (5)
I/C (from): Tim Kelly (26), Jacob Schaper (4), Alex Johnson (6), Pierce Liddle (7), Shannon Rioli (10), Mitch Murray (29)

VICTORIA COUNTRY v WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 1.45pm

Victoria Country
B: Kallen Geary (1), Sam Reid (34), Jasper McMillan-Pittard (12)
HB: Andrew Hooper (7), Luke Thompson (27), Jack Weston (31)
C: Grabowski, Koby Stevens (21), Josh Cowan (6)
HF: Gary Rohan (23), John Butcher (26), Dustin Martin (29)
F:  Allen Christensen (3), David Astbury (18), Ben Peters (19)
R:  Nathan Vardy (30), Ben Cunnington (20), Ryan Bastinac (13)
I/C (from): Jonathon Ceglar (39), James Hallahan (33), Tate, Tom MacKenzie (25), Edward Carr (17)

Western Australia
B: Jamie Cripps (13), Chris Luff (39), Blayne Wilson (18)
HB: Bradley Sheppard (11), Haydn Busher (29), David Swallow (9)
C : Mitchell Duncan (23), Ryan Neates (6), Anthony Morabito (24)
HF: Kane Lucas (10), Jack Darling (28), Anthony Collica (12)
F:  Nat Fyfe (34), Joel Houghton (31), Brandon Matera (4)
R: Josh Donaldson (38), Mark Hutchings (16), Travis Colyer (1)
I/C: Dean Beswick (26), Nicholas Winmar (20), Clinton Garlett (5), Damian Hayward (44)

VICTORIA METRO v SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 3.50pm

Victoria Metro
B: Ben Sinclair (20), Jack Hutchins (13), Kyle Hartigan (
HB: Andrew Gaff (6), Daniel Talia (5), Josh Toy (34)
C:  Jake Melksham (26), Jordan Gysberts (7), Michael Thompson (31)
HF: Robbie Hicks (24), Jack Fitzpatrick (14), Andrew Moore (22)
F: Benjamin Griffiths (28), Dylan Jones (38), Jayden Hoegel (21)
R: Nathan Burnage (4), Matthew Scott (1), Tom Scully (32)
I/C (from): Ayden Kennedy (16), Josh Purcell (23), Jake Carlisle (30), Sam Ezard (12), Liam Tobin (25), Trent McKenzie (27), Ben Jacobs (35)

South Australia
B: Simon Potts (9), Mark Evans (7), Jake Keller (36)
HB: Brodie Smith (18), Sam Day (35), Daniel Menzel (
C: Byron Sumner (1), Jack Trengove (20), Derick Wanganeen (2)
HF: Matthew Goldsworthy (12), Jamie Solly 32), Hayden Jolly (21)
F: Josh Giddings (34), Matthew Panos (33), Luke Tapscott (16)
R: James Craig (37), Alex Carey (17), Taite Silverlock (23)
I/C (from): Craig Pitt (22), Alex Wilson (15), Mark Evans (7), Scott Lycett (40), Jesse O'Brien (25), Daniel Scott-Collings (6)

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79750/default.aspx

[Ramps]

Some very nice players available

And to be honest we should not be afraid of trading out a couple of bigger names in order to get another early pick if possible.

At the top level I see:

Tom Scully - a great inside mid unfortunately headed for Melbourne
Kane Lucas - sensational playmaker in the making, disposal brilliant- no problem from me if hes wearing a Richmond jumper next year.
Dustin Martin - should become an outstanding midfielder- inside/outside with great disposal to match.
Jackson Trengove- see Martin but probably more inside than outside.

At the next level down

John Butcher- key forward we need one but I wouldnt pick him infront of the top 4.
Gary Rohan- for me hes a show pony, hopefully he does a Dale Thomas and goes early- just not to us.
Andrew Gaff- half back flank/wing. Good disposal
Nicholas Winmar- 190cm, good mark, good skills, do we need another at this height?
Ahchee- NT boy, good disposal, but its 2nd division footy so question mark
Fowler- Qu- forward good mark see achee -?
Jack Hutchins- playing FB and a good size
Collyer also a  good player

[RollsRoyce]

I watched a fair chunk of the U18's Championships today on Foxtel. Not a great day for the Vics with Country and Metro losing to WA and SA respectively. John Butcher had a relatively quiet day, kicking two goals in a side that were toweled up by a rampant, undefeated WA to the tune of about 48 points. WA have a host of great midfielders and nippy half-forwards that caught my eye, including Collyer, Swallow, Morabito and Matera. They also have a big, mean full-forward by the name of Darling,who the commentators likened to Johnathan Brown. He likes a bit of the rough stuff, and is a strong and imposing figure. Unfortunately he's also underage (although you wouldn't think it to look at him) and therefore ineligible for the draft til 2010. So I guess the GC will get him
Gary Rohan caught my eye for Vic Country. Not sure of his height, but he's a tall-ish wing/half fwd with a mop of red hair. Unlike another poster,I don't think he's flashy at all. He played very well in a losing side. He's quick, has a good leap,takes a good grab for his size,knows how to kick a goal or three, and works hard on the defensive aspects of his game. Dustin Martin is an inside mid who the commentators said had leather-poisoning in the first half before he copped a heavy tag from Swallow (I think). Hooper is the kind of nuggety, accountable back pocket type the Tiges have been needing for years to clamp the crumbing forwards.
I was impressed with Jake Carlisle for the Vic Metro side. I know we're desperately in need of key forwards and at 196cm and with 4 goals against his name today, he fits the bill. He has a very strong physique already, is mobile and takes a good mark. There was also a 201 cm ruck/fwd named Fitzpatrick who I also thought played pretty well. He reminded me a bit of Tyrone Vickery without the dreads, but a fair old mop.Scully is a gun and as tough as nails. Pity we won't get him.the cameras lingered on one Jade Rawlings there too.     

[one-eyed]

NSW/ACT claims U18 Division 2 title
By Ben Broad Wed 01 July, 2009


Tasmania  0.4  0.5   3.9     6.11 (47)
NSW/ACT 3.1  6.1  10.5   13.6 (84)

GOALS
Tasmania: Archer, Boon, Green, Groenewegen, Mott, Rundle
NSW/ACT: McNeil 4, Emery 2, Stubbs 2, Duncan, Hancock, Langford, Sargeant, Tutt

BEST
Tasmania: Green, Davies, Milne, Rundle, Crichton, Mott
NSW/ACT: McNeil, Young, Stubbs, Kirkwood, Tutt, Lawton, Williams

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

THE NSW/ACT Rams claimed the Division 2 title at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with a convincing 37-point victory over Tasmania at Docklands on Wednesday.

The Rams led from start to finish, with a host of options in attack helping them to an impressive 13.6 (84) to 6.11 (47) win.

As a result, NSW/ACT will finish with the best record of all the Division 2 sides despite Queensland and the Northern Territory to play immediately following Wednesday morning’s opening clash.

For the Rams, Dylan McNeil – who plays for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup – was the gamebreaker. The 178cm goalkicker showed his class by switching between the goalsquare and the midfield and slotting four majors.

NSW/ACT booted three goals to nil in the opening term and by half-time it was 6.1 to 0.5.

Tassie briefly looked like challenging in the third term but the Rams responded on each occasion.

Trent Stubbs (two goals), on an AFL Scholarship with Hawthorn, displayed his strong hands as did fellow half-forward Chaz Sargeant.

Will Langford, the son of former Hawk great Chris, also got better as the game wore on and floated forward to kick a nice goal late in the match.

Tasmanian ruckman Cameron Milne worked hard (27 hit-outs) while running defender Marcus Davies (17 disposals) was also impressive. He failed to finish his good work on a couple of occasions but showed aggression and good judgement to help set up several forward thrusts.

While Sam Rundle and Jack Boon tried hard for Tasmania, its best player was Josh Green. He collected 22 touches, drove the ball inside 50 five times and worked hard both ways to show he might be a player of the future. He finished with 1.4 and it could have been far more if not for some wayward kicking near the sticks.

But the Rams were by far the better side and thoroughly deserved their win.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79758/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

U18: NT tops Qld
By Jason Phelan Wed 01 July, 2009


Queensland            2.4   4.6  7.9  8.11 (59)
Northern Territory   3.2   6.3  8.5  9.6 (60)

GOALS
Queensland: Pirika 3, Hutchinson 2, Fowler, Magin Milani
Northern Territory: May 3, S. Taylor, Ah Chee, McAdam, Staunton, Heenan, Lawler

BEST
Queensland: Fowler, Manzone, Pirika, Lock, Magin, Holland
Northern Territory: Ah Chee, S. Taylor, Gordon, May, McAdam, Baxter

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

THE NORTHERN Territory has prevailed over Queensland by just one point in a highly-entertaining division two match at the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Docklands.

The see-sawing affair went right down to the wire with Territory ruckman Cameron Jones evoking memories of Leo Barry's famous relieving mark in the dying seconds of the 2005 grand final with the youngster's effort nine seconds from the final siren sealing the win.

The Territory led at every change, but Queensland's Matt Fowler had the opportunity to give his side the lead inside the last minute only to see his close-range shot rattle into the post to set up the final 9.6 (60) to 8.11 (59) score.

It was an unfortunate ending to Fowler's day, with 23 possessions and 14 marks making him his side's most valuable contributor. He possesses a thumping kick, but his inaccuracy in front of goal let him down. His tally of 1.4 was not a true reflection of his impact.

The differing game styles were apparent from the outset with Brett Hand's Territorians keen to use their pace to play on quickly, while Guy McKenna's side took a more patient approach often waiting for a leading target to present.   

Scott Taylor led the way for the Northern Territory with 27 disposals and a goal, but Roland AhChee often stole the limelight with his 25 possessions including flashes of brilliance sure to catch the watching recruiters' eyes.

Charlie McAdam, son of former Saint and Lion Gilbert, didn't see as much of the ball (17 touches), but was equally impressive at times and booted the winning goal for his side.

The Territory's Steven May was prominent up forward with three goals and was very strong at the ball.

Queensland's Amua Parika, a 189 cm excitement machine from Papua New Guinea, also booted three and looked dangerous whenever he went near the ball.   

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79773/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

WA beats Country to take U18 title
By Jason Phelan Wed 01 July, 2009

Vic Country            3.3   6.4    7.5       9.8   (62)
Western Australia   1.4   6.5   11.13   16.14 (110)

GOALS
Vic Country: Butcher 2, Martin, Cunnington, Ko. Stevens, Bastinac, Rohan, Peters, Vardy
Western Australia: Darling 3, Colyer 2, Morabito 2, Neates 2, Matera 2, Duncan, Hutchings, Cripps, Winmar, Fyfe

BEST
Vic Country: Martin, Cunnington, Rohan, Ko. Stevens, Bastinac
Western Australia: Colyer, Swallow, Lucas, Morabito, Darling

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

WESTERN Australia has taken out the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships after defeating Vic Country by 48 points at Docklands on Wednesday.

The lads from the west were challenged early and led by just one point at half time before accelerating away to finish 16.14 (110) to 9.8 (62), meaning they finished the championships undefeated.

With the game in the balance, the West Australians booted five goals to one in the third quarter to effectively seal the win.

Dustin Martin was the chief architect of the early Vic Country challenge with 20 first-half possessions. He slowed in the second half to finish with 28 touches and a goal, but was still his side's most damaging player.

Travis Colyer put in an eye-catching performance for WA with 23 possessions and five clearances. He went inside 50 on seven occasions and showed excellent poise in traffic to boot two goals.

David Swallow (18 touches) and Anthony Morabito (17) were also prime movers around the stoppages each with five clearances.

Big Jack Darling impressed up forward for Western Australia with his strong attack on the ball and finished with three goals to lead all goalkickers on the day. Brandon Matera, son of Wally and nephew of Phil and Peter, proved a dangerous crumber and finished with two majors.

Ben Cunnington (23 disposals) and Koby Stevens (20) were prominent through the middle for Vic Country and both booted a goal.

Highly-touted tall forward John Butcher, reported to be carrying a hand injury, had one of his quieter days for Vic Country and finished with six possessions and two goals.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79793/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

South Australia too strong for Metro
By Ben Broad Wed 01 July, 2009


Vic Metro           3.2  3.3  5.7     9.7 (61)
South Australia  0.5  5.9  8.11  10.13 (73)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Carlisle 4, Fitzpatrick, Gaff, Hoegel, Moore, Scully
South Australia: Tapscott 3, Jolly 2, Silverlock 2, Evans, Panos, Pitt

BEST
Vic Metro: Scully, Jacobs, Talia, Carlisle, Gaff, Toy
South Australia: Jolly, Carey, Tapscott, Sumner, Trengove, Potts, Silverlock

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

SOUTH Australia has rounded out its NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in style with a gutsy win over Vic Metro at Docklands on Wednesday.

Despite failing to kick a goal in the opening term, South Australia took control in the second and third terms before fighting off a late challenge to win 10.13 (73) to 9.7 (61).

Both teams went into the clash knowing they couldn’t win the Division 1 title, with unbeaten Western Australia having sewn that up earlier in the day.

But, as there always is when the two states meet, there was plenty of pride on the line and with AFL recruiters camped in every corner of Docklands, much to prove.

Many eyes were on highly-touted pair Tom Scully (Vic Metro) and Jack Trengove (SA) – both tipped to be prospective top-three draft picks later this year.

Both players enjoyed solid outings, with the Victorian midfielder particular impressive.

He was forced to leave the field with a bloody nose after just a few minutes but after almost 10 minutes and some repair work, he returned sporting a head bandage and new jumper.

He finished the match with a game-high 27 possessions and kicked a classy goal in the third term after getting on the end of a chain of handballs, displaying the hard running that was a feature of his game.

Trengove’s highlights package could be isolated to the first half, as he was well held after the main break. However he was instrumental in helping South Australia boot 5.4 to just 0.1 in the second quarter, erasing a 15-point deficit at the first change in the process.

His positioning and contested work impressed, while he also looks to possess a certain x-factor.

While Trengove faded, others stepped up. Alex Carey, who looked to be running with Scully, had 21 touches – 10 of them contested, while Hayden Jolly (21 disposals and 2.3) was lively around the ball or in attack.

The strongly-built Luke Tapscott (three goals) also impressed near goal, landing some long-range bombs.

For Vic Metro, Ben Jacobs (24 disposals, 10 contested possessions) and Daniel Talia (24 possessions) worked hard, while Josh Toy looks ready for AFL football.

While only 185cm, Toy’s long, penetrating kicking from defence is reminiscent of now-Bomber Michael Hurley.

Jake Carlisle kept presenting and finished the match with four goals, a good reward for his effort and work ethic.

However it wasn’t enough for Vic Metro, with South Australia holding firm to win the final match of the day to ensure they finished second in the Division 1 race.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79809/default.aspx

[one-eyed]

Mids shine in 'huge success'
By Ben Broad Wed 01 July, 2009


Larke Medallist and captain of WA's Championship winning team, David Swallow

IT WAS only fitting that on the final day of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, midfielders should again play a starring role.

There were no big bags of goals or as many big grabs as previous years but pace and good ball use was at a premium.

Western Australia maintained its perfect record to take out the Division 1 trophy and claim the title as the best under-18 football state in the country.

Midfielder David Swallow, brother of North Melbourne ball-winner Andrew, shared the Larke Medal for the carnival's best Division 1 player.

However, recruiters who might have considered Swallow in their club's colours are unlikely to ever see it happen. Too young for this year’s draft, he is certain to be in Gold Coast recruiting manager Scott Clayton’s sights in 2010.

Swallow may be off-limits, but plenty of midfielders aren’t – and many of those shone.

Vic Metro’s Tom Scully, South Australia’s Jack Trengove, Western Australia’s Anthony Morabito and NSW/ACT’s Dylan McNeil were just a few to press their cases on Wednesday.

McNeil won the Hunter Harrison Medal for best player in Division 2 as NSW/ACT claimed that group's title.

AIS/AFL high performance coach Jason McCartney said the championships had been "dominated by midfield types".

Swallow shared the medal with Victoria Country's Andrew Hooper. While Hooper’s team had a so-so carnival, the North Ballarat defender was outstanding.

Also his club captain, Hooper’s leadership was evident on the final day when, as a scuffle broke out on the stroke of half time, he quickly brought his teammates together.

Vic Country fell short in the best encounter of the day’s four games – against WA – but scouts watching would have seen what kind of character Hooper is.

Rating the carnival’s top draft prospects – midfielders or not – might be tougher than in previous years.

"It’s probably not as clearly evident who your top 15 are," McCartney told afl.com.au.

"I think it maybe works itself out with your top half-dozen to eight [picks], but then after that I think there’s plenty on offer.

"It would be very hard to pick maybe 20 in order because I think once it gets past 10 or 12, it’ll be on a needs basis or what a club needs.

"Generally [in the past] that probably hasn’t occurred until maybe pick 20."

McCartney said organisers were also happy with the revised format of this year’s championships, labelling them a "huge success".

Last year two states from Division 2 were able to qualify for Division 1 if they performed well in early matches.

"The Division 2 sides that went up ended up playing eight games, so that was probably a bit too much," he said.

"This year we thought, 'Just have everyone in together and play two [sides] out of your division' and that seems to have worked pretty well."

2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
Division 1 winners: Western Australia
Larke Medal: David Swallow (WA), Andrew Hooper (Vic Country)
Division 2 winners: NSW/ACT
Hunter Harrison Medal: Dylan McNeil (NSW/ACT)

[one-eyed]

Pics from the U18 Champs yesterday:

Vic Metro vs SA
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202009%20Media%20-%20NAB%20U18%20Championships%20VicM%20v%20SA

WA vs Vic Country
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202009%20Media%20-%20NAB%20U18%20Championships%20VicC%20v%20WA

Tas vs NSW/ACT
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202009%20Media%20-%20NAB%20U18%20Championships%20Tas%20v%20NSW/ACT

Qld vs NT
http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202009%20Media%20-%20NAB%20U18%20Championships%20QLD%20v%20NT