2008 AFL National U/18 Championships

[ravadongon]

NSW/ACT's stirring victory lays new ground

NSW/ACT's stirring victory lays new ground
By Jason Phelan
2:45 PM Fri 13 June, 2008

THE NEW South Wales/ACT team recently took a major step when it beat Vic Country for the first time in the history of the NAB Under-18 Championships.

Danny Stevens, brother of Carlton midfielder Nick, coaches the side and is justifiably proud of the achievement.

"It was good for the kids’ confidence. We’ve been trying to instill in them that they’ve come a long way in a short period of time and that they can start being competitive with the division one teams," Stevens said.

"To beat the best of the best, potentially, in division one is a great effort by the lads.

"We’re going to take a lot away from the win; the kids have got a lot of self-belief now that they can actually play at the level."

Stevens’ side came back from 28 points down in the first half to record the thrilling five-point win at Henson Park in Marrickville in Sydney’s inner-west.

After the match, Vic Country coach Robert Hyde lamented the individualistic approach of his players who he felt were more concerned with catching the eye of the AFL talent scouts in attendance.

Stevens agreed that getting drafted by an AFL club was the ultimate goal for most of his squad, but said his players were well-schooled to not go chasing kicks in the national championships.

"We tell them that team success actually brings individual success and we try and instill that into them right from day one; if you’re going to be an individual you won’t play in our side," he said.

"If you actually play as a team it will bring rewards. You may have to make sacrifices to play as a team, but the rest will take care of itself. We probably proved that last year when we won the division two championships and then getting nine players either rookie-listed or drafted straight out.

"It’s no secret that people look at winning teams and if we can play as a team instead of individuals then the kids will reap the rewards."

Southern areas of New South Wales around the Riverina have long been fertile breeding grounds for AFL talent, but Stevens maintains more and more is coming through in Sydney and further north.

The current NSW/ACT team contains seven AFL scholarship holders with captain Ranga Ediriwickrama, of Sri Lankan descent, tied to Geelong.

"Ranga’s a Sydney lad from Pennant Hills and he’s come on in leaps and bounds," Stevens said of the player who will be eligible for the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

"He’s got very clean skills, he’s a very one-take player and he’s the captain of our side. He’s led the way from day one this year and he’s a fine kid."

The NSW/ACT under-16 side has also enjoyed success recently, winning a trial match against a Queensland representative squad which Stevens said augured well for the AFL’s expansion plans in the region.

"I’m sure that over the next three or four years it will be exciting for the crop of kids that are coming through," he said.

"I’m sure that some of these kids will be more than competent enough to play AFL footy and it will be an advantage that some will get to stay at home when Western Sydney comes in."

NSW/ACT will be trying to back up last week’s result with a win over Tasmania in Launceston on Saturday.

[ravadongon]

Match Report from NSW/ACT vs Tasmania

NSW/ACT continues winning way

3:09 PM Sat 14 June, 2008

NSW/ACT HAVE recorded an impressive two-goal win over home team Tasmania in the first round three match of the 2008 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, in perfect conditions at Aurora Stadium in Launceston today.

The victory follows the Rams upset win over Vic Country last weekend in Sydney.

Little separated the two teams all day with just one point the difference at half time, before the Rams opened up a slight break in the third quarter taking a nine point advantage into the last.

A three goal to two final quarter to NSW/ACT was enough to shake a determined Tasmania who had defeated the Rams in the final of the Division Two qualifying series in May.

The win was made all the more meritorious with the early loss of key onballers, Geelong Scholarship holder Ranga Ediriwickrama (hamstring) and Luke Breust (leg).

NSW/ACT defenders Josh Bryce, Kade Klemke and Collingwood Scholarship holder Scott Reed were outstanding for the Rams, along with onballer Dillon McNeil who gathered an impressive 17 disposals. His long goal with just five minutes remaining all but sealed victory for the Rams.

Tasmanian Captain Tom Salter worked hard for 20 disposals to be the Mariners best player.

NSW/ACT now join Vic Metro and Western Australia on top of the division one table with two wins.

Remaining matches in round three will be played next weekend with Western Australia hosting Vic Country and South Australia clashing with Vic Metro at Adelaide Oval.

Both NSW/ACT and Tasmania earned the right to compete in the Division One Championships as the top two qualifiers from the Division Two Championships played in May.

NSW/ACT 2.2 5.4 8.7 11.8 (74)
Tasmania 2.2 5.3 7.4 9.8 (62)

GOALS
NSW/ACT: Foster 3, Gordon 2, Clisby, Spiteri, Ruffles, Klemke, Duryea, McNeil
Tasmania: Robinson 2, McCulloch 2, Harwood 2, Cox, Archer, Milne

BEST
NSW/ACT: Bryce, McNeil, Frail, Reed, Foster, Kirkwood, Klemke
Tasmania: Salter, Williams, Allwright, Crichton, Symmons, O’Brien

[ravadongon]

Player Report from Tasmania vs NSW/ACT

Eye-catchers: Tasmania v NSW/ACT

By Jason McCartney
1:36 PM Sun 15 June, 2008

Throughout the remainder of the 2008 NAB AFL under 18 championships, AFL youth and high performance coordinator and former AFL star Jason McCartney will give afl.com.au his thoughts on the players who caught his eye.

Here are his assessments after New South Wales/Australian Capital TerritoryTasmania by 12 points at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.

TASMANIA v NEW SOUTH WALES/AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Tasmania

Ryan Harwood – He plays half-forward and moves through the midfield and moves really nicely. He's got great poise and good skills and he finished with 15 disposals. He wins his own ball – he also won four hard-ball gets – and he kicked two goals. He's been reasonably solid throughout the championships, but he was good against NSW/ACT.

Jake Cox – He was very good in the first half, but he fell away in the second half. Still, his start on the wing was very impressive. He has very good speed, is a left-footer and he was very attacking, taking the game on. He had 13 disposals – including 12 first-half touches – and four hard-ball gets.

Tom Salter – Tom has been very consistent throughout the championships – he's a hard-working midfielder with great endurance. He's very good at using his endurance and spreading from the stoppages. He's got the ability to break free. His hands are also very good in close, although I would suggest his kicking is marginal at this stage. He had 20 disposals and four inside 50s. Tom was Tassie's leading possession winner against NSW/ACT.

New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory

Taylor Duryea – He's a left-footer and is a really good disposer of the ball. He's got great composure and because he uses the ball so well, he's got that ability to really influence the game. He's got some really nice poise and balance and he can also win the footy as well. He gave his side great drive, winning 17 disposals, six hard-ball gets and five inside 50s, so it was a very good game from Taylor.

Dylan McNeil – A midfielder, Dylan is very good at the stoppages. He uses the ball well and he had 17 disposals and seven hard-ball gets. The big one was his clearance work – he finished with nine for the match. He also got four inside 50s. He's very creative in tight and when he does find space, he uses it quite well.

Scott Reed – Scotty is a Collingwood scholarship holder. He was very prominent early, starting at centre half-back and then changed through the midfield. He's a really good size at 193cm and can play a variety of positions. There is no doubt at the end of the year, from what I have seen over the last couple of years, Collingwood will look very closely at giving him a spot on its list. He had 17 disposals, three hard-ball gets and four inside 50s. Against Tassie, it was one of the best games I have with his kicking. He had really good penetration. His flexibility is great, being able to hold down a key position or push into the midfield. Scott also carries the ball and reads it well. He has zoned off a bit, but that's something he's aware of, but he's had a very consistent carnival.

Kade Klemke – He had 20 disposals across half-back and in the midfield. He has really good composure and he showed once again great composure. He tends to set himself up in a zoning position across half-back. He repels a lot of attacks from the opposition.

Josh Bryce – He played at full-back on Aaron Cornelius. Aaron started well and was pretty lively, but after the first quarter Josh got right on top of him. Josh only had the 10 disposals, but he had five hard-ball gets and he had some really strong efforts overhead. He was rated by the NSW/ACT coaching staff as its best player. Josh also had a good game on Cornelius in the division two final, so he's been able to back that up. What's impressed me about Josh is his ability to play key position and hold his own, although he's 186cm. He's also run through the midfield, so he's got adaptability, because at 186cm, he's not going to regularly hold down a key position. So he was quite good again against Tassie.

[ravadongon]

As per posted on BF by myself:

My Game Report:

WA 11.4 (43) defeated by VC 6.7 (70)

WA Best: DeBoer, Naitanui, Jetta, Hill
VC Best: Sheahan, Jones, Ziebell, Heyne, Christensen, Martiniello, Daniels

A pumped up VC defeated WA on the back of a superb 8 goals to 1 first half, where they dominated the stoppages (largely thanks to Sheahan, Martinello and Christensen) and contested ball, and cleared the ball out of defence quickly and cleanly (Jones was the standout in this department). WA had a massive 2nd half, where they regained ascendancy at the stoppages (Naitanui was very dominant in this regard) and won more contested ball as playing with greater overall intensity and applying greater defensive pressure. However, they couldn’t convert enough inside 50’s into goals, while VC were very efficient down the other end with their limited opportunities. In the end, VC did enough to keep the game out of reach and ran away jubilant winners in an upset victory.

My Player Report:

WA

Hill (HBF/wing/midfield) – He’s a real livewire. More an outside type, but very willing to put his slight body on the line if needed. He has explosive pace, runs the lines, works both ways, good workrate, has a nice leap and can take a good OH grab. Kicked 1 goal too. A bit quiet in the 1st half, but a very good 2nd half. Daisy-like, dare I say with his combination of flair and courage. A couple of BF posters earmarked him as this year’s U18 Championship bolter - I think you guys are bang on (3 very good games so far).

De Boer (wing/midfield) – Accumulated a large amount of ball (24 touches), through his hard outside running, ran and carried the ball through the middle and off the HBF well as per usual and was easily WA’s most consistent performer throughout the match – good in all quarters. His disposal was better this game (compared to vs. NSW/ACT). Get him in your DT next year fellas!

Rich (midfield/briefly forward) – Was well held (Daniels was the guy who I saw on him most the time, but VC may have rotated a few to run with him). Won most of his ball at the stoppages, but didn’t manage to breakaway and release those pinpoint, bullet passes he’s famous for (when he did he wasn’t always on the radar like he normally is). Got very little ball outside of the stoppages. There was a play in the last ¼, around 60m out from WA’s goal where he normally back himself to kick a long running goal, had it been September 2007, but instead kicked/sprayed it wide to the left FP to a contest (ended up dribbling OOB) – a sign he was down on confidence/form today.

Jetta (wing) – This guy is very classy. Quick, silky, balanced, clever and a lovely kick of the ball. Like Hill, put his slight frame on the line several times too, to get the ball moving forward for WA (there was a memorable example in the 1st half). I know chrsco’s has been a fan of him for a while, and he did him proud again today. I wish he’d play on the wing closest to me though! (He always seems to do his best work on the Mainwaring wing – did it last game too)

Lucas (midfield) – Under-aged for this draft, but look out for him next year. Ran hard (has quite good pace) and accumulated the ball well, however Decision making/disposal was a bit of a mixed bag today.

Walters (Midfield/HFF/FP) – He wasn’t as good as he was against NSW/ACT – didn’t have as much output. He’s clever, elusive and has very good disposal/decision making/vision that’s for sure – he can hurt you even with little time/space - kicked 1 to 2 and must’ve manufactured a couple of other scores/goals. I’m a fan of his, but was hoping for a little more when he was moved into the middle.

Yarran (forward) – I was prepared for the Yarran show pre-game, but it must’ve been called off. He didn’t handle the ball as cleanly as he normally does. There were a couple of plays which showed his class, but not enough. Like Rich, not a game he’ll want to remember.

Pearce (HBF/wing) – Had another good game, without being outstanding. Provided good drive off the HB line again. Big bodied outside type, that isn’t pacy, which may work against him. He has a unique (powerful stab-like) kicking action – could probably get a bit of extra distance if he followed through (not that he can’t kick long!).

Mather (HBF) – He’s certainly a goer/dasher. Another that’s more than willing to throw around a small frame. Played his best footy in the 1st quarter/half. Some memorable plays (HBG + run and carry with pace) and some forgetful (kicked the ball into the man on the mark and poor disposal/ran his way into trouble a couple of times).

Bennell (FP/HFF) – Had a poor game. Handling wasn’t clean and didn’t have the impact he had in the NSW/ACT game. A few on BF were talking about his massive vertical leap earlier this week - in one passage of play he had a massive fly near WA goal, if he pulled it in it would’ve been a classic. Apart from that ‘almost highlight’ there were nothing much to speak of.

Naitanui (Ruck) – Was average in the 1st half, clearances were largely going the other way, but changed the tide in the 2nd half through his dominance at the stoppages, with his ruckwork, weaving through traffic with a smart feed to a runner (his trademark) and a few 'grab out of ruck' + a dash through the pack + kick (a rarity - most of his disposals were handballs). Tackling was again very good once again as is the norm. The umpires were a bit harsh on him on a few occassions (one holding the ball which he disposed off and another tackle he laid which was HTB, wrongly called PIB). Had an incredible lift in a 3rd quarter ruck contest, where he must’ve been nearly standing on the other ruckman’s shoulders (lot’s of Ooo’s and Ahh’s)! Resulted in a free for somehow (didn’t catch why) at a critical stage (would’ve brought WA within 2 goals), right FP, 40m out, approx 45-60 degree angle, which he didn’t even make the distance on - you’d expect gun players to slot those. The VC boys certainly targeted him, there were a fair few sledging and niggling Nick, which did provoke reactions from him (quite entertaining to watch).

Shepheard (CHB/FB) – I thought he did a solid job down back. He moves nicely for a big man and provided some good rebound of the backline in the 2nd half (him and Duncan seem to work well as a team). Genuine KPP height too. The WA coach mentioned he was very happy with his game as he thought he did some good jobs on a couple of the VC forwards.

Vic Country

Sheahan (midfield/HFF) – He was a force at the stoppages (particularly in the 1st half) and was one of the main reasons VC led by as much as they did at half time. May be pint sized but his attack on the footy was excellent. Disposal was good and most of it was from congested plays or inside/grunt work. Nice pace too – there was one passage of play in the 1st quarter where he ran through the corridor with speed/attitude/aggression and hit the leading target, resulting in a goal.

Martinello (midfield) and Christensen (midfield/HFF) – Both supported Sheahan well by winning a good amount of ball from contests/ at the stoppages in the 1st half. Martiniello rotated on Rich. Christensen looked handy on the HFF too.

Daniels (midfield) – played on Rich rotating with Martiniello. He teamed up well at the stoppages in the 1st half with Martinello, Christensen and Sheahan.

Jones (HB) – Rebounded excellently in the first half. Won a lot of contested ball to set up runners from defence, as well as doing plenty of the run and carry himself (looks to have good pace). Like I said the rebound and clearing from defence from VC was a standout particularly in the 1st half and Jones led the way in this aspect.

Heyne (forward) – Was VC best forward. Presented well and took some good grabs (nice leap) and kicked an unbelievable scissor kick goal (Didak-esque) in the 2nd quarter.

Ziebell (midfield/HF/HB) – I now know why you Vics rate him highly. He stood up at important stages in the last ¼ - when WA had the momentum and confidence, and looked like they may overrun VC. He won several important clearances/contested balls including a memorable burst run from a stoppage on the Mainwaring wing and a pinpoint delivery to the forward without breaking stride (ended up in a tide-stemming goal). Also took a strong 1 on 1 contested mark 45m out and then unselfishly laid it off to a leading forward, who kicked the goal from straight in front, 20m out and made the win a certainty. He was decent in the 1st half without standing out to me, but his last ¼ was high quality.

Sidebottom (BP) – Didn’t notice him much in general play. Did a fair few of the kick-outs and certainly looks to have an accurate and penetrating kick on him – was hoping to see him further up the ground.

Roughead (Ruck/FF) and Browne (FF/Ruck) – Roughead did the large majority of the rucking with Browne FF. He competed well with Naita, but didn’t have an impact around the ground bar one pack mark and goal in the 1st half. Browne mostly played FF, kicked a couple of goals, with one from a nice pick up below the knees. Didn’t notice him much when in the ruck/around the ground.

Rockliff (FP/midfield) – he’s a clever player. His kicking/decision making was good and took some good grabs for a man of his size. Had a good 1st half, but I didn’t notice him much in the 2nd. Seems a bit on the slow side with his pace.

Suban (BP) –I barely noticed him apart from in the warm-up (playing BP when I did)! Played on Yarran and held him very well. Got little, if any on-ball rotation.

Feel free to send any specific questions my way (if you have any).

[ravadongon]

Game Report WA vs Vic Country

Vic Country best in west

By Nathan Schmook
3:50 PM Sat 21 June, 2008

VICTORIA Country has bounced back from an upset loss to NSW/ACT a fortnight ago to defeat Western Australia by 27 points in the 2008 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

The visitors dealt WA their first defeat of this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, running out 11.4 (70) to 6.7 (43) victors in a curtain raiser to the West Coast v Geelong match.

Country set up its win with an eight goal to three first half and kicked away in the final quarter against a lackluster WA.

WA won the inside 50 count 43-23 but were unable to find the space to deliver cleanly to spearhead Chris Yarran. Country on the other hand refused to cough up the ball and delivered to advantage with Nic Heyne (three goals) and Andrew Browne (two goals) the most productive of their forwards.

But Country were able to find options all over the ground with eight separate goal kickers in a low scoring affair.

For WA, Nick Naitanui was unbreakable around the stoppages doing it all for his team. He had 18 hit-outs and 10 clearances, but struggled to have the same influence around the ground.

Matt DeBoer (23 possessions) was clean for the home side across half-back while highly rated Daniel Rich (eight) struggled to shake the close attention he was given.

Victoria Country 3.3 8.3 8.3 11.4 (70)
Western Australia 0.0 1.1 4.4 6.7 (43)

GOALS
Vic Country: Heyne 3, Browne 2, Bucovaz, Christensen, McKenzie, Rockliff, Roughead, Sheahan
Western Australia: Daly 2, Hill, Rich, Walters, Yarran

BEST
Vic Country: Heyne, Sheahan, Ziebell, Browne
Western Australia: Naitanui, DeBoer, Jetta, Daly

[rebels]

Interested from you all that saw the game on how Hooper went for Country Vic. Did he have a tagging role?

[ravadongon]

Originally Posted by rebels

Interested from you all that saw the game on how Hooper went for Country Vic. Did he have a tagging role?

I can't comment in depth, but he did some good things (I remember looking down at the VC page a couple of times to see who no. 11 was) without being a standout performer overall - looks to have good pace on him and was quite creative with his disposal at times. Not sure if he had a tagging role - Rich was the only midfielder that definitely had a tag (Martiniello and Daniels rotated on him).

[rebels]

I'm sure Vis Metro would be stoked with the result . The ball is now in their court. Could be a cracking last game at TD for the championship.

[ravadongon]

Player Report WA vs Vic Country

Eye Catchers: WA v Vic Country

By Jason McCartney
12:46 PM Sun 22 June, 2008

Western Australia

Matt DeBoer – The most noticeable thing with Matt is his considerably high work rate, and he does accumulate possessions, having 23 against Vic Country. But his disposal isn't always polished and he probably doesn't influence the game as much as he should because of that. But it's pleasing to see Matt continually working so hard and you've got to admire how he goes about it.

Neville Jetta – I've watched Neville the last couple of weeks and he is very exciting. He has great evasive skills and used the ball well against Country with 15 possessions. Playing further up the ground in a high half forward role he had seven inside 50s and three tackles. He really did show a bit and he's been quite consistent over the entire carnival.

Steven Hill – I've watched this young player very closely and he's had a very consistent three games. Steven's a left footer and played midfield and centre half back against Country displaying great balance with his 15 possessions. Also impressive was how he uses the ball, he is quite creative with his hands. He looks like being a real good player actually and he's got a high work rate, we tracked him covering 15kms in his first match this carnival.

Nick Naitanui – Nick was hard to ignore again, just for the fact he's had 10 clearances and six tackles. I suppose the thing with Nick, and what we've become accustomed to, is he's got great athleticism and he's great in and around the contests. I suppose because he shows so much we tend to mark his card a bit harshly.

It would be great to see him win more of the footy away from the contest though because his possessions are all coming from the follow-up work from his ruck contests – there's nothing really across half-forward or half-back. He's making the play around the contest but he is new to the game and it's part of his football education. I'd love it if WA could get a situation where he could play as more of a forward, but anything he does in contested situations is quite extraordinary.

Vic Country

Jordan Roughead – Playing against Naitanui, he didn’t get the same stats but managed to sneak forward for a goal. He competed really well early but what grabbed my attention, and it did against NSW/ACT as well, was his strength in the air. He's got a great overhead grab and good agility so he appears to have a promising future.

Andrew Browne – Also rucked opposed to Naitanui and competed really well. Was crucial to his side, giving Country a bailout long target and eventually finishing with two goals.

Jack Ziebell – This kid was the star in my opinion. He was outstanding and uses the ball so well. I've been lucky enough to have a bit to do with him through the AIS academy this year, and it's a big call, but I think he has AFL leadership written all over him. Against WA he was tough in the contest, his clearance work was fantastic and he set the standard for his teammates early diving head first into a contest.

When he was needed most in the final term he was winning contested football and also taking contested marks across half-forward. He just reads the play so well and as a result ended up with 22 touches. Jack also had seven clearances and three tackles and he is a great player to have back in the side, firing for Victoria Country.

Will Martiniello – Played in the midfield and was extremely disciplined. He had the task of running with Daniel Rich and really did the job. When you go to a great player like Rich, it's not about just sitting on him, you need to put some pressure back on your opponent and get the ball yourself. He did that and when he had it in his hands he used it well. He found the ball 19 times and had three clearances. But it wasn't so much about the negating role - he went and got the footy.

Nick Suban – Got my attention for different reasons against WA. He's an on-baller, but full credit to the Country coaching staff, they changed things up against the home side. He played as a permanent small defender on Chris Yarran, an exciting talent who looked extremely dangerous, and wore him like a glove.

He provided good rebound when needed and uses the ball exquisitely. Nick's another AIS academy boy and to see him play a different role on a dangerous forward was a real positive. It was a great game for his development.

Riley Milne – A tall and lean key defender who had escaped my attention in the first couple of games. He really impressed early with his attack on the footy and courage to play in front. He was good overhead and also ended up winning a bit of footy, with 18 disposals and six rebound 50s.

Jamie Sheahan – Very clever with his hands, good in close and uses the ball effectively. For a small player he is good overhead as well. He ended up with 17 disposals and has had a pretty consistent carnival. The standard was set pretty early by the Country boys and Jamie had a lot to do with that. He showed they were going to be a tough team to beat and it proved correct.

[ravadongon]

Game Report SA vs Vic Metro

Vic Metro too good for SA

By Katrina Gill
1:14 PM Sun 22 June, 2008

VIC METRO has continued its unbeaten record in round three of the NAB U18 Championships with a commanding 53-point win over South Australia at Adelaide Oval.

The Victorians led by just 13 points at quarter time, but set up the well deserved win with a five-goal-to-one second term. They ran out winners 17.5 (107) to 8.6 (54).

South Australia responded in the third term with two goals to Johnny Boras helping the home side to draw within 13 points, but the powerhouse Victorian side proved too strong kicking the last seven goals of the game to run out easy winners.

Impressive Vic Metro forward Jack Watts booted five goals in the absence of Tom Lynch (knee) and was well supported by fellow big man Tyson Vickery (two goals) and ball magnets Dylan Joyce, Luke Shuey and Tom Scully, who finished with two-apiece.

Athletic ruckman Shaun McKernan dominated the ruck with 15 hit-outs, 12 disposals, seven marks and a goal and David Zaharakis and Mitchell Banner were standouts in the middle.

Dale Armstrong, Jay Shannon and Matthew Broadbent each finished with 21 touches for South Australia and Boras (three goals) and Paul Cahill (two goals) were the picks up forward.

Vic Metro 4.1 9.3 12.4 17.5 (107)
South Australia 2.0 3.1 8.3 8.6 (54)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Watts 5, Joyce 2, Shuey 2, Scully 2, Vickery 2, McKernan, Fitzpatrick, Zaharakis, Hunt
South Australia: Boras 3, Cahill 2, Mardling, Shannon, O’Keeffe

BEST
Vic Metro: Watts, Shuey, Zaharkis, Scully, Hunt, Sloane
South Australia: Clarke, Shannon, O’Keeffe, Armstrong, Hall, Broadbent