The young Australian team made up of AIS-AFL Academy players bounced back from a 20-hour flight from Cape Town to Perth to record the win that concluded the annual South Africa tour.
Stars of the Australian tour included defenders Joshua Toy (Vic), Jack Darling (WA) and Trent McKenzie (Vic). The Australian midfield performed exceptionally well led by David Swallow (WA), Koby Stevens (Vic) and Jordan Gysberts (Vic). Up front, Stephen May excelled as the squad’s key forward target, supported by the lively Luke Russell (Tas) who impressed at ground level.
The ever-composed Toy of the Calder Cannons won the Ben Mitchell Medal. The prestigious award is voted upon by the playing group and recognises outstanding contribution to the team both on and off the field.
Previous winners of the medal include Garry Moss (Hawthorn), David Myers (Essendon), Jack Grimes (Melbourne) and Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne).
The three match tour began with a loss to Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Williamstown at Docklands and included an impressive 132-point win over the South Africa Lions at Boland Park, South Africa.
Australia Under 17s 16.17 (113) defeated Peel Thunder 9.7 (61)
GOALS
Australia Under 17: Russell 2, Gysberts 2, May 2, Mott, Swallow, Jolly, Solly, Lycett, Nicholls, von Bertouch, Hutchins, Moss, Keath
Peel Thunder: Holmes 3, Bennell, Butcher, Black, Beswick, Judd, Atthowe
BEST
Australia Under 17: Toy, Darling, Swallow, McKenzie, Atley, Koby Stevens, Gysberts, May
Peel Thunder: Triplett, Dunbar, Meyers, Guimelli, Black
