QUEENSLAND kicked five unanswered goals in the final quarter to claim an upset nine-point win over NSW/ACT at Visy Park on Saturday.
Queensland trailed by four goals at the last change – having kicked only three goals to three-quarter time – before dominating the fourth term to win 8.8 (56) to 7.5 (47), keeping the Rams scoreless.
It kept alive Queensland's slim hopes of winning the division two title, meaning it, Tasmania (the only unbeaten team) and NSW/ACT will fight for the title on Thursday in round five of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Victoria Park.
In an exciting finish, key forward Matthew Hammelmann kicked a goal with two minutes to play to put Queensland ahead, before James Ives booted his third on the siren to seal the win.
A few key contributors were behind Queensland's surprising resurgence.
Luke Rogerson and Isaac Conway each found 20 disposals for the winners and did a lot of the grunt work through the midfield.
Tyler Cornish was also hard at it, with 19 disposals (13 contested), while Lachie Weller, younger brother of Gold Coast's Mav, showed some style on the wing.
Weller's AIS-AFL Academy teammate Liam Dawson was perhaps Queensland's best, using his smarts to repel across half-back, while Liam Rutledge had 18 disposals and eight marks.
For the Rams, Max King had his best game of the championships, kicking four goals.
The 200cm forward, who can pinch-hit in the ruck, is from the Wagga Tigers and TAC Cup side Murray Bushrangers, and was effective with his 13 disposals and four marks.
Before the championships began, NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman described King as "light in frame but high in potential."
Chris Jansen had 22 disposals, while Jedd Clothier had 20 and gave provided some drive.
Prospects Abe Davis and Isaac Heeney, both eligible for the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, also showed glimpses for NSW/ACT. Davis read the ball well in the air while Heeney, a midfielder, competed around the contests.
Queensland players celebrate their amazing comeback against NSW/ACT. Picture: AFL Media
NSW/ACT 1.4 4.5 7.5 7.5 (47)
Queensland 0.1 2.3 3.5 8.8 (56)
GOALS
NSW/ACT: King 4, Barrett, Edwards, Heeney
Queensland: Ives 3, Haberfield, Hammelmann, Hay, Rutledge, Stiller
BEST
NSW/ACT: Jansen, Clothier, King, Perris, Heeney, Green
Queensland: Dawson, Rutledge, Ives, Conway, Tickner, Smith
Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey
