SA downs Vic Metro
Matt Windley | Herald-Sun
SOUTH Australia withstood a last quarter fightback from Vic Metro to claim the last match of the under 18 national championships. Trailing by five goals late in the third quarter, Vic Metro cut the margin to under 10 points during the final term, only to eventually go down 10.13 (73) to 9.7 (61).
Vic Metro captain Tom Scully underlined why recruiters feel the number one draft pick is his to lose, with another eye-catching display.
It wasn't his best performance of the championships, but his 27-possession, one-goal effort made him Vic Metro's best on ground.
Daniel Talia (24 possessions), was also serviceable for the Vics while Jake Carlisle booted four goals.
Bottom age player Josh Toy (18 possessions) produced a stunning performance that has put him in the box seat to claim one of the 12 underage contracts on offer to the Gold Coast before this year's draft.
For South Australia, Jack Trengove, considered Scully's main danger to the No. 1 pick, was well held throughout, but showed glimpses of class in his 15 possession game.
The load was well spread for the South Australian's, though, with Alex Carey and Hayden Jolly the top possession getters with only 21.
Matthew Panos, arguably the best key-forward prospect in the draft, kicked one goal provided a strong target up forward.
He worked well in tandem with other SA forward Taite Silverlock who kicked two.
SA ruckman James Craig produced the dominant ruck display of the day with 20 hitouts.
It was announced after the game that Western Australia's David Swallow and Vic Country's Andrew Hooper had tied for the Larke medal - given to the best performed player in the division one championships.
EARLIER, Wester Australia has claimed the under-18 national championship with a win over Vic Country today.
Vic Country had all the running early, leading by as much as three goals during the second quarter.
But from then on the Western Australian's had all the running, claiming their fifth victory from as many matches at this year's championships, 16.14 (110) to 9.8 (62).
Despite playing in the losing side, Vic Country's Dustin Martin turned in the best performance of the day so far.
The underrated midfielder amassed 28 possessions, seven marks and a goal but his effort was unfortunately matched by few of his teammates.
Teammate Ben Cunnington was one not to disappoint. The hard-nosed midfielder gathered 23 possessions but his willingness to tackle and put his head over the ball caught the eye.
Gippsland's John Butcher, considered a certainty for the No. 1 draft pick six months ago, was again disappointing, kicking only two goals from five kicks.
His last kick, the last of the game, summed up his day when he missed a set shot from 25m out directly in front.
For Western Australia, Anthony Morabito underlined his class with 17 possessions and two goals.
Kane Lucas was WA's best with 24 touches.
But it is the performances of the likes of Mitch Duncan, David Swallow and Brandon Matera that would have the tongue of Gold Coast recruiting manager Scott Clayton wagging.
The three underage players have been key to WA's championship success and each again produced eye-catching performances today.
The three are eligible to be pre-selected by the Gold Coast franchise.
The Gold Coast can take its pick of a dozen 17-year-old juniors with birthdates between January 1, 1992, and April 30, 1992, before this year's national draft.
Vic Metro take on South Australia in the last game of the national championships this afternoon.
Earlier, Queensland missed the chance to claim a last-gasp victory against the Northern Territory in the under 18 championships.
NT prevailed in a dramatic finish 9.6 (60) to 8.11 (59).
Trailing by two points with under a minute remaining, Queensland's Matt Fowler intercepted a stray NT kick 20m from goal.
With an open goal in front of him, Fowler dribbled the ball into the post from 10m out.
But the drama didnt end there. With less than 10 seconds remaining, Queensland sent the ball deep inside 50m only for the NT's Cameron Jones to take a mark reminiscent of that taken by Leo Barry in the 2005 Grand Final.
It was unfortunate for Fowler, who had otherwise been Queensland's best performer on the day.
He led the way with 23 disposals, 14 marks and a goal.
For the victors, Simon Taylor and Roland Ah Chee were the standouts, as they have been for the whole championships.
Taylor did his draft chances no harm with a goal and 27 disposals, 14 of which were contested, while Ah Chee amassed 25 possessions to go with his four marks and a goal.
NSW/ACT claimed the division two title with a 37-point win over Tasmania earlier in the day.
Tasmania were held goalless in the first half, with NSW/ACT kicking the first six goals of the game.
And while more competitive in the second half, Tasmania were never a realistic chance of claiming the points, with NSW/ACT running out 13.6 (84) to 6.11 (47) winners.
Ultra impressive for the victors was Dylan McNeil.
McNeil, 18, alternated between the middle and half forward.
He picked up 17 possessions and four goals in what was clearly a best on ground performance.
Under age player Josh Green led the way for Tasmania with 22 possessions.
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