TASMANIA has ended the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships division two competition on a high with a 40-point win over Northern Territory at Simonds Stadium on Thursday.

Inside midfielder Tim Jones was a stand out, consistently collecting possessions with great speed, in his side’s 15.5 (95) to 8.7 (55) triumph.

The 181cm Jones gathered 21 touches in the first half, before finishing the match with a whopping 34 possessions in the shortened format.
Tasmania finished the three-game carnival with one win, while Territory remained winless.

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Over-aged player Josh Fox looked dangerous in the ruck, taking several well-timed contested marks inside forward 50.

The 19-year-old key forward-ruckman, who stands at 197cm, amassed 25 possessions, 20 hit-outs, nine marks and a goal.

Fellow over-ager Josh McGuinness, a 189cm rebounding defender, played a pivotal role linking up on the counter attack from half-back for 26 disposals.

Nick Dodge, a 17-year-old forward who isn’t eligible in this year’s draft, showed he could be an attractive future proposition, booting two majors.

Dakota Bannister seized his opportunities up forward, bagging a game-high four goals.

Caleb Hislop, who missed the majority of last season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction at the end of 2012, made an impact through the midfield, finishing with 20 disposals and five tackles.

Bottom-aged player Logan Reynolds, another who is ineligible for this year’s draft, showed encouraging signs across half-back and through the midfield, collecting 12 possessions.

Fellow bottom-ager, Jordan Hayden, showed plenty of class with an elite mix of speed and endurance, finishing with 22 touches and seven inside-50s.

For Northern Territory, over-aged player Abraham Ankers won his own ball in a determined display, collecting 16 touches and one goal in a team under constant pressure.

The small midfielder, who stands at 173cm, may be short in stature, but is tough and hard at the ball with a strong work ethic.

Medium defender Errin Wasley-Black, who missed out on being drafted last year, was a solid contributor across half-back with his penetrating left-foot kick, finishing with a team-high 20 touches.

Sam Godden showed composure with 17 disposals in a defence that was under constant pressure, while Michael Tilmouth-Turner was kept quiet for six possessions.

Marcus Hamilton (15 disposals) looked dangerous up forward for Territory with three majors, while Zane Carter was another who tried hard for 15 possessions.

Michaelis McMasters (eight touches) displayed his electric burst of speed, as well as a long penetrating kick inside the forward line.

Victorian-based ruckman Duom Dawam, who plays for the Western Jets, showed off his strong leap for the Territory, but was kept relatively quiet for 20 hit-outs and three touches.

Willy Rioli, a cousin of Hawthorn’s Cyril, missed the game due to a calf strain.

Northern Territory 1.2 3.3 4.5 8.7 (55)
Tasmania 5.2 9.2 12.3 15.5 (95)


GOALS
Northern Territory:
Hamilton 3, Hagan, Gordon, Ankers, McKenzie, Tipungwuti
Tasmania: Bannister 4, Rainbird 3, Dodge 2, Franks 2, Hislop, Fox, Pitchford, Gardner

BEST
Northern Territory:
Hamilton, Wasley-Black, McMasters, Godden, Ankers, Carter
Tasmania: Jones, Fox, McGuinness, Hislop, Dodge, Bannister