Analysis 2018 Under 18 Championships

[Giant Strides]

First up is the Under 18 Division 2 Championships; so the 4 northern clubs' academy teams plus NT & Tasmania.

Schedule

Round 1
14 April - Gold Coast v Tasmania @ Blacktown (NSW)
14 April - Sydney v Brisbane @ Blacktown (NSW)
14 April - GWS v Northern Territory @ Blacktown (NSW)

Round 2
22 April - Sydney v GWS @ Blacktown (NSW)
22 April - Tasmania v Northern Territory @ Dandenong (VIC)
22 April - Brisbane v Gold Coast @ Southpine (QLD)

Round 3
28 April - Brisbane v Tasmania @ Broadbeach (QLD)
28 April - Gold Coast v GWS @ Broadbeach (QLD)
28 April - Northern Territory v Sydney @ Alice Springs (NT)

Round 4
5 May - Tasmania v Sydney @ Glenorchy (TAS)
5 May - Brisbane v GWS @ Burpengary (QLD)
5 May - Gold Coast v Northern Territory @ Burpengary (QLD)

Round 5
12 May - Sydney v Gold Coast @ Blacktown (NSW)
12 May - Tasmania v GWS @ Kingston (TAS)
12 May - Northern Territory v Brisbane @ Marrara (NT)

 

[dlanod]

Round 1
14 April - Gold Coast v Tasmania @ Blacktown (NSW)
14 April - Sydney v Brisbane @ Blacktown (NSW)
14 April - GWS v Northern Territory @ Blacktown (NSW)

I wonder if I can wrangle my way out there... probably not.

 

[Giant Strides]

GWS Academy Round 1 team as per List Management/Academy thread (* = overage player):

Ben KELLY (Murray) Mathew WALKER (Murray) Cameron EDWARDS (Western Sydney) Matthew McGRORY (ACT) Daniel CERNI (ACT) Maxwell BEAUMONT (ACT) Ed PERRYMAN (Riverina) Nicholas MURRAY (Murray) Guy RICHARDSON (ACT) Riley BICE (Murray) *Jack POWELL (ACT) *Riley BUDD (ACT) Jack ROWSTON (Riverina) Riley CORBETT (Riverina) Jacob KOSCHITZKE (Murray) Shaun DRISCOLL (Riverina) James PEATLING (Western Sydney) Thomas GREEN (ACT) Jeromy LUCAS (Riverina) *Tyh EVANS (Riverina) *Kieren BRIGGS (Western Sydney) Will CHANDLER (Murray) Kobe LLOYD (Murray) *William CLARK (ACT) Liam DELAHUNTY (Riverina)

Some player commentary by the coach:

Comments by GWS Academy coach Jason Saddington

Shaun Driscoll
Midfielder
183cm/69kg
6/1/00
"There's not a lot of size about him but Shaun has good endurance and speed. He's also pretty good overhead for a smaller type of player, and he likes to float across and take intercept marks on the wing. He uses his pace and endurance to cover the ground."

Jeremy Lucas
Half-forward/midfielder
184cm/81kg
29/6/00
"Jeremy's at boarding school down in Melbourne at Xavier College and has been a half-forward/midfielder. He's a really good overhead mark for a mid-sized player and is a strong runner."

James Peatling
Forward
183cm, 71kg
21/8/00
"A clever forward with really good agility and speed. He has a bit of flair about him and he likes to kick goals, but he also demonstrates good defensive pressure at times. James is smart around goal but also can push up higher as a half-forward as well."

Guy Richardson
Half-back
184cm/75kg
12/7/00
"Guy injured his shoulder in the Academy series last year and missed the rest of the season. He's a half-back from Canberra. He has very neat skills and good speed, and really likes to set up off the half-backline. He played NEAFL on the weekend and is progressing nicely."

Matthew Walker
Forward
187cm/76kg
14/2/00
"He's a member of the NAB AFL Academy and has started the season pretty well with his TAC Cup side the Murray Bushrangers. He's a Next Generation Academy player for us. He's really lifted his work-rate and high-intensity running to play a bit more in the midfield as opposed to just forward. He possesses really good natural forward ability with strong hands and generally kicks the ball pretty well." (Matt is GWS Academy's only AFL Academy listed player.)

 

[Giant Strides]

U18 Div2 Academy Series. Full Time Game 1.

Giants 13.5 (83) def. NT 5.5 (35).
Goals: Giants: Chandler 3, Corbett 2, Edwards 2, Peatling, Budd, Walker, Rowston, Driscoll, Powell; NT: Schwarze 2, Scrutton, Brown, Rosas Jnr.

more to follow

 

[Giant Strides]

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/...s-in-under-18-academy-series-opening-weekend/

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY ACADEMY VS. NORTHERN TERRITORY

A STRONG all-round team effort has helped the Greater Western Sydney Academy side to a 48-point victory over the Northern Territory at Blacktown International Sports Park on Saturday. After a tight opening term, the Giants kicked away in the second quarter and never looked back with midfielder Tom Green racking up 31 disposals and 10 clearances in a best-on-ground display. Murray Bushrangers pair Jacob Koschitzke and Matthew Walker also impressed through the contest, playing back and forward respectively. Koschitzke was a rock at Full Back, providing great run and carry out of defensive 50, while Walker had a very good battle with NT defender Rodney Baird, with Walker leading up the ground well taking multiple marks. Nicholas Murray, the brother of Collingwood defender Sam, also was in the best with 21 disposals and five rebound 50s, while Ben Kelly rucked with authority during the entire match.

For Northern Territory, Liam Holt-Fitz showed great speed on the outside, laying strong tackles. 173cm Holt-Fitz is a name to watch out for during the remaining of the Under 18 Academy Series, having been watched by recruiters closely over the last few years. AFL Academy member Matt Green rebounded well out of defensive 50, finishing the day with 19 disposals and three rebound 50s while Michael Mummery showed some good signs and will continue to get better with each game he plays this season. Dandenong Stingrays talls Stephen and Matthew Cumming did a good job, having only recently joined their teammates for the Under 18 Academy Series. Stephen was named as the NTs best player, battling with GWS’ Ben Kelly during the match.

GWS Giants return to Blacktown next week for a cross-city clash against the Sydney Swans, while Northern Territory will travel to Melbourne to face Tasmania.

GWS GIANTS 2.3 6.4 9.4 13.5 (83)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 2.1 2.4 4.5 5.5 (35)

GOALS
GWS GIANTS: Chandler 3, Corbett 2, Edwards 2, Budd, Driscoll, Peatling, Powell, Rowston, Walker
NORTHERN TERRITORY: Schwarze 2, Brown, Rosas, Scrutton

BEST
GWS GIANTS: Green, Koschitzke, Murray, Beaumont, Kelly, Briggs
NORTHERN TERRITORY: S Cumming, Rosas, Grant, Baird, Green, Holt-Fitz

Green & Beaumont are from Canberra; Briggs from western Sydney.

 

[Giant Strides]

Scouting notes for round 1 game from AFL Draft Central:
GWS:
#23 Matthew Walker – Walker played centre-half forward and had a good battle with Rodney Baird. He led up the ground well taking some strong marks and also played through the midfield with great effect, showing off his versatility which has been on display in the TAC Cup and for the AFL Academy.

#31 Riley Corbett – Corbett provided a strong focal point up forward, using his height to advantage. Unselfishly centred the ball to Jack Rowston to lock in another GWS goal during the match.

#32 Jacob Koschitzke – A strong game at full-back by the Murray Bushrangers switch-man. Koschitzke provided great run and carry out of defence, linking up well with the midfield. He copped a big hit in the centre of the ground, bounced straight back up and finished the game as one of the GIANTS’ best.

#50 Ben Kelly – Kelly dominated the ruck all day as the Murray Bushrangers tall seemed to be everywhere on the day. He took some great contested marks around the ground and always presented as an option.


U18 NAB AFL National Academy Series - Round 2
Saturday 21st April @ 1pm (BISP Oval 2) v Swans Academy

Maxwell BEAUMONT *Kieren BRIGGS Joshua BUCHANAN *Riley BUDD Daniel CERNI *William CLARK Riley CORBETT *Nathan COXALL Shaun DRISCOLL Cameron EDWARDS Harry GRANT
Thomas GREEN Baylee JONES Ben KELLY Kobe LLOYD Matthew McGRORY Ed PERRYMAN James PEATLING *Jack POWELL Guy RICHARDSON Jack ROWSTON Mathew WALKER Isaac WILLIAMS

 

[Determinant]

Shame about Kosi #2, would love one in our team

 

[Giant Strides]

U18 Academy Series Round 2

Swans 12.13 (85) def Giants 8.15 (63)

Sydney Academy 6.4 8.6 9.8 12.13 (85)
GWS Academy 1.4 4.9 7.11 8.15 (63)

GOALS
Sydney Academy: Blakey 7, Barkley 2, Stern, Maguire, Bartholomaeus
Greater Western Sydney Academy: Perryman 3, Briggs 2, Budd, Corbett, Kelly

BEST
Sydney Academy: Blakey, Stern, Wicks, McKellar, Reinhard
Greater Western Sydney Academy: Perryman, Green, Beaumont, Rowston, Kelly

In-demand Nick Blakey kicked seven goals as Sydney Academy coasted to a 22-point win over GWS Academy. The versatile Blakey is eligible to be selected by Sydney through its academy, as well as North Melbourne and Brisbane via a father-son selection, with father John playing for both the Kangaroos and Fitzroy. Blakey also found plenty of the ball, amassing 20 disposals (19 kicks, one handball), while Josh Stern and Sam Wicks both collected 18. Ed Perryman (brother of senior-listed Giant Harry) was a shining light for GWS, with three goals and 15 touches.


AFL Draft Central Scouting Notes:

Sydney Swans:

#3 Nick Blakey – A simply outstanding performance. Blakey was heavily marked during the game, but managed to rack up 20 possessions all around the ground. With nine shots on goal, he finished with a tidy bag of seven goals which consisted of set shots, on the run and a couple of snaps within the goal square. Blakey’s forward pressure was also a strong feature of his game.

#38 Michael Carroll – Carroll, another top age player, was solid all day at full-back marking Riley Corbett who was a handful early on the game. Carroll was particularly strong in the second and third quarters when GWS had a run on, he worked hard repelling the GWS attack, spoiling many GWS forward entries and he rebounded the ball well by foot.

GWS Giants:

#2 Edward Perryman [24/07/2000 177cm 60kg Collingullie GP] – The brother of GWS’ Harry, played a small forward role for the GIANTS academy. Perryman proved to be a hard match up for the Swans, with his speed, agility and small stature helping him inside 50, where he booted three goals for the match.

#23 Matthew Walker [14/02/2000 187cm 76kg Albury/Murray Bushrangers] – The AFL Academy member only played the first half after a bump on Blakey resulted in an arm injury which was on ice for the second half of the match. Walker had a nice shot on goal before the incident, but it was pushed wide.

#31 Riley Corbett [24/05/2000 196cm 105kg Ganmain GGM ] – Corbett started the game at full forward and was involved immediately, leading into space and taking a few great marks. Corbett also booted the first goal of the game for GWS. He showed good mobility around the ground and when he switched into the ruck, the GIANTS begun to gain momentum in the middle of the ground and get on top.

#34 Kieren Briggs [6/10/99 200cm 98kg Pennant Hills ] – Playing centre-half forward, Briggs took some strong pack marks and kicked a great goal in the second quarter. He used his physical pressure around the stoppages and was rewarded with a couple of free kicks. Briggs finished the game with two handy goals.

 

[Giant Strides]

AFL U18 Academy (Division 2) Championships - Round 3
28 April - Brisbane v Tasmania @ Broadbeach (QLD) 10.30am
28 April - Gold Coast v GWS @ Broadbeach (QLD) 1pm
28 April - Northern Territory v Sydney @ Alice Springs (NT) 5pm

Congratulations to the players selected to represent the GIANTS Academy U18 Team in our Round 3 match this coming weekend at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast:

Jack ADAMSON Ryan ALLEN Maxwell BEAUMONT *Kieren BRIGGS *Riley BUDD Daniel CERNI *William CLARK Riley CORBETT *Nathan COXALL Liam DELAHUNTY Shaun DRISCOLL Cameron EDWARDS *Daniel FOLEY Thomas GREEN Jacob KOSCHITZKE Jeromy LUCAS Matthew McGRORY Nicholas MURRAY James PEATLING Ed PERRYMAN James POPE Jai REED Guy RICHARDSON

http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/20...-team-announcements-round-3-v-gold-coast-suns

Good luck lads, have a great game!!

 

[Giant Strides]

NAB AFL U18 Div2 Academy Series at Broadbeach.
FT. Gold Coast 11.8 (74) d Giants 7.12 (54).
Goals: GC: Bowie 3, Buckland 2, Graham 2, Greenwool 2, Gore, Scott. Giants: Perryman 2, Delahunty 2, Corbett, M. Driscoll, Lucas.

 

[Aussie18]

Giants recruiters must be under some pressure now AFL,NEAFL and u18s lost by a combined 249 points over the weekend and last years draft selections not looking that inspiring.

 

[Isaac Cumming No 1]

Giants recruiters must be under some pressure now AFL,NEAFL and u18s lost by a combined 249 points over the weekend and last years draft selections not looking that inspiring.

When all else fails, there's the draft.

 

[Giant Strides]

Yeah, bad weekend all round. Here's the academy result:

NAB AFL U18 Div2 Academy Series. Brisbane Lions 14.18 (102) def GWS Giants 1.4 (10). Goals: Giants: McGrory.

 

[Aussie18]

When all else fails, there's the draft.

Yeah
They pass on footballers Spargo, Brander,Powell and Richards for athletes that keep breaking down

 

[Giant Strides]

NAB 2018 U18 Academy Series Round 4: Brisbane Lions Academy v GWS Giants Academy

Tom Matthews, Kiedean Coleman and Toara Marango were formidable in defence for Brisbane Academy, as they disposed of Greater Western Sydney Academy by 88 points. Matthews collected a team-high 26 disposals (15 kicks, 11 handballs), as well as four clearances, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s. Coleman's 14 touches (nine kicks, five handballs), four marks, two tackles and three inside 50s weren't a true reflection of his impact. Marango, who captained the AFL U16 World Team in 2015, had 15 possessions (10 kicks, five handballs), six marks and four rebound 50s.
Connor McFadyen (20 disposals and two goals), Caleb Franks (24 touches, eight inside 50s and a goal) and Darcy Marsh (22 possessions, four tackles, six marks, four tackles and a goal) were strong contributors for the winners.

Thomas Green (28 disposals, nine clearances) was a lone hand in the midfield for Greater Western Sydney Academy, while Kieren Briggs (17 touches, five marks, 11 hit outs) played his part as a forward/back-up ruck.

Brisbane Academy 4.2 6.8 9.11 14.16 (100)
GWS Academy 0.2 0.3 0.4 1.6 (12)

GOALS
Brisbane Academy: Ansell 3, McFadyen, Tomkinson, Tozer 2, Currie, Franks, Kennedy, Marsh, Townson
GWS Academy: McGrory

BEST
Brisbane Academy: Coleman, Marango, McFadyen, Matthews, Franks, Marsh
GWS Academy: Green, Briggs, McGrory, Budd

Bad day for GWS Academy. Tom Green has been good in a few games, though, and is certainly one to watch for next year. Another western Sydney lad, so would be good to see him come through. Keiran Briggs has played OK in a few games, and has often played NEAFL for us. As a forward/back-up ruck, I wonder if there's a spot for him though - would be likely only rookie at best, and probably depends on how the club sees Sproule & Jack Buckley progressing.

 

[fridgeman]

NAB 2018 U18 Academy Series Round 4: Brisbane Lions Academy v GWS Giants Academy

Tom Matthews, Kiedean Coleman and Toara Marango were formidable in defence for Brisbane Academy, as they disposed of Greater Western Sydney Academy by 88 points. Matthews collected a team-high 26 disposals (15 kicks, 11 handballs), as well as four clearances, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s. Coleman's 14 touches (nine kicks, five handballs), four marks, two tackles and three inside 50s weren't a true reflection of his impact. Marango, who captained the AFL U16 World Team in 2015, had 15 possessions (10 kicks, five handballs), six marks and four rebound 50s.
Connor McFadyen (20 disposals and two goals), Caleb Franks (24 touches, eight inside 50s and a goal) and Darcy Marsh (22 possessions, four tackles, six marks, four tackles and a goal) were strong contributors for the winners.

Thomas Green (28 disposals, nine clearances) was a lone hand in the midfield for Greater Western Sydney Academy, while Kieren Briggs (17 touches, five marks, 11 hit outs) played his part as a forward/back-up ruck.

Brisbane Academy 4.2 6.8 9.11 14.16 (100)
GWS Academy 0.2 0.3 0.4 1.6 (12)

GOALS
Brisbane Academy: Ansell 3, McFadyen, Tomkinson, Tozer 2, Currie, Franks, Kennedy, Marsh, Townson
GWS Academy: McGrory

BEST
Brisbane Academy: Coleman, Marango, McFadyen, Matthews, Franks, Marsh
GWS Academy: Green, Briggs, McGrory, Budd

Bad day for GWS Academy. Tom Green has been good in a few games, though, and is certainly one to watch for next year. Another western Sydney lad, so would be good to see him come through. Keiran Briggs has played OK in a few games, and has often played NEAFL for us. As a forward/back-up ruck, I wonder if there's a spot for him though - would be likely only rookie at best, and probably depends on how the club sees Sproule & Jack Buckley progressing.

Result from last week for Brisbane, incredible to have such a swing in results but I don't watch any junior footy
Brisbane Lions 2.2 (14)
Tasmania 17.8 (110)
Regarding Sproule and Buckley I think it will depend on player form/trades/delistings as to what happens with the list
but I would like to see both retained as Buckley turns 21 at the end of the year and Sproule 20 this Saturday so you would like to see them both given 3/4 years to develop and also the ruck question will effect drafting with Richards and Briggs both possibilities

 

[Giant Strides]

Copy of post in List Management thread for continuity.

OK, so just catching up on things U18 … the Giants Academy kids selected in the 50 man Allies squad were:
- Keiran Briggs
- Riley Corbett
- Jacob Koschitzke (not draftable due zone exclusion)
- Jeromy Lucas
- Guy Richardson
- Nick Murray
- Matt Walker
- James Peatling
- Ben Kelly
- Thomas Green (underage - 2019 draft)
- Liam Delahunty (underage - 2019 draft)

There was an internal selection trial match, and I thought there was meant to be a small squad named … but I haven't seen such a squad named. Instead, the team for the first U18 Championships game was named, which included four from the Giants squad: one we cannot draft due to exclusion from GWS zone, Tom Green from next year, and two draft-eligible Giants: Keiran Briggs (forward/ruck) and James Peatling (small forward).

Allies 10.11 (71) defeated Victoria Country 6.12 (48)

Allies: Briggs 3, Jones 2, Scott 2, Green, Peatling, Turner [GWS Academy kids in bold]
Vic Country: Flanders 2, Garoni 2, Caldwell, Williams
BEST:
Allies: Jones, Briggs, Green, Tomkinson, McGuiness
Vic Country: Walsh, Fletcher, Reid, Brownless

Match Report https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/...t-victory-with-impressive-last-quarter-surge/

THE Allies and Victoria Country kicked off their 2018 National Under 18 Championships at Blacktown Oval on Saturday, with both sides exposing elite talents and midfield depth. The match up was very hotly contested with the midfield and ruck battle producing high disposal and tackle counts in the rough conditions.

Vic Country kicked the first goal of the game from a boundary stoppage as Geelong Grammar’s Jye Caldwell received a handball from Hudson Garoni as he steadied from 40 metres out to roll through the first off the day. Starting well with six disposals in the first quarter that goal was co-captain Jye Caldwell’s last meaningful contribution of the game as he succumbed to a hamstring injury and was followed by Dandenong Stingrays’ midfielder Mitch Riordan. Vic Country dominated the early contests and acclimatised themselves to the slippery conditions with superior skills coming from onballers Sam Walsh and Sam Fletcher. Hudson Garoni was Vic Country’s barometer up forward as he marked superbly and was able to have multiple shots at goal in the first quarter.

Down at quarter time, the Allies responded after a tough first quarter where they were beaten in most areas. The Allies midfield significantly stepped up in clearances as they started to gain some ascendency in the match. James Peatling kicked a super roving goal to kick the Allies back into match, as the boundary throw in evaded both Jacob Koschitzke and Bailey Williams, Peatling pounced and kicked a superb snap while being swung around in the tackle by Sam Walsh. Tasmanian midfielder Chayce Jones was integral to the fight back winning many clearances and crucially intercepting a poor kick in by Connor Idun and converting with a goal. The final play of the half was an attack by Vic Country as ruckman Bailey Williams got a kick away just in time to kick goal just before the half time siren.

The third quarter commenced with Chayce Jones kicking a booming goal on the run from 50 metres as his influence was growing stronger on the game. The low scoring continued throughout the quarter, as the heavily-contested footy saw many stoppages and sparse opportunities. Sam Flanders did brilliantly to pounce on an errant kick in Allies defensive 50 and snapped truly, this was possible from the forward line pressure by Oscar Brownless. But Allies hit back once more as Tarryn Thomas expertly found Thomas Green 30 metres out on a slight angle, Green made no mistake from the set shot as the match up was set for a tight finish.

With Allies key forward father-son pick Nick Blakey missing through illness an opportunity arose for another big man forward to fill his void. With Victoria Country leading by two points at the final break the Allies yearned a match winning performance and that came in the way of ruck/forward Kieren Briggs. The Greater Western Sydney academy player stamped his authority early in the final quarter by taking a huge pack mark over three Country defenders and converting, as Briggs then added two more goals that saw the Allies pick up their first win of the championships.

A key to Allies victory was Chayce Jones as he was comfortably the best player on the ground, his performance featured 28 possessions, five clearances, six tackles and two goals. Bottom age stars Tom Green (24 disposals) and Mitch O’Neill (26 disposals) were also very serviceable, Green’s team high six clearances stood out as the conditions required cleaner skills and disposal. Allies and Tasmania’s great draft hope Tarryn Thomas was barely sighted in the first half as Vic Country dominated through the middle. Thomas’ second half was much more productive as he finished with 17 touches and six tackles with his contributions key to the Allies last quarter.

Swingman Matt McGuiness was very valuable for his side in multiple roles, as Jacob Koschitzke – who played against many of his Murray Bushrangers teammates – was also great with his positional changing role. For Vic Country, potential top draft pick Sam Walsh was at his dominant best, accumulating a game high 31 possessions which included five tackles and six clearances.
With Jye Caldwell and Mitch Riordan off early, Geelong father-son prospect Oscar Brownless – the son of Geelong star Bill Brownless – was productive with 18 touches and seven tackles, as Sam Fletcher provided a game high 14 tackles and gained 19 possessions. Defenders Kyle Reid and Connor Idun held the defensive fort throughout the day but couldn’t stop the Allies goal rush in the last quarter.

In the next championship fixtures the Allies will face Victoria Metro at Southport Oval on Saturday June 16.

Scouting Notes https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/2018/0 6/10/scouting-notes-allies-vs-vic-country/

16 James Peatling – Grabbed the ball on the wing and nullified a contest in the opening term by sliding across the boundary line. He took a good mark in space in the second term, but his set shot from 30m missed to the left. He handballed to a teammate early in the fourth quarter, pinpointing him through a couple of Vic Country opponents.

26 Thomas Green – Bottom-ager Green started well with a couple of nice front and centre snares at the stoppages, keeping his arms free above his head in order to dish the ball out. Despite his good clearance work, his output around the contest slowed a bit in the approach to half time and he was thrown forward to good effect in the third term. He managed to back a handy goal from a long-range set shot and put on some hard tackles to keep the ball locked in the Allies 50.

40 Kieren Briggs – Briggs played a key hand in bringing the Allies home with three last quarter goals. The highlight was easily his third goal – a smart dribbler from deep in the 50 with an opponent closing in. The versatile tall was able to find space well and looked dangerous one-out when forward. He spent most of the first half rucking, leaping well and most notably showing off his clean hands overhead in tough conditions. As an over-ager, Briggs certainly put his name down as one to watch further with his performance.

37 Jacob Koschitzke – Koschitzke was used in various roles throughout the day as part of a major rotation of the Allies big-men. Starting forward, the GWS Academy product also took up a good amount of the ruck duties forward of centre and did not look entirely out of place.

 

[Giant Strides]

U18 Division 1 Championships ladder after round 1 (noting the SA v WA game from round 3 was played early):

Allies team for round 2 has been named - Tom Green, Kieran Briggs & James Peatling keep their spots; ex-academy Jacob Koschitzke moves from KPF to KPD to allow Swans' Nick Blakey to join the team, and the highest-ranked GWS academy kid this year, Matt Walker, is added at half forward:



Will be an interesting game to see how the Allies can cope with the higher rated Metro team.

(Watch this link for a preview from AFL Draft Central, not up yet: https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/event/allies-vs-vic-metro/)

 

[Giant Strides]

U18 Championships Round 2 - Allies v Vic Metro

VIC METRO 3.4 5.5 6.5 7.10 (52)
ALLIES 3.1 3.10 6.11 6.14 (50)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Williams 4, Butters, Taylor, King
Allies: T.Green 2, McFadyen, Blakey, Walker, O'Neill

BEST
Vic Metro: Smith, West, Butters, Answerth, Khamis, Williams
Allies: Turner, Koschitzke, Scott, Coleman, Walker, Baker

A THRILLING goal to potential No.1 draft pick Ben King in the last 90 seconds has secured Vic Metro a two-point win over the Allies in round two of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships on Saturday.King, who w as well held by Jacob Koschitzke with the Allies key position player keeping him goalless until that point, marked 30m out from goal with just over a minute to go in the match at Southport. He went back and kicked the major to secure Metro's second win on the Championships after they beat Western Australia last Sunday.

However, King wasn't Metro's goal-kicking star this week after booting five against WA; this time, it was Dylan Williams who bobbed up as their major focal point. Williams kicked four goals from six marks, two on the lead, to be the difference between the sides in the low-scoring game affected by the challenging Southport breeze. But it was the midfield combination of Bailey Smith (26 disposals) and Rhylee West (28 – 14 contested) that stood out most, with the pair combining for seven clearances. Their half-backs – Buku Khamis and Isaac Quaynor – intercepted and ran well, while Zak Butters and Noah Answerth were also prolific.

For the Allies, Koschitzke – cousin of 200-game Saint Justin – was one of their best, while Tasmanian wingman Fraser Turner used the ball well on his way to 25 disposals and nine marks.
Queenslander Bailey Scott overcame a slow start to work his way into the game, where he won 19 disposals and four clearances, while Keidean Coleman – a small half-back flanker – impressed with his intercepting and run. Mathew Walker presented well as the Allies' link-up centre half-forward and took six marks (and also laid six tackles), while Tasmanian Nick Baker also impressed in defence. Tom Green, grandson of Richmond premiership player Mike Green, kicked two goals while Chayce Jones put in another solid game through the midfield where he laid a game-high eight tackles as Mitch O'Neill won four clearances along with 19 touches.

Metro held a three-point lead at quarter-time but should have held a bigger advantage before the Allies were affected by an increased breeze in the second that led to them kicking 0.9 for the term. An even third quarter followed where the Allies were able to claim a six-point lead, which they took into the final stanza. Then, King saved the best for last, scoring the final term's only goal to steal the match in the dying stages.
______
I watched some of the match via the stream - Allies certainly had their chances to win this game: their misses in the second and again in the fourth quarters cost them. Blakey & GWS' James Peatling both missed gettable shots from around 40m out in front a few minutes before fulltime. Matt Walker was OK, but didn't really stand out to me - will be keen to see his stats. His main highlight was a terrific grab in the goalsquare in a big pack. Tom Green didn't appear in the best this week but still kicked 2 goals going forward; so really good signs for next year. (Just waiting for the howls from Eddie & his coterie.)

I'll post the AFL draft central writeup when it appears.

 

[Giant Strides]

It took a while … and not a lot of focus on the Giants Academy players.

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/...o-point-win-over-allies-in-thrilling-contest/

VIC Metro has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying minutes to remain undefeated in the National AFL Under 18 Championships. Heading into the carnival as one of the favourites, Metro did not have it all their own way, forced to battle to a win against a gallant Allies side that would rue their inaccuracy in the second term. Metro led by three points at quarter time before the Allies took control of the game in general play, but could not put it on the scoreboard. While the visitors booted 2.1 from three scoring shots, the Allies booted 0.9 in what could have set the game up for them heading into the main break. Instead they found themselves down by seven points at the main break. They responded in the third term booting three of the quarter’s four goals to take a six-point lead with a quarter to play and looked like causing a boil-over. A low-scoring final term saw neither side kick a major until a pin-point pass from Metro captain Xavier O’Halloran found key position forward and potential number one pick Ben King inside 50. He nailed the set shot and put Metro in front – delivering them an all-important victory.

Despite nailing the last shot of the day, King was well held by Murray Bushrangers and Allies defender Jacob Koschitzke, restricting the talented big man to seven disposals and four marks. Koschitzke had nine disposals and two marks himself. The Allies would be disappointed with the loss, but also buoyed by their ability to match it with one of the title contenders for four quarters, and indeed, might have won with greater accuracy in the second term. Murray Bushrangers’ mid/forward Mathew Walker was named in the best in his first game in the series for the Allies, booting a goal and notching up 10 disposals, six marks and laying six tackles.

The Allies will lick their wounds and have a week off before the big week in Melbourne for their final two clashes against South Australia and Western Australia. Vic Metro face off against Vic Country at the MCG next Sunday in a standalone game for Round 3 of the National Under 18s Championships, before a bye and then concluding the series against South Australia at Etihad Stadium in which could well decide the National Under 18 Championships title.



And the ladder after round 2 (noting 1 games from Rd 3 WA v SA has been played early):

 

[fridgeman]

I think I saw Briggs Walker and underage Green are named for this weekends game and it will be interesting to see if any squad members are named for the NEAFL game with it being at spotless they may try and have a few in for a run
Edit: I forgot this guy as well who could be a possible pick up late in the draft or rookie to add to the developing half backs which I think is a need on the list this year along with another developing ruck. With the injuries and only really Cumming as a developing half back
Guy Richardson
Half-back
184cm/75kg
12/7/00
"Guy injured his shoulder in the Academy series last year and missed the rest of the season. He's a half-back from Canberra. He has very neat skills and good speed, and really likes to set up off the half-backline. He played NEAFL on the weekend and is progressing nicely."

 

[Giant Strides]

OK, so ladder after round 3 was completed last weekend:


Allies team for the next round - a crucial game against the title favourites SA:

 

[Orange Agent]

Not sure if Walker has had a growth spurt but hard to fathom why a kid 6 moths ago was 186cm is playing CHF. Still seems to be doing ok but.

 

[Giant Strides]

Allies vs South Australia

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1.1 4.6 10.10 13.12 (90)
ALLIES 3.6 6.7 7.8 9.12 (66)

Goals
South Australia: Rankine 3, Jarvis 2, Rozee, Chapman, Munn, Woodcock, Betterman, Frederick, Sampson, Lukosius
Allies: Blakey 2, Scott 2, Quint, McFayden, O'Neill, Budarick, Mansell

Best
South Australia: Valente, Hately, Betterman, Rankine, Lukosius, Frederick
Allies: Scott, McFayden, Blakey, Jones, O'Neill, Briggs



Scouting notes:

#26 Thomas Green
Green played in the midfield for the Allies . He looked fairly strong in the contest. An in and under player, he also took a nice intercept mark running off his opponent and reading the ball well in the air. Green ended up collecting 13 possessions. He was another Allies player that showed in congestion good use with his handballing.

#37 Jacob Koschitzke
The key back had a solid game against the South Australian team. After coming off a great match against Vic Metro. Koschitzke started well taking two really good marks. He really reads the ball well in flight, as a number of times he ran off his opponent to spoil contests. He showed courage in the game also with a back with a flight spoil which caught the eye.

#40 Kieren Briggs
The GWS Giants academy big man looked dangerous all day, alternating between the forward line and the ruck. When in the ruck, Briggs was able to impose himself around the ground and win the majority of the ruck contests. Up forward Briggs presented well whether as a stay at home forward or a linking target further up the ground. If he could not mark the ball in the contest, he was able to bring it down to ground level and provide the smaller forwards with opportunities. What sets Briggs apart from most other big men is his desire. He had a fantastic chase down in the third term and consistently provided defensive pressure and second efforts. Finishing with 22 hitouts, 12 disposals and seven tackles, Briggs was one of the Allies best.

#41 Mathew Walker
Walker played a solid game without doing anything special, finishing with 10 touches, two marks and two tackles. Spending most of his time as a half-forward, the GWS Academy product also rotated into the midfield but failed to make an impact. When Walker got the ball he was able to use it cleanly, while without the ball, he applied good defensive pressure.

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/2018/07/01/scouting-notes-allies-vs-south-australia/