2008 AFL National U/18 Championships

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Player Report: SA vs Vic Metro

Eye Catchers: SA v Vic Metro

By Jason McCartney
8:24 AM Mon 23 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 Victoria Metro defeated South Australia by 53 points at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Victoria Metro:
Jack Watts: Jack is a star. He’s one of our AIS boys and he’s also a very talented basketballer. He wanted to balance both footy and basketball through the scholarship program, but in the end he has chosen to go for football because his workload was just too great. He was a star in Vic Metro’s win Vic Country. He was a little bit quiet against Tasmania, but obviously very prominent against South Australia.
He kicked five goals, had 17 disposals and took three really big contested marks. He has great agility, great lateral movement and the ball just melts into his hands.
There has been a lot of talk about the WA boys and how talented they are, but Wattsy is a great kid and is right in that mix.

Tom Scully: Tom is another star in the Vic Metro side. He’s bottom-aged, so he can’t be drafted this year, but he is all class. He’s a left-footer; is good around the clearances and sets up the play with his quick hands. He had a massive nine inside 50s against South Australia and also kicked two goals, but it was his work around the clearances that was most impressive. He’s just a quality act.

Jordan Lisle: Jordan plays at centre-half back and has been really good over the three games. He’s disciplined, strong overhead and has great footy smarts. He rarely gets beaten in a contest and he also provided some good run from defence in the game against South Australia.

Shaun McKernan: Shaun is really playing his part. Saturday’s game was probably the most time he has spent on the ground during the championships so far. In the first two games he switched between the ruck and interchange to make way for some of Vic Metro’s other good, tall options, but against SA he rested a bit up forward. He has a great attack on the footy in the air and is a great contested mark. He was really solid in the ruck with 15-hit-outs and it was another good performance from Shaun. It’s just frightening to think I played with his brother and watching Shaun is like seeing Corey play all over again. He’s just a replica.

David Zaharakis: David had a really good first game; was a bit quieter in the second, but he was just tremendous again on Saturday. He’s got a really high work rate and can play out on the wing and also in the midfield. He’s pretty hard at it and always finishes well. He had another 21 touches against SA and also five inside 50ms. David is a really good leader and is a bit of a barometer for Vic Metro. When he plays well; the team usually does and that was certainly the case on Saturday.

Luke Shuey: Luke had 18 disposals, five clearances and also snared a couple of goals playing through the midfield and across half-forward. He plays with a really good intensity and, even though he got rushed with a few disposals on Saturday, when he had those opportunities to finish around goal, he did.

South Australia:
Matthew Broadbent: Matty is very good in close. His disposal is effective by both hand and foot and he’s been quite consistent throughout the championships. Against Vic Metro he finished up with 21 possessions and three hard-ball-gets. He had a really good, solid four-quarter performance.

Dale Armstrong: Dale was very prominent on Saturday. He’s not the biggest kid out there but he has a great work rate. His clearance work was very good in the third quarter and he ended up with 21 disposals, four clearances and five inside 50ms. Dale was certainly one player I thought stood up for the SA team.

Rhys O’Keeffe: Rhys is a left-footer, who like Broadbent, uses the ball really well. He played across half-back and also in the midfield. He had 20 disposals and showed he can win his own footy with three hard-ball-gets.

Jay Shannon: I haven’t seen much of Jay in the Championships so far, but he was a real in-and-under type player in the midfield on Saturday. He wins his own footy, is good around the stoppages and finished with 21 disposals and five inside 50s.

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Shifter's Wrap: Round 3

Shifter's wrap: the stand-outs so far

By Kevin Sheehan
11:11 AM Wed 25 June, 2008

A FORTNIGHT ago in Sydney, Victoria Country was on the receiving end when their underrated opponent New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory rose to the challenge and inflicted an unlikely defeat (and a sizeable dent) on the more fancied Victorians.

The loss was another blow to Vic Country after its narrow defeat by Vic Metro, but a debrief by coach Robert Hyde and his off-field crew saw a sharply-focused, revitalised and committed group turn up at Subiaco on Saturday, determined to restore their battered reputations against the undefeated Western Australia.

This of course was the venue where Western Australia smashed Vic Metro last year, starting a five-match winning streak at this level for the Sandgropers.

Yet the Vic Country team responded in emphatic fashion, leading by 45 points at half-time, before withstanding a spirited Western Australian comeback to win by 27 points.

On Sunday, at the wonderful and picturesque Adelaide Oval, Vic Metro continued its winning run with a convincing victory over South Adelaide to head the top of the division one table, after three rounds.

So far we have seen matches played in five states, with teams learning enormously about the challenges at this level. For the rest of the series, we will see individual performances lift, strategies put in place to minimise the impact of in-form opposition players and teams playing with great pride and passion in representing their states.

The final two rounds of the competition will be held at Casey Fields (Saturday, July 5) and Telstra Dome (Wednesday, July 9) and those matches have much to live up to, such has been the great competition so far.

The following a run down of players who have caught the eye and ones to watch out for at Casey Fields and Telstra Dome …

Tasmania
Mitch Robinson – Robinson has continued the form that saw him win the Hunter Harrison Medal as division two's best-and-fairest in the qualifying series. He has great ball-winning ability (averaging 19 disposals), is a penetrating kick and is evasive to boot. The youngster from Lauderdale has been a shining light for the Mariners.

Jesse Crichton – A 183cm midfielder from North Launceston, Crichton leads the competition in handballs (35 at an average of 12 per match). He possesses pin-point accuracy with his disposals and is a smooth-gatherer.

South Australia
Rhys O'Keeffe – A dashing medium-defender at 187cm, O'Keeffe, from North Adelaide, has also been prominent for his team in all three matches. Averaging 17 disposals, with four hard-ball gets, along with nine handball receives, indicates his ability to win the ball in contested situations, as well as provide great run through defence.

Lewis Johnston – Bottom-aged tall forward, Johnston (192cm), is also from North Adelaide and he shows great promise. He leads the competition in contested marking.

Victoria Country
Steele Sidebottom – Vic Country would be pleased with the output from Sidebottom, which has been supported by Champion Data statistics. He is rated fourth overall in disposals (55 at an average of 18.3) and first for contested possessions (29 at an average of 9.8). He is also ranked third in clearances (15 at an average of five).

Tom Rockliff – A medium forward from the Murray Bushrangers, Rockliff has won a total of 26 contested possessions and 13 hard-ball gets. He has also taken eight contested marks and seven goals, to be third on the goalkicking table, which has been outstanding. He has also laid 12 tackles (ranked fourth overall), showing he is prepared to keep the ball inside the forward 50 for his team.

New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory
Kade Klemke – The medium defender has been among NSW/ACT's most consistent performers. He is ranked fifth in disposals (55 at an average of 18.3) and is second in uncontested marks (17). Klemke has shown an ability to read the play across half-back and judges the ball well when in flight, showing great courage in the air.

Ranga Ediriwickrama – His first two games were outstanding, averaging 25 disposals, before a hamstring injury early against Tasmania set him and his team back. His has won 28 contested possessions from nine quarters, which still ranks him second overall. It demonstrates his courage and his attack on the ball. He is a one-touch player and a great reader of play.

Western Australia
Matt De Boer – A medium-sized midfielder, De Boer has been very good for his team, with his strong attack on the ball and run. This has been supported statistically, with 69 disposals in total (averaging 23 per match) which ranks him No.1. He has also taken 20 (average of 6.9) marks, ranking him first in the competition. De Boer has also 17 inside 50s, which is also number one in the competition.

Nick Naitanui – The ruckman leads the hit-outs with 51 (including 10 to advantage, which is ranked No.2). Naitanui is also ranked second in both clearances (16) and tackles (15) – statistics ruckmen are not usually prominent in. It also reflects his competitiveness and natural speed.

Victoria Metropolitan
Jack Watts – A key position player, Watts has shone up forward, taking 16 marks and booting 11 goals.

Jordan Lisle – The tall defender has taken 13 marks and impressed down back.

Shaun McKernan – He has been prominent in the ruck with 38 hit outs and 16 marks.

David Zaharakis – A medium-midfielder, Zaharakis finds space and uses the ball well, winning 25 effective kicks (ranked fourth) and averaging five inside 50s.

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Small highlights clips of some of the players have been put up on Bigpond video by AFL.com.au: http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=62650

Some have been transferred to youtube by DaveTheMan1234567890: YouTube - DaveTheMan1234567890's Channel

There's also an official footy record available for 2008 NAB U18 Championships: Official Website of the Australian Football League > NEWS ARTICLE > Footy Record for NAB AFL U18 Championships

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Game Report: WA vs Tasmania

Impressive WA pushes through Tassie

By Jennifer Witham
2:36 PM Sat 05 July, 2008

WESTERN AUSTRALIA has taken another step towards defending its NAB AFL under-18 title with a 60-point thrashing of Tasmania at Casey Fields.

In the first of a triple-header of under-18 action on Saturday, WA was
simply too strong for Tassie, winning 14.16 (100) to 6.4 (40) on a crisp but sunny morning at the Cranbourne complex.

The Apple Isle side was kept scoreless in the opening term with Western Australia racing to a 24-point lead.

From there, Tasmania was never really in the game as WA moved steadily ahead each term to set up its 10-goal win.

Kane Lucas was the primary ball-winner for WA with 20 disposals, while Mitch Marsh topped scored with four goals, Michael Walters booted three and Chris Yarran two with his seven tackles.

Highly-touted WA pair Nick Naitanui and Daniel Rich had solid games with the former dominating in the ruck with 19 hit-outs, and the latter having 16 touches, including seven entries into the forward 50.

Rich then complemented his day with an impressive running goal in the fourth.

For Tasmania, 2008 HC Harrison Medal winner Mitch Robinson had a game-high 28 disposals, and Jesse Crichton was the side's only multiple goalkicker with two.

Aaron Cornelius was impressive with a big second quarter.

Western Australia 3.6 7.8 10.12 14.16 (100)
Tasmania 0.0 3.3 4.3 6.4 (40)

GOALS
Western Australia: Marsh 4, Walters 3, Yarran 2, Lucas, DeBoer, Rich, Duncan, Jetta
Tasmania: Crichton 2, Cornelius, McCulloch, Salter, Shade

BEST
Western Australia: Yarran, Lucas, Naitanui, Fiegert, DeBoer, Rich
Tasmania: Robinson, Crichton, Allwright, Cornelius, Weller, Salter

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Game Report: Vic Country vs SA

South Australia holds off Vic Country
By Jennifer Witham
3:40 PM Sat 05 July, 2008

SOUTH AUSTRALIA has withstood a late comeback from Vic Country to win by 34 points in the second of three NAB AFL Under-18 Championship matches at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.

SA led by 49 points at three-quarter time but was challenged by the Vics in the final stanza when they piled on five majors to get within four goals.
But SA stood firm and managed to run out winners – 14.14 (98) to 9.10 (64).

South Australian midfielder Hamish Hartlett was best for his side with 23 touches and a goal, while Luke Tapscott top-scored with five.
Their teammate Paul Cahill booted three and Chris Hall was good around the stoppages.

Hartlett is the younger brother of current Carlton-listed player Adam.
Jay Shannon was also in good touch for South Australia, while Jarrad Redden had 11 hit-outs and Ben Speight kicked 2.3.

For the Vics, Jack Ziebell had 20 touches and kicked a goal, Jamie Sheehan was hard in the middle with five clearances and Tom Rockliff booted three majors.

Nick Suban, All-Australian last year, continued to impress with 19 touches, five tackles and six inside 50s.

South Australia 5.4 8.7 11.12 14.14 (98)
Vic Country 1.1 3.3 4.5 9.10 (64)

GOALS
South Australia: Tapscott 5, Cahill 3, Speight 2, Hartlett, Hall, Schoenmakers, Johnston
Vic Country: Rockliff 3, Butcher 2, Ziebell, Sheehan, Roughead, Browne

BEST
South Australia: Hartlett, Tapscott, Hall, O'Keeffe, Speight, Cahill, Shannon
Vic Country: Ziebell, Suban, Sidebottom, Sheehan, Rockliff, Roughead

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Game Report: Vic Metro vs NSW/ACT

Vic Metro too strong for NSW/ACT
VIC METRO has rounded out the fourth round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with a 51-point drubbing of the NSW/ACT RAMS at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.

The Vics dominated NSW/ACT from the outset with a four-goal-to-one opening term, and steadily increased the difference throughout the match to win 11.14 (80) to 4.5 (29).

Such was Metro's dominance, they kept NSW/ACT scoreless in the third term and didn't let it penetrate the goals until the fourth minute of the final stanza, when Daniel Spiteri converted.

The Vics had three multiple goalkickers with Jordan Lisle, Tom Scully and the highly-touted Jack Watts snaring two apiece, while Lisle also helped himself to 16 possessions and Scully laid seven tackles.

Xavier Gotch collected the most possessions on the field with 21 and ruckman Tyrone Vickery had 21 hit-outs, which was 10 more than NSW/ACT's leading big man Mitchell Frail.

For NSW/ACT, Kade Klemke had 19 touches and Scott Reed 16 with six tackles.

Dylan McNeil was handy with four clearances and 16 disposals.
NSW/ACT was dealt an additional blow midway through the final term when

Anthony Stubbs was helped from the field with concussion.

Vic Metro 4.6 6.8 10.12 11.14 (80)
NSW/ACT 1.2 3.2 3.2 4.5 (29)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Lisle 2, Scully 2, Watts 2, Hurley, Banner, Lynch, Fitzpatrick, Gilchrist
NSW/ACT: Spiteri, Wilson, A'Vard, Foster

BEST
Vic Metro: Watts, Gotch, Lisle, Hurley, Vickery, Scully, Blease
NSW/ACT: Klemke, Reed, Kirkwood, McNeil, Duncan

[ravadongon]

Player Report from all Round 4 games

Under 18 championships: Eye-catchers

By Jason McCartney 2:00 PM Sun 06 July, 2008

Throughout the rest 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 Saturday’s round of matches.

TASMANIA v WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Tasmania
Jesse Crichton – Once again, Jesse was good. He kicked a couple of goals, had four tackles, 15 disposals and was really creative by hand. He had good poise and balance. I haven't seen him put in a bad performance since division two started.

Aaron Cornelius – I thought this was Aaron's best game in four or five games. He had 14 disposals, seven marks – three were contested – and this was a fine effort, considering the ball only went inside 50 for Tasmania 20 times. His second quarter was outstanding. He had six marks in that period. It was a really solid performance. He played on instinct, he played in front and his work-rate was high.

Maverick Weller – Maverick played his first game and we'll see him in the under 16s championships in a few weeks time. He played in the under 16s last year. Maverick finished with 16 disposals – including seven contested possessions. He was actually rated by Tasmania's match committee as its second best player. He's clean with the footy, makes good decisions and he's going to be one to watch out for in the next few years. We'll be looking at him closely in the under 16s and in the bigger picture, he could be in the mix for an AIS/AFL scholarship. It was great for him to get exposed at under 18 level.

Western Australia
Kane Lucas – Again, he accumulated possessions. He had the most uncontested possessions on the ground with 18, from his 20 disposals, but that was because he works hard and finds space. He also sets up well around the stoppages. Early on, he didn't use the ball as effectively as Kane normally does, but overall it was another good game.

Daniel Rich – He worked into the game, after a slow start. He ended up with 16 disposals and six clearances, but what's so dangerous about Daniel

is that he is so penetrating with his left-foot. He also had seven inside 50s and it was good to see some defensive pressure, laying four tackles. There have been such high expectations on Daniel and although he hasn't quite achieved those standards, I wouldn't say he's a poor performer. He's been pretty consistent on two or three occasions and probably lowered his colours a couple of times, but it's great to see him working hard.

Chris Yarran – Chris had 16 disposals and seven tackles. He played forward and got into the midfield a bit, but he is very classy and uses the ball extremely well. It looks like he is coasting around in second or third gear, because he is such a great mover, but when he got up into the midfield, he put the foot down and accelerated a few times. There is still more in the tank from Chris, so that's a worry for Vic Metro on Wednesday.

Nick Naitanui – He had 15 disposals, including 13 handballs, but 10 were contested possessions, so in-and-around the stoppages, he was excellent. He also had 19 hit outs and really set the game up for Western Australia.

VIC COUNTRY v SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Vic Country
Nick Suban – Nick had 19 disposals, including nine contested possessions, five tackles and six inside 50s. He was very good through the midfield and back behind the ball. He's a left-footer and continually sets the play up by foot. He doesn't waste the ball and showed really good leadership again.

Steele Sidebottom – He had 17 disposals, 11 contested, with five tackles and four clearances. It was another good all-round performance. He used the ball really well from a half-back role.

South Australia
Christopher Hall – He's been quite classy throughout all of South Australia's matches. Chris was opposed at times to Steele Sidebottom and he did really well with his 20 disposals, including 11 contested. He was good around the stoppages and quite clever with six clearances. He's got quick hands and more importantly he does use the ball really well by foot. He's also a nice mover and finisher on the run.

Matthew Broadbent – Matthew has been very consistent throughout all games. He has been averaging 14 or 15 disposals throughout the carnival and he gained 14 against Vic Country, with five inside 50s and four rebounds. I think he really set the game up for South Australia with his attack on the footy. He also carried it and played with great intent. To just watch his game against Vic Country, you would think he had more stats than he did – such was his big influence on the game, so that was great.

Luke Tapscott – Luke came in to play a defensive role on young Andrew Hooper, who has provided Vic Country with a lot of run and rebound and has been really solid in the backline. Not only did Luke put a stop on Hooper, he also booted five goals and looked as if he really loved the contest. He kept his feet really well, loved the contested situations and to finish with five goals from just nine possessions was a great result for him and South Australia.

VIC METRO v NSW/ACT

Vic Metro
Michael Hurley – Michael was impressive again. The key defender didn't let the ball get past him and if he wasn't spoiling, he was marking everything. He had 15 disposals, including three strong contested marks and his rebound was excellent. He also uses the ball particularly well and is a penetrating kick. In the last quarter, he wandered down into attack – similar to a NAB Cup style of play – where he received the handball from Jack Fitzpatrick, who would not have kicked the distance, and Michael put the ball over the fence. What he lacks in leg speed, he makes up for with his anticipation. He's the type of player who gets in front and reads the ball really well. But overall it was yet another fine game from Michael.

Tom Scully – Tom is very classy. A left-footer, he predominantly played as a half-forward and finished with 15 disposals and applied some great forward pressure with seven tackles. He also kicked a couple of goals. Tom continually got to the foot of the contest and he always gets to the correct position. When he gets the ball and runs with it, he doesn't waste the footy. He's definitely one to keep an eye out for over the next year.

NSW/ACT
Kade Klemke – Again, he was good across half-back. He was opposed to Tom Scully at times and although Tom probably got away from him at times, Kade was really good overhead and made really good decisions. He had 19 disposals and provided great rebound – eight times – and was good in-and-around the stoppages in the back-half. Kade has been really consistent throughout the championships and I watched him play for the Murray Bushrangers last week and he was rock solid again.

Josh Bryce – He's only 186cm, but he has been used by NSW/ACT as a key defender and he has played well on most key forwards, including Tasmania's Aaron Cornelius. He started on Jack Watts and did okay. He is disciplined, and although he doesn't get a lot of the footy, he rarely gets beaten one-on-one. Josh was then moved to Tom Lynch in the second half and Lynch had a very good first half, as a lead-up forward, but Josh really quelled Tom's influence in the third quarter. So without winning a lot of the footy and looking at the coaches' votes for NSW/ACT, Josh was rated pretty highly again. He's been playing out of position and he normally plays half-back/wing for the Murray Bushrangers, but he has been a key position player for NSW/ACT and he can hold his head up high again.

[ravadongon]

Game Report: SA vs NSW/ACT

SA smashes NSW/ACT in U18 opener

By Matt Burgan
12:11 PM Wed 09 July, 2008

SOUTH Australia has finished its 2008 NAB AFL under-18 championship on a high after smashing New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory by 80 points in the first of a triple-header at Telstra Dome on Wednesday.

The Croweaters defeated the Rams 20.12 (132) to 8.4 (52), to end their carnival with three wins from five matches.

NSW/ACT capped off a competitive carnival with a third-quarter fightback, after the team finished runner-up in the second division qualifying series to Tasmania. The side's win over Vic Country at Henson Park in June was one of the highlights of the championships.

Key South Australian forward Lewis Johnston was outstanding in front of goal, with four goals from seven scoring shots. His long kicking and contested marking was a feature of his play.

Luke Tapscott, who booted five goals against Vic Country last Saturday at Casey Fields, again impressed up forward with three goals in the first half before finishing with four majors. Damian Hynes also chipped in with three goals.

The highly ranked Hamish Hartlett, the younger brother of Carlton's Adam, also shone with a game-high 24 disposals, eight inside 50s and five rebounds. It was a commanding display from a player likely to be a top 10 draft selection.

Gun midfielder and Geelong hopeful Ranga Ediriwickrama didn't overcome a hamstring injury to play, although fellow scholarship holders Josh Duncan (Hawthorn) and Scott Reed (Collingwood) were prominent with 33 disposals between them.

South Australia 6.3 12.6 13.9 20.12 (132)
NSW/ACT 1.0 2.0 7.2 8.4 (52)

GOALS
South Australia: Johnston 4, Tapscott 4, Hynes 3, Cahill 2, O'Keeffe 2, Davoren, Hall, Hartlett, Schoenmakers, Speight
NSW/ACT: Van Muers 3, Bryce 2, Gumley, McMahon, Spiteri

BEST
South Australia: Hartlett, Johnston, Tapscott, O'Keeffe, Hynes, Hall, Schoenmakers, Blesing, Redden, Stanley, Wilson
NSW/ACT: Duncan, Reed, Kirkwood, Klemke, Van Muers, Bryce

Player Report: SA vs NSW/ACT

SOUTH AUSTRALIA v NSW/ACT

South Australia
Hamish Hartlett – Hamish backed up against NSW/ACT. He had 24 disposals, four clearances and kicked one goal, but he also set up a couple of majors. His ball use is exquisite – it's just amazing. He also has a great side step and it was great to see his quality shine through after struggling a bit early in the carnival. It will be interesting to see if he is All-Australian.

Lewis Johnston – Lewis played a fantastic game. He was leading up, taking contested grabs and quick on the burst. He booted four goals, is mobile, has great hands and a high work-rate. I think Lewis will be a big chance to be All-Australian this year. He's a lovely kid and been a pleasure to work with at the AIS/AFL Academy – it's great when you see these kids put in the hard work and reap the benefits at the end.

Rhys O'Keeffe – Rhys was named South Australia's most valuable player. I saw him earlier in the carnival play off half-back and he was really neat. He doesn't waste the ball by foot, but he pushed into the midfield in the back end of the carnival and he was great. His work inside and run-and-carry helped the likes of Lewis Johnston, Ryan Schoenmakers and Paul Cahill in front of goal.

Ryan Schoenmakers – He only had it 12 times, but he looks a class act with the way he moves. He is a left-footer and has a good set of hands and agility. Ryan played as a defender early in the championships, but moved forward in the later stages, forming a strong attack with Lewis Johnston and Paul Cahill. He's got a really bright future.

New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory
Scott Reed – I've been really impressed by Scott. He got 16 disposals, but 12 were contested. I know Alan Richardson from Collingwood has been working with him, as Scott is a scholarship holder there. I spoke with Alan and he said they've been very happy with Scott across the carnival. His disposal by foot has improved and I see him as a perfect fit for Collingwood. There is no doubt they will list him at the end of the year.

Daniel Spiteri – Wearing the helmet, Daniel is only 173cm. But for a little fella, the left-footer has got tremendous heart and courage. He's an in-and-under player and won the ball 17 times. He gets his fair share of contested football and rebounds and is a penetrating kick. He plays as a high half-forward/midfielder. You've just got to commend the way he goes about it, because he's one of the smallest players in the carnival, but he sets such a standard

Jeremy Kirkwood – Without getting high stats, Jeremy has been very consistent throughout the championships. He has predominantly played as a run-with player on the wing. He's pretty athletic; he's worked on his kicking – although it is still marginal – but he's a quality kid and it was really pleasing to see him win 15 touches with a mix of contested and uncontested footy. He's very, very disciplined, having kept Daniel Rich quiet earlier in the championships.

[ravadongon]

Game Report: Vic Country vs Tasmania

Vic Country steamrolls Tassie

By Matt Burgan
1:52 PM Wed 09 July, 2008

VIC COUNTRY has bounced back from its loss against South Australia last Saturday to produce an emphatic 98-point victory over Tasmania, ending its 2008 NAB AFL under-18 championship campaign with two wins from five matches.

Country defeated Tassie 22.6 (138) to 6.4 (40) after piling on 15 goals to three in the second half.

Tasmania, which won the second division qualifying series, ends its first division campaign winless.

Vic Country had several standouts, with John Butcher booting five goals and Jamie Sheehan, Ryan McKenzie and Sam Hughes all contributing three majors each. Sheehan had a team-high 21 touches.

Impressive Country players Nick Suban (18 disposals), Steele Sidebottom (17 possessions) and Nick Heyne (16 touches and 10 inside 50s) were also among their side's best.

Mitch Robinson, who won the Hunter Harrison Medal as the best player in the second division, was Tasmania's best performer with 24 touches, eight inside 50s and five clearances.

The highly rated Aaron Cornelius, who was an All-Australian player at this level last year, also capped off his series with a fine four-goal performance. Youngster Maverick Weller, who is still eligible for the under 16s, showed some promise.

Tasmania 2.3 4.3 6.3 6.4 (40)
Vic Country 4.3 7.4 14.6 22.6 (138)

GOALS
Tasmania: Cornelius 4, Mihocek, Symmons
Vic Country: Butcher 5, Hughes 3, McKenzie 3, Sheehan 3, Blair 2, Browne, Hooper, Jones, Martiniello, Rockliff, Young

BEST
Tasmania: Robinson, Cornelius, Allwright, Williams
Vic Country: Butcher, Sheehan, Sidebottom, McKenzie, Hooper, Suban, Heyne, Hughes, Jones

At Telstra Dome

Player Report: Vic Country vs Tasmania

Eye-catchers: Tasmania v Vic Country



By Jason McCartney
1:14 PM Thu 10 July, 2008

AFL youth and high performance coordinator and former AFL star Jason McCartney shares his thoughts with afl.com.au on the players who caught his eye on the final day of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Here are his assessments of Vic Country and Tasmania players after the former won the second match of Wednesday's triple-header at Telstra Dome by 98 points.

TASMANIA v VIC COUNTRY

Tasmania
Mitch Robinson – Once again, Mitch produced an outstanding performance. I'd never seen him play until the championships, but he took my eye right from his first game in division two. I thought: 'Gee, this kid can play a bit'. And with every game, he got better and better. He starts the games really well and against Vic Country, he ended up with 24 disposals. He was the deserving winner of Tasmania's NAB AFL MVP award, on the back of his Hunter Harrison Medal in division two.

Tom Salter – The Tassie captain was impressive throughout the carnival – I don't think he played a bad game. His kicking has been marginal at times, but he looks like a quality kid with a high work-rate. He gets a lot of uncontested possessions because of that high work-rate. Tom's very tough, a good tackler and loves the contest. He had 17 disposals against Vic Country, capping off a very consistent carnival.

Aaron Cornelius – I want to give a big wrap to Aaron. Once again, the ball didn't get down into Tassie's forward 50 a lot of times, but Aaron kicked four goals. He's got great hands, takes a really good mark and reads the ball well, but I was really impressed with ability to work into the front position. When a side kicks six goals and your key forward kicks four, you've done your job.

Maverick Weller – The 16-year-old won 15 disposals – not looking out of place. He looks very composed, uses the ball well and makes good decisions. I'm really looking forward to watching him play in Queensland in a few weeks' time, when the under 16 championships are on. He played under 16s as a bottom-age player last year, so I think these two under 18 matches will help him in the bigger picture.

Vic Country
Jamie Sheehan – If you could mirror image his set shots at goal and give it to any other young kid, you wouldn't go far wrong. He's really composed, really relaxed and technically sound, finishing with three goals. He burrows in really hard; he's strong through the hips and can shrug off tackles really well. I thought he was best-on-ground.

Steele Sidebottom – Playing off half-back and through the midfield again, I just love the way he goes about it. He had four tackles and made some big hits with his attack on the contest and eyes on the ball. He uses the ball really well and I think he would go extremely close to All-Australian selection, due to his highly consistent performances.

Andrew Hooper – Andrew was Vic Country's MVP player and full credit to him. He's a strongly built young player. He played in the under-16s last year mainly as a burst player. Country used him as a rebounding back-pocket/half-back and in the second half he went into the midfield and pushed forward. He looks like the type of player you want to play. I honestly don't know how far he will go on, but he's been great.

John Butcher – He's a bottom-age player, but he's tall at 197cm. He's athletic and agile and although he's only had six kicks, he's kicked 5.1. He's not strongly built at the moment, but he's got a great ability to take front position and if he doesn't mark it, he doesn't have it spoiled far from him. He has bright future and I look forward to watching him again next year.

[ravadongon]

Game Report: Vic Metro vs WA

Vic Metro takes out NAB AFL U18 crown

By Matt Burgan
4:35 PM Wed 09 July, 2008

VIC METRO has won this year's NAB AFL under-18 championships after holding off Western Australia by 29 points in the deciding match at Telstra Dome on Wednesday.

Metro defeated the Sandgropers 14.9 (93) to 9.10 (64) to regain the title the side last won in 2006, after WA won the carnival last year. The result capped off yet another outstanding series for Vic Metro, which has now won 13 titles since the state split into two teams in 1989. It was also coach David ****son's eighth championship victory.

Tyrone Vickery, a 200cm tall, kicked three goals for Metro and was impressive up forward and in the ruck, while David Zaharakis, a player who was close to being drafted last year, had 18 disposals.

Jack Watts booted two goals against the Sandgropers and won the Larke Medal for the best division one player in the championships.

Vic Metro defender Michael Hurley was also excellent down back and he was duly rewarded with his side's most valuable player award.

One of this year's top draft prospects, Daniel Rich, was outstanding with 23 touches, while Clancee Pearce – who was Western Australia's most valuable player – was his side's leading ball-winner with 26 disposals. Chris Yarran also chipped in with three goals.

Vic Metro 5.1 8.3 11.6 14.9 (93)
Western Australia 2.1 3.4 5.7 9.10 (64)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Vickery 3, Banner 2, Blease 2, McKernan 2, Watts 2, Zaharakis 2, Lynch
Western Australia: Yarran 3, Hill, Jetta, Klause, Lucas, Naitanui, Rich

BEST
Vic Metro: Vickery, Zaharakis, Banner, Blease, Hurley, Shuey, Scully, Gotch
Western Australia: Rich, Hill, Pearce, Walters, Jetta, Yarran, Naitanui

At Telstra Dome

Player Report: Vic Metro vs WA

Eye-catchers: Vic Metro v WA

By Jason McCartney
1:32 PM Thu 10 July, 2008

AFL youth and high performance coordinator and former AFL star Jason McCartney tells afl.com.au about the players who caught his eye on the final day of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

Here are his assessments after Vic Metro won the title, defeating Western Australia by 29 points in the third and final match of the triple-header at Telstra Dome on Wednesday.


VIC METRO v WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Vic Metro
Mitch Banner – Consistent throughout, Mitch won 28 disposals and is very hard-at-it. He is very good around the clearances and works well both ways – rebounding and sending the ball inside 50. He shows a fair bit of courage, particularly overhead, so that's a really good sign. He finished with two goals and had the complete game, capping off a fine carnival.

David Zaharakis – Playing off the wing and through the midfield, David showed great leadership qualities in his role as captain, particularly with his attack on the footy. He uses the ball well, breaks the line and after resting last game, came back against Western Australia and more than played his part.

Michael Hurley – He's been outstanding. No doubt in my mind, he should be All-Australian again at full-back. He really looked the part on the big stage – he's big and strong. There has been a question mark over his leg speed, but his anticipation is very good and his marking is a highlight. In a star-studded line-up, he won Vic Metro's MVP.

Tyrone Vickery – I loved his game. He was outstanding overhead and is just as good below the knees and at ground level – up forward and in the ruck. Tyrone was really dangerous when he was in attack, kicking three goals. And full credit to him, after coming back from a full knee reconstruction.

Shaun McKernan – His marking was strong. He looked so free – again, it was uncanny how much he plays like Corey. He had nine hit-outs and along with Vickery, they were able to curb the influence of Nick Naitanui. He was particularly good early when the game was at its hottest.

Western Australia
Clancee Pearce – He ended up with 26 disposals and was voted by Western Australia's coaching staff as its MVP. Clancee was very consistent off half-back and he backs himself. He loves to run with the footy and although he makes a few blues along the way, he actually takes the game on and tries to make something happen.

Daniel Rich – I thought he was fantastic. He had 17 disposals in the first half and ended up with 23 for the game. His clearance work was again enormous and his inside 50s were really dangerous. That left-foot is lethal and it takes him one-step to kick 55 metres with penetration and accuracy. I spoke to Nathan Buckley after the game who said: 'I like what I see'.

Michael Walters – He had 18 disposals and for a little guy, he was good in a marking situation. There is no doubt he is a super talent, but I saw some really selfless acts. The defensive side of the game is starting to catch on and that's the pleasing thing. It's complementing his great skills.

Stephen Hill – He played on Tom Scully, an outstanding bottom-age prospect, but they had a really good duel. Scully had 14 disposals and Hill had 16, but Stephen showed his class several times. He had four tackles and was good in close. Stephen has played some really good run-with roles.