Toby Nankervis produces huge game as Tassie beats Queensland
RUCKMAN Toby Nankervis has helped inspire Tasmania to its first win of the NAB Under 18 Championships, against Queensland in Hobart on Saturday.
Nankervis was best afield for the victors, finishing with 27 touches, 11 marks and 19 hit-outs, helping Tassie easily win the stoppage count on the way to a 69-point victory.
The 199cm, 100kg big man has impressed in recent performances and is drawing the attention of recruiters after being overlooked in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
Teammate Kade Kolodjashnij, another Tasmanian enjoying a strong tournament, found plenty of the footy, also finishing with 27 touches.
After a tight, contested start, Tasmania dominated through the midfield and doubled the inside-50 entries at quarter-time.
From there, the home side was never headed, leading at every change and restricting Queensland to just two goals at three-quarter time.
Kolodjashnij was superb, with his piercing left foot again a highlight.
It adds to an already strong championships for the Tasmanian co-captain after he gathered 37 possessions against Western Australia in early June.
He was supported across half-back by twin brother Jake, who was also among Tasmania's best players.
For Queensland, Tyler Cornish had 31 possessions, while top prospect Isaac Conway had 22.
After being blown away by a seven-goal third quarter from the Tasmanians, Queensland responded with a positive final term, kicking back-to-back goals for the only time in the match to draw closer.
Tasmania and Queensland travel to Visy Park next week, facing the Northern Territory and NSW/ACT respectively in a double-header on Saturday.
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