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.
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
