QUEENSLAND has defeated Western Australia for the first time in its history with an upset two-point win in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Saturday.
In their opening round clash at Blacktown International Sportspark, the Scorpions fought back from 17 points down midway through the final term to record a 10.6 (66) to 8.16 (64) win.
It was the second upset win of the Championships after division two's Northern Territory shocked its highly-fancied division one opponents, Vic Metro, by 18 points in Darwin last week.
Queensland 17-year-old Cain Tickner kicked two pivotal goals within minutes in the last quarter, including the sealer.
The game winner, kicked from 45m on a tight angle with a wet ball, emphasised his class in a four-goal best on ground performance.
Teammate James Ives worked tirelessly in the engine room with 27 possessions.
For WA, Sean Lynch had 34 possessions and was instrumental on the wing.
Speedster Shannon Taylor, who was considered by Greater Western Sydney in last year's mini draft, was clean under pressure and used the ball effectively in his 25 touches.
The highly-rated Dayle Garlett was lively with 21 disposals and enhanced his reputation with another standout game.
QUEENSLAND 1.0 3.3 7.5 10.6 (66)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0.5 4.8 6.12 8.16 (64)
GOALS
Queensland: Tickner 4, Bourke, Grewar, Gribble, Jones, Power, Wardle
Western Australia: Shaw 2, Yarran 2, Hogan, Garlett, McKenzie, Stokes
BEST:
Queensland: Tickner, Wylde, Ives, Skennar, Power, Jones, Allir
Western Australia: Taylor, Ramsay, Garlett, Lynch, Hogan
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
