2008 AFL National U/18 Championships

[ravadongon]

Should be very interesting to follow this year with both top shelf key position and midfield/flanker talent being predicted in what could go down as one of the best all-round drafts ever:

Link to the squads.

Here's the fixture:

ROUND 1

Match 1
Vic Country v Vic Metro
Date: Sunday 25th May
Time: 11.10am
Venue: MCG

Match 2
South Australia v Tasmania
Date: Saturday 31st May
Time: 10.35am
Venue: Adelaide Oval

Match 3
WA v NSW/ACT
Date: Sunday 1st June
Time: 11.30am
Venue: Subiaco

ROUND 2

Match 4
NSW/ACT v Vic Country
Date: Saturday 7th June
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: Henson Park

Match 5
South Australia v Western Australia
Date: Sunday 8th June
Time: 12.35pm
Venue: AAMI

Match 6
Tasmania v Vic Metro
Date: Monday 9th June
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: Bellerive Oval-Hobart

ROUND 3

Match 7
Tasmania v NSW/ACT
Date: Saturday 14th June
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: Aurora Stadium-Launceston

Match 8
Western Australia v Vic Country
Date: Saturday 21st June
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Subiaco

Match 9
South Australia v Vic Metro
Date: Sunday 22nd June
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Adelaide Oval

ROUND 4

Match 10
Tasmania v Western Australia
Date: Saturday 5th July
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Casey Fields

Match 11
Vic Country v South Australia
Date: Saturday 5th July
Time: 12.15pm
Venue: Casey Fields

Match 12
Vic Metro v NSW/ACT
Date: Saturday 5th July
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Casey Fields

ROUND 5

Match 13
South Australia v NSW/ACT
Date: Wednesday 9th July
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Telstra Dome

Match 14
Tasmania v Vic Country
Date: Wednesday 9th July
Time: 12.15pm
Venue: Telstra Dome

Match 15
Vic Metro v Western Australia
Date: Wednesday 9th July
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Telstra Dome

Round 5 (Telstra Dome) - July 9th - games will be broadcasted LIVE by Fox Sports. Here are the live broadcast viewing times along with the replay, championship wrap and radio coverage times: Viewing Guide

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

[ravadongon]

Match Report from Vic Metro vs Vic Country:

Vic Metro beats Country in thriller

By Matt Burgan
2:06 PM Sun 25 May, 2008

VICTORIA Metropolitan has pulled off a stunning three-point victory over arch-rival Victoria Country in the opening match of the first round of the NAB AFL under 18 championships.

Metro 12.4 (76) defeated Country 11.7 (73) in the curtain-raiser to the Melbourne and Hawthorn clash at the MCG, after Jack Watts, who booted four goals, kicked the match-winner just before the final siren sounded.

Yet at the 17-minute mark of the last quarter (all terms are 20 minutes with no time-on), Vic Country looked set to overcome the city slickers, having trailed at every other change, when Tom Rockliff jagged his fourth for the match.

It was fitting Watts and Rockliff stood up for their respective sides in the latter stages, as they were super for their respective side's best. Watts also finished with eight marks, including four contested, as Rockliff finished with a game-high 11 contested possessions.

Vic Country's Nick Suban, an under-18 All-Australian last year, had 25 disposals - the most for the match - and was also superb. Teammate Nic Heyne, who took a cracking one-handed 'speccy' up forward in the final term, finished with 19 touches and two goals.

Shaun McKernan, the younger brother of dual North Melbourne premiership player Corey, impressed for Vic Metro with 11 disposals and 13 hit outs. And Michael Hurley, an under-18 All-Australian defender last year, continued to impress down back.

Vic Country 2.2 4.3 8.5 11.7 (73)
Vic Metro 4.0 7.1 9.3 12.4 (76)

GOALS
Vic Country: Rockliff 4, Young 3, Heyne 2, Christensen, Suban
Vic Metro: Watts 4, McKernan 2, Banner, Lisle, Martin, McGarry, Purves, Shuey,

BEST
Vic Country: Rockliff, Suban, Heyne, Hooper, Young, Sidebottom
Vic Metro: Watts, Zaharakis, Hurley, McKernan, Lisle, Gotch

Round one (match one) played at MCG

[Saintscrazy]

Originally Posted by ravadongon

Should be very interesting to follow this year with some top shelf midfield talent (similar to 2001) being predicted:

Here's the fixture:

Apparently the Round 5 (Telstra Dome) games will be broadcasted by Fox Sports.

Thanx for the fixture we have family in Adelaide going to watch Tassie on Saturday and we didnt know the time, gr8 stuff....

[Tippaz]

good to see Rockliff kick some goals. can't believe he got overlooked last year after his u18 GF performance.

and i'm already a huge Shaun McKernan fan. was too young to get drafted last year, but i thought he was better than McEvoy (pick no.9) in the u18 GF.

Essendon recruiters - take note!

[ravadongon]

Player Report from Vic Metro vs Vic Country

Eye catchers: Vic Metro v Vic Country

By Alan McConnell
3:39 PM Mon 26 May, 2008

Throughout the 2008 NAB AFL under 18 championships, afl.com.au will speak to a key recruiter/official about the players they thought shone on a particular day's play.

On Sunday, we spoke to AIS-AFL academy high performance coach Alan McConnell.

His comments came after the first day's play of division one, where Vic Metro sealed a three-point thriller over Vic Country, just moments before the final siren.

VICTORIA COUNTRY
Nick Suban - Suban's ball-winning ability and ground work was great.

Nic Heyne - Heyne created a number of opportunities to work his way into the game. He used the ball effectively and also created a number of scoring opportunities.

Tom Rockliff - He was a very good player, booting four goals.

VICTORIA METROPOLITAN
Jack Watts - He finished with 12 possessions and booted four goals, including the match-winner.

Shaun McKernan - His ruck-work was excellent. Vic Metro had the better of the stoppages because of McKernan's ruckwork.

Tyrone Vickery - Vic Metro's ruck dominance was due to McKernan and Vickery. Vickery also won his share of the ball as well as influencing the play with his ruckwork.

Tom Lynch - He was dominant early, but drifted out of the game. He presented up extremely well early in the game, when he was playing as a leading forward, coming up to half-forward.

Michael Hurley - Hurley was the best backman on the ground. He just doesn't get beaten in one-on-one contests. He hasn't had high possessions, but whenever he's been in a one-on-one contest, he never gets outmarked. He also doesn't give his opponent easy possessions, so I'd say he was the dominant defender.

Xavier Gotch - He picked up good numbers in terms of possessions - he got 21 disposals the most for his side.

David Zaharakis - Zaharakis also gained 19 possessions, behind only Gotch for Vic Metro.

[ravadongon]

Match Report from SA vs Tasmania

NAB AFL Under-18 Championships: SA outclasses Tas

By Matt Burgan
1:25 PM Mon 02 June, 2008

SOUTH Australia ran away from Tasmania in the final term to open its NAB AFL under-18 championship campaign, with a 45-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Still, it wasn't all the Croweaters' way as the second division winners were on course to cause an upset early on, when Tasmania led at quarter time and half time.

But when South Australia led by 12 points at three-quarter time, they then upped the ante, piling on seven goals to one in a commanding last quarter.
The final score saw South Australia 17.6 (108) defeat Tasmania 9.9 (63).

South Australia's Rhys O'Keefe was arguably his side's best with 20 disposals and five inside 50s, as Dale Armstrong also won plenty of the ball, notching up 22 touches. Scott Blesing was another to impress for South Australia with 20 disposals and five inside 50s.

Croweater Lewis Johnston was leading goalkicker for the match with four majors, as 198cm tall Bart McCulloch continued his impressive series for Tasmania with three goals.

Tom Salter was again a key ball-winner for the Apple Isle, collecting a game-high 23 disposals, as teammate Mitch Robinson shone in the midfield with 22 disposals, seven inside 50s and a goal. Jackson O'Brien also impressed playing a run-with role on South Australian key Hamish Hartlett.

South Australia 17.6 (108) d Tasmania 9.9 (63)

GOALS
South Australia: Johnston 4, Broadbent 2, Cahill 2, Hall 2, Hartlett 2, Mardling 2, Blesing, Lane, McAdam
Tasmania: McCulloch 3, Cox 2, Allwright, Cornelius, Hislop, Robinson

BEST
South Australia: O’Keefe, Cahill, Blesing, Martin, Broadbent, Hall, Armstrong, Jones
Tasmania: Allwright, Robinson, Salter, Hislop, O’Brien, Harwood, Crichton, Milne

Round One (match two) played at Adelaide Oval

[ravadongon]

I went to the WA vs NSW/ACT game today at Subi (didn't watch the Freo vs. Port Adelaide though). My thoughts on the game (as posted at BF):

A fairly meek game from a viewing perspective, little to no contest and the skills weren’t as outstanding as I’d expected from WA, but nevertheless a comfortable 10+ goals win to WA.

WA 15.7 (97) defeated NSW/ACT 4.3 (27)

WA BEST: Walters, Naitanui, Bennell, Jetta, Hill, Lucas, Daly
NSW/ACT BEST: Ranga, Kirkwood

Walters – Very classy. Decision making and kicking was very good (set up a few goals early) and kicked a couple of goals himself. Safe hands as well - took a v.good OH grab too up forward. He’s small and slightly built, but more than willing to put his body on line when needed. 20 disposals, 3 goals.

Lucas – Played an outside role - ran the lines and generally used the footy well. 21 disposals.

Naitanui – When he got it there was an air of excitement and you knew something good was going to happen. His inside work, acceleration, tackling and second efforts are fantastic for a small mid let alone a ruckman. Abosultely dominated tapwork wise – I can’t remember the NSW/ACT bloke getting a clear tap. Didn't notice him getting a heap of the footy but when he did he had an impact - no junk possessions. 8 disposals, 20 hitouts (5 to advantage), 6 tackles, 1 clearance.

Hill – very nice burst of speed/turn of pace. Took a couple of nice grabs and can lay a fair tackle too. Played with very good intensity. Looking forward to seeing more of him play.

Rich – Was well held for most of the game by Kirkwood. Did the bulk of his work inside the pack freeing up others with handpasses, tackling etc., with only a couple of his scintillating, accurate left foot passes on display. Had very little impact in the first half, but improved in the 2nd, particularly the last ¼. Overall it was a disappointing game from him – I expected more from Rich. 15 disposals.

Jetta and Bennell – Jetta played mostly on the wing pushing forward. Bennell was more FP (kicked 4). Both were very good (amongst the BOG) and are clever/sneaky/pacy/elusive/skilful and can kick goals - the types of players lacking at WC.

De Boer – Loves to get the HB receive and back himself to run the lines. Unfortunately his kicking let him down on several occasions. Was fairly prominent in the 1st half, but dropped off in the 2nd. 24 disposals.

Daly – Played as a lead-up FF. Kicked a tidy amount of goals (5). Hard to judge accurately how good any of the big forwards were as WA had a ridiculous amount of forward entries.

From NSW/ACT, no real standouts apart from Ranga (Geelong NSW/ACT scholarship) who is **** good, was instigating everything for NSW/ACT with his inside work (but unfortunately for him wasn't surrounded by a lot of quality). Kirkwood (did the job on Rich - could he be the McGinnity of this year?) and McNeill seemed decent (nuggetty inside, Sydney-style type). Reed (Collingwood NSW/ACT scholarship) was alright, not sure who he was on, but he’s the modern day tall rebounding CHB/HBF prototype that seems to be very popular these days - runs and carries the footy off the defensive 50 and kicks long.

Out of the well known WA players, Swift and Yarran didn’t play. Also, Anthony Stubbs (WCE NSW/ACT scholarship) didn’t play.

[ravadongon]

Match Report from WA vs NSW/ACT

NAB AFL Under-18 Championships: WA beats NSW

By Matt Burgan
3:03 PM Mon 02 June, 2008

WESTERN Australia has opened its NAB AFL under-18 championship with a comprehensive 70-point win over New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Sandgropers 15.7 (97) defeated NSW/ACT 4.3 (27) in the curtain-raiser to the AFL clash between Fremantle and Port Adelaide.

Last year's title winners led by margins of 20 points, 38 and 43 at the respective breaks, before stepping up a level with five goals to one in the final term.

The powerful Western Australia side, featuring the much-talked about Nick Naitanui (20 hit outs and six tackles) and Daniel Rich (15 touches and four inside 50s), also had the likes of Lance Daly (five goals) and John Bennell (four goals) shine.

Michael Walters was also a standout for the Sandgropers, booting three goals and collecting 20 touches, while Matthew DeBoar was Western Australia's leading ball-winner with 25 disposals.

Geelong scholarship holder Ranga Ediriwickrama was outstanding again for NSW/ACT, gaining a game-high 25 disposals. Mitch Clisby was also among his side's best for the Rams.

Western Australia 4.2 8.2 10.4 15.7 (97)
NSW/ACT 1.0 2.0 3.3 4.3 (27)

GOALS
Western Australia: Daly 5, Bennell 4, Walters 3, Garlett 2, Marsh
NSW/ACT: Kirkwood, McNeil, Ruffles, Sleeth

BEST
Western Australia: Walters, DeBoer, Lucas, Hill, Daly, Bennell, Pearce, Mather, Warner
NSW/ACT: Clisby, Ediriwickrama, Klemke, Fenaroli, Bryce, Gumley, McNeil, Frail, Kirkwood

[ravadongon]

Shifters Wrap: Round 1

Shifter's wrap: Thumbs up for new format

By Kevin Sheehan
4:54 PM Mon 02 June, 2008

WITH the completion of the opening round of the 2008 NAB AFL under 18 championships at Subiaco, reigning champions Western Australia finally shook off a committed and determined NSW/ACT outfit by 70 points.
We can now make early claims that the new expanded format is an immediate success.

Designed to be an aspiration-inspired format for the under 18 players across Australia, NSW/ACT qualified for the right to play against Western Australia in the division two series in May.

The Rams were then able to contest themselves against the best from the west, in what was an entertaining match, played as a curtain-raiser to the Fremantle and Port Adelaide clash.

The experience of playing on the wide open spaces of 'Subi' and travelling to Perth is all part of the aspirations from youngsters hailing from Sydney, Canberra and the Riverina of NSW.

Both Western Australia and NSW/ACT will take a lot out of their first match from their five games.

The Sandgropers' defence was led by the poise of Clancee Pearce and the dashing Stephen Hill, who rebounded many of the Rams' forward thrusts.

They were among Western Australia's best, along with lively small forward Michael Walters, John Bennell and Clint Gartlett. They kicked nine goals between them and complimented the work of midfielder Kane Lucas. His ball-winning ability and usage was exceptional.

The athletic potential and promise of Nick Naitanui was again a feature. He laid a game-high seven tackles and had 20 hit-outs, as he continues to learn the rucking craft.

For NSW/ACT, Ranga Ediriwickrama was prolific. He gained 25 disposals and was one of his side's best. His clean hands and quickness around the ground was a feature.

Rams midfielder Jeremy Kirkwood also displayed a disciplined game, curtailing the exciting Daniel Rich.

On Saturday, at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, South Australia came from a point down at half-time to take a convincing 45-point win over a plucky Tasmania, who has confirmed its ability to be competitive at division one level.

South Australia had winners in North Adelaide trio - Rhys O'Keeffe, Dale Armstrong and Lewis Johnston (four goals).

For Tassie, Mitch Robison and Jesse Crichton were prominent with their pace through the midfield.

Those two matches completed a highly entertaining first round of games, after Victoria Metropolitan defeated rival Victoria Country with the last kick of the game at the MCG on Sunday May 25.

Metro's Jack Watts' contested mark, 45 metres out from goal, with 15 seconds remaining resulted in an accurate major under pressure, topping off an impressive game from the 194cm tall forward. He finished with four goals.

Vic Country's left-footed midfielders Nick Suban and Nic Heyne were both outstanding contributors for their side. Heyne took a spectacular one-handed mark in the goalsquare, which was a magic moment.

Next weekend, the second round takes place over three states on the Queen's Birthday weekend. Much more will be learned from our country's outstanding youngsters, as they experience the ground condition and travel elements, which are so important in the AFL competition.

The fixture is:
NSW/ACT v Vic Country, Saturday June 7, 12.30pm, Henson Park
South Australia v Western Australia, Sunday June 8, 12.35pm, AAMI Stadium
Tasmania v Vic Metro, Monday June 9, 12.30pm, Bellerive Oval

[Tippaz]

as an Ess fan i'm super keen on Rich. he's exactly what we need.

just curious that they say he was "held" by Kirkwood.
as i thought tagging was supposed to banned at U18s. (which is a good rule)