POTENTIAL No.1 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke has played a starring midfield role in Vic Country's 12-point win over the Allies in the first round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships on Sunday.
The 187cm Rye product amassed 34 disposals and took 10 marks – both game-highs – to go with his five inside 50s, four clearances and three tackles in the 10.8 (68) to 8.8 (56) win at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Davies-Uniacke proved the X-factor courtesy of his ability to execute efficiently by hand and foot, and make an impact all over the ground.
The Allies went one man down early after Sydney academy member Luke Robertson, 19, suffered a broken leg in the opening minutes and was taken to hospital.
Potential top-10 prospect, midfielder Paddy Dow, worked his way into the game and stood up under pressure when the game was in the balance, finishing with 21 touches, six clearances and a goal.
Small forward Brent Daniels was lively for his 18 touches and one goal, while 185cm rebounding defender Ben Paton provided quick counter-attacks at the opposite end.
Bottom-aged players Sam Walsh – who was a late inclusion for the match – and Jye Caldwell dominated the match early for Vic Country before finishing with 22 and 17 disposals respectively.
Strong-bodied inside midfielder Nick Shipley led the stats sheet for the Allies with 21 possessions, seven clearances, six tackles and three marks, displaying his strong work ethic and smooth kicking action.
Half-back Jarrod Brander controlled the air and read the ball well, collecting 20 possessions, a match-high nine rebound 50s and four marks.
Small forward Jack Hardman showed a strong burst of speed for his 15 touches, seven inside 50s and one goal.
U18: Fixtures, results and news
After trailing by 12 points at three-quarter time, Vic Country kicked four unanswered goals to secure the win, while each of the Allies' three shots at goal in the last quarter hit the post.
Meanwhile, Tasmania secured a comfortable 14.8 (98) to 4.4 (28) win over NSW/ACT in the Under-17 Future Series curtain raiser.
Miller Hodge took out best-on-ground honours for Tasmania and Harrison Gunther bagged five goals, while Matt Walker led the way for NSW/ACT with three majors.
ALLIES 2.2 4.3 8.5 8.8 (56)
VIC COUNTRY 2.2 5.3 6.5 10.8 (68)
GOALS
Allies: Dixon 3, Simington 2, Hardman, Blakey, Powell
Vic Country: Barzen 2, Daniels, McHenry, Dow, Handley, Ling, De Koning, Butts, Meek
BEST
Allies: Shipley, Brander, Highmore, Hardman, Thomas
Vic Country: Davies-Uniacke, Paton, Dow, Walsh, Daniels, Butts
